MX5Ireland

Hey guys,

the soft top on mine has two small splits (no more than an inch). One of my trucker mates suggested canvas patches that they use to repair curtains on 40 ft Trucks. Would this be the best option or is there a better one any one knows of before I do it?

cheers
Jim

Where are the tears

They are on the side of the roof, (one each side) about mid door area.

Anyone got help for me on this?

Neo wrote:Anyone got help for me on this?

if the tears are on the fold lines you can patch them for a while but as soon as you drop the top they will open up again

new hoods are reasonably cheap these days

Thanks Charged. What does reasonably cheap come in at?

I think Robert (autocheck) has them.. last time they were 250 ish but im open to correction

rhysmate wrote:I think Robert (autocheck) has them.. last time they were 250 ish but im open to correction

Ok cheers Rhys, that's not too bad. On a list of things to get done though unfortunately so it'll have to wait a little while, will concentrate on getting NCT and all that first. Anyone know if tears in the roof will be taken into account on the NCT?

We have some soft tops available,good condition and 1 in medium condition but cheaper obviously

Neo wrote:Thanks Charged. What does reasonably cheap come in at?

well they start at £125 an d go upto £350 , fitting is £100

2nd hand ones arent worth the trouble usually due to the prices of new ones.

We have complete roofs including frame 'some with glass rear window (different frame from roofvwith plastic rear window) so much better job.Even qualified auto upholsterers don't like fitting fabric only and they charge 200e labour also plus the cost of the actual fabric
N

How big a job is it to fit it yourself?

Neo wrote:How big a job is it to fit it yourself?

if its the first time you have ever done one , allow a full 12hr day from 9 - 9 and that includes breaks and tea etc and time for general faffing about
i have it down to approx 2 hours now

its not a very hard job to do but if you are patient and methodical in your approach and label everything up and lay it out so that it is all put back properly then you should be fine
if you do not have patience/methodical approach then its easy to balls it all up and make a dogs dinner out of it and it will probably look naff and have more wrinkles than an old person

all the hoods i supply come with instructions

you need a drill and 3mm drill bit
silicon sealant and duct tape ( to repair rain rail if needed)
philips screwdriver
rivet gun
10mm socket
understanding of how to adjust the 2 front softtop catches properly

i find it easiest to remove the whole frame - move it to cut the old hood off with a sharp knife then remove frame and move it to a large clean table and fit new hood over the frame then refit complete back onto the car
job done
you will also need help to close the roof for the first time as it will be super hard to close until the new hood stretches a little

Save yourself all that work/worry etc and buy good used roof complete withframe.......

Save yourself all that work/worry etc and buy good used roof complete withframe.......