Chimaera roof 'blow off'

[ToneR1]

I decided to take the Chimaera out for a run the other night. Unfortunately the roof decided to blow off on a dual carriageway, and proceed to smash itself up on the road. I had 1 window open and thought it might be a pressure build-up in the cabin? Anyone had this trouble and more importantly how can I stop it happening to my new roof? tired of wearing my umbrella hat when I'm driving now!

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I'm guessing somehow the panel had not been put in correctly? It's a (relatively) regular thing for Tuscans, but relatively rare for Chimaeras.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

TVR Moneypit said:

I've seen it happen at close hand before to a Griff.

....yep, them Griff boys do like to drive with the lids on

[ToneR1]

That's what I thought at first but it's been on for a month! it's only that my driver window packed up (welcome to tvr) i had the passenger one fully open. I'll gaffer tape the new roof on I think!!!! cheers for reply tho... speaking of which - do you know where I could get one?

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Quinny said:

Its just a piss poor fitting roof in my case. (hopefully going to get it sorted soon)

The roof panel can move forwards and backward on my car,

I guess that's what I mean about not fitting properly. They should be as tight as a duck's arris.

[Chimjunkie]

Sounds as though the rear struts are not properly adjusted. They should take a fair push to close. If not they are not clamping the roof panel tight enough.

[Barkychoc]

Could it also be if the hood has been replaced and fitted too tight - so even if the struts are under a lot of tension the roll over hoop still isn't far forward enough to effectively hold the roof panels?

[Chimjunkie]

Barkychoc said:

Could it also be if the hood has been replaced and fitted too tight - so even if the struts are under a lot of tension the roll over hoop still isn't far forward enough to effectively hold the roof panels?

True. Fooked rubber seals may be a cause of slackness.

[kenny Chim 4]

Some time ago on here another driver reported the same thing. I suggested that perhaps he had failed to lock the nearside strut after his last roof-off drive. He confirmed that strut being loose after the roof escaped.

Owners tend to replace the roof from the off side and click that strut in place- forgetting about the other one.

In the time I owned my last car, I would hand the keys to my passenger (after popping the boot) and then replace the roof. If alone, I'd throw the keys onto the passenger seat. This guaranteed two things 1) I could not lock the keys in the boot. 2) It reminded me to lock the nearside roof strut as I went to that side of the car to retreive the keys.

[Barreti]

TVR Moneypit said:

I've seen it happen at close hand before to a Griff.

Frazer

ToneR1, did you collect the bits of your old roof? I wouldn't mind a damaged one to play with if you have it.

[f@-pots]

Having a slack rubber can cause all sorts of unrelated problems !

[Don]

As above posts - ensure tightness of fit. That and don't drive with the windows open at speed. Much above 40mph and I wouldn't consider it...

I once saw the rear window of a Cerbera blown out because the owner opened a window - at well above 150mph! (Bruntingthorpe)

[That Daddy]

f@-pots said:

Having a slack rubber can cause all sorts of unrelated problems !

[900T-R]

Don said:

As above posts - ensure tightness of fit. That and don't drive with the windows open at speed. Much above 40mph and I wouldn't consider it...

Never had any problem with that. I tend to put the roof on only after it's started to rain heavily and the interior is getting a bit wetter than I deem responsible - after that, the blower needs all the help it can get for the first ten minutes or so...

[350Matt]

Its a positive pressure build up inside the car as the faster you go the lower the local air pressure over the panels is plus more air is forced into the cabin through the vents.

Those vents holes in the boot wall facing the diff should help with this, so check if your car has them.

Matt

[900T-R]

350Matt said:

Those vents holes in the boot wall facing the diff should help with this, so check if your car has them.

Interested to hear whether the OP's car has (aftermarket installed) rear speakers.

[spend]

We could be heading into nose down vs @rse up territory here

[GreenV8S]

I don't think it is caused by positive pressure inside the cabin. The leading edge of the roof is one of the lowest pressure areas on the whole car. The area immediately behind the A pillars is also very low pressure. On mine I can actually see the frameless windows bending out under suction at very high speed. Dropping either window a quarter of an inch connects the inside of the cabin to this low pressure zone and stops the windows bowing out.

[stackmonkey]

kenny Chim 4 said:

Some time ago on here another driver reported the same thing. I suggested that perhaps he had failed to lock the nearside strut after his last roof-off drive. He confirmed that strut being loose after the roof escaped.

[ToneR1]

Yeah mine's got those vents behind the seats. Checked out Bell Hill for a roof but no joy. anyone got any suggestions where I could get a 2nd hand one?