Mk1 Roof Technique...does yours fit in the boot?

[da_murphster]

Glorious w/e of sun so decided to go topless.

I really struggle to get the roof into the boot though - I normally end up having to force the edge through the boot rubber and its already damaging the rubber.

Anyone got a decent technique?

Its frustrating me as it’s making me think “can I be bothered with the hassle” when it comes to taking the roof off.

Also my rear screen seems to be only just big enough to seal – can be a 10 min job to get it to line up correctly and prevent whistling and gaps.

Is this normal? Are new screen much better? What do they cost and where from?

[custardkid]

roof,

hold each side with the front edge towards you. slide rear edge as far up as possible, give a twist and wiggle and the two corners should just drop past the boot seal. then locate v cut out on pin.

it may be worth checking the carpet isn't preventing the roof from sliding under the "parcel shelf" correctly.


later screen are wider and stepped by the catches

custard

[da_murphster]

How much clearance do you have when the roof "drops in" - more than teh minus 3mm I have?

Will double check carpets etc.

DO the new windows make a significant difference?

[custardkid]

the roof is tight, when pushed fully home it only just clears (less than 5mm)

dunno about the window, i guess they are just less likely to diappear when driving along.

custard

[b2tus]

What Custardkid said. I took the locating pin out when I first got the car (dealer suggested it) as could't see any use for it other than scratching roof if you got it wrong.

I do tend to "insert" the roof with the back (furthest away) pointing at a downward angle until it meets the ledge and then ease it slightly up and move it slightly side to side. It then slides up into the correct position and the front of the roof( nearest to you) then sits correctly on the small plinth (where the pin is located).

It then is a snug fit....so snug that I would advise you to take the warning triangle off the velcro on the boot lid....they have been known to work loose and scratch the top of the roof panel.

3 years on and no problems for me. Hope it works out for you.

[custardkid]

b2tus said:

warning triangle off the velcro on the boot lid....they have been known to work loose and scratch the top of the roof panel.

made a cotton bag for the roof pannel to prevent scratches whilst stowed...

[FLAT 6]

Yep - back end in followed by wriggling back edge up over the fuel tank - the further you get the rear edge of the roof back over the fuel tank then the more room there is to get the front edge in. There is a reason why they put those flimsy edges on the roof methinks!