Targa roof blew out on M40

[flyingjase]

I was driving down the M40 this morning, roof up, when all of a sudden the roof panel blew out. Bit of a shock!!

Luckily it didn't hit any other cars and landed in the hard shoulder. Managed to recover it, but it's a bit bruised!

Any ideas why this may have happened? And more to the point, how much is it going to cost me to get another one?

Does anyone know how much it costs to replace the folding bit of the roof as well?

Cheers

Jason

[kenny chim 4]

Bad luck... but are you absolutely, positively sure that you locked the nearside roof strut after your last open top trip?

I know I've forgotten to a couple of times.

Anyway, check the PH classifieds as someone was selling a Chimaera Targa panel and rear section a couple of days ago. Might still be for sale

[paul (93 chim)]

Did you have the stays locked in place, if so there must be something not right, windscreen moved? stay bolts loose?
I've seen a thread on PH somewhere, members having there rear section reconditioned for about £300 - £400
Try:- Don Hoods 01213731313 or 01202417000
or www.prestigecarhoods.com

Paul.

[David H]

I have read on here somewhere that the stays can wear, reducing their over centring effect and then they pop over centre over a bump and the roof comes off.

Try a search on here

I'm glad to hear you did no 3rd party damage, at least it saves a lot of hassle for you

Dave


>> Edited by David H on Thursday 13th October 23:03

[M@H]

The stays are "adjusted" off the rear "wall" of the parcel shelf with washers, my car has three per side behind the bottom of the stay. If you want to tighten them up a bit ever, just undo the nut and add another washer onto the captive bolt behind the stay.

Cheers,
Matt.

[flyingjase]

Maybe I didn't lock the nearside strut properley - it was loose after the panel blew out, but I just thought that it was the force of the panel blowing out that had opened it.

[Cavey]

IIRC it was James Agger who had a roof panel in the parts section of classifieds - few weeks ago though.

[The Surveyor]

I'm sure one of the TVR breakers would be able to sort one out for you. Try Douglas Valley or Bell Hill Garage (they advertise in TVRCC Sprint), they may even have one in blue to save you having to get a full re-trim.

I've heard of these letting go before, but only on V-max type high speed runs. Were you 'making progress' when this one lifted?

[flyingjase]

Let's just say that there weren't many cars in front!

[chassis 33]

I'm planning on selling the roof sections (hood and targa) from the Chim racer shortly. The rear window needs re-stitching as it got ripped open along the lower seam when the rear of the car hit a lamp post and twisted the body. If it sound of any use mail me and I'll send info.
Sorry Ted/mods for pedalling goods in the forums

Regards
Iain