Just fitted softtop, can't latch it on[Solved]

by **sifpilsen** » Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:19 +0000

So, as the topic tells, it's fitted Robbins softtop, all well until last thing on the list, latch the new top an leave it for 2 weeks. It is missing 1-2 inches to latch on. Is it all just force required, or is there better ways of doing it?

by **Steve** » Mon, 18 Feb 2013 1:18 +0000

did you loosen the latch all the way out? If you look at the bit of the latch that grabs onto the windscreen header you'll see a plastic cover which flips out.
Then unwind the piece inside this (see pic) to loosen the latch.

by **sifpilsen** » Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:39 +0000

Thanks for the tip. Already loosened as far as it could go.

by **MX5Spares** » Mon, 18 Feb 2013 6:02 +0000

Seems to be common problem 'this is why most people rather buy used roof intact with frame.You might need to loosen the 6 x 12mm bolts ( 3 on each pillar) and do not retighten till roof locks are closed .This might give you a bit of extrs movement on the frame which might help.

by **sifpilsen** » Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:24 +0000

Turned out all that was needed was more manpower. Local gaming(card- and wargaming) night in UCC was my rescue, only took me and 6 other guys. Surely it could have been ok with less, but me and 3 others was not enough. Possibly because they are not car guys

It now fits snug as nothing else and wil remain latched on for the next couple of weeks.

by **MX5Spares** » Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:27 +0000

What I have found over the years fitting soft tops is to leave the 6 ( 3 each side) side pillar bolts loose until the roof locks to the header clamps over the windscreen and then tighten the 6 bolts.It gives the whole frame a little more slack.It might not be a bad idea to do this now as it seems your soft top is extra short ??It might tear ??

by **paulc** » Tue, 19 Mar 2013 2:54 +0000

Just your luck that Sunday will be fine and you won't be able to put the top down!

by **sifpilsen** » Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:26 +0000

Autocheck: It isn't short, just a tight fit. As it is vinyl it will ease up over time. The 6 bolts did not give any forward play on my car.

I will probably try to open the top on Sunday on the run, if it is still hard I will have the help needed to latch on again

by **MX5Spares** » Wed, 20 Mar 2013 8:38 +0000

Will you be able to bring 6 people with you in case it rains. Paddy Power is giving 5 to 1 for rain........

by **rhysmate** » Wed, 20 Mar 2013 9:30 +0000

sifpilsen wrote:Autocheck: It isn't short, just a tight fit. As it is vinyl it will ease up over time. The 6 bolts did not give any forward play on my car.

I will probably try to open the top on Sunday on the run, if it is still hard I will have the help needed to latch on again

One of the s2000 lads hads the same problem. you're right though it'll ease up after a while.. I'll be there on Sunday anyway

by **sifpilsen** » Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:21 +0000

On a car meet I hope more than 6 people will show up, indeed

Won't be driving for long with the top down if I have problems putting it up myself.