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Raising The Roof

Posted: 15 May 2008 21:08
by sterthian
Having just bought my first TR7, i am thoroughly enjoying myself, apart from one major problem.

Sometimes, the soft top will go straight up, but most of the time when raisede there is a 2 inch gap between the header rail and windscreen mounts.

If anyone has any clues or advice, all help appreciated.

Many thanks in advance

Regards from Ian in Cornwall.

Posted: 16 May 2008 00:42
by jclay (RIP 2018)
Reach in under the head, grab the back cross bar and pull it forward.

Or reach in by the side light and pull the two bars going up, forward.

Also, learn this: [url="http://www.triumphtr7.com/documents/articles/tips/foldroof.asp"]How to fold your head[/url]

Posted: 16 May 2008 07:54
by sterthian
jclay, Thanks mate, i've already memorised the "Stowing the soft top article", i am on my way outside to try and raise the roof before it starts raining, thanks again. [:)] [:)] [:)]

Posted: 16 May 2008 08:30
by sterthian
I'm not sure which is wetter, me or the inside of the car.

No luck, on pulling the two rails forward, the hood and frame move forward, and spring straight back to 2 inches between the mounting bracket on top of the windscreen.

Its almost as if the soft top has shrunk.

It is doing my head in as i never had any problems with my mk 111 Spitfire...........[:0] [:0]

Anybody else got any ideas, i live alone in the country, so i don't have anyone to help by giving the frame a push........[:(]

Thanks in advance again.

Regards from Ian in Cornwall.

Posted: 16 May 2008 10:10
by Ianftr8
Hi Ian,

I sometimes have the same problem when getting the hood into the correct position. I have noted over the years that because I have a roll bar fitted that sometimes the hood frame catches on that - other times the black plastic cover mouldings on the frame sides,over the door get caught up so I have to check that these are ok. when you put the hood down are you releasing the velcro strip that holds the centre of the hood?

If you want to see lots of wedges with the tops up or down how about popping up to Prescott this weekend.

Cheers
Ian Freeman

Ian Freeman
1979 TR8 DHC California car that never crossed the pond
1962 Triumph Courier

Posted: 16 May 2008 10:10
by TR Tony
That's a weird problem, Ian. Does the hood come far enough forward & you are just having a problem getting the header rail down onto the windscreen frame to secure it, or is the header rail 2" short of the windscreen when you try to pull it forward?

If the hood has been mounted very tight on the frame that can give problems in pulling it far emough forward, but it's unusual to be 2" short! What is the hood material?

It does sound like the frame is not always moving into the correct position (especially if you say that sometimes it works OK). Can you see any signs of damage to the frame? You could try loosening the two bolts each side that hold the frame to the car, just behind each seat, & see if that gives any movement to get the hood closed, then tighten the bolts again.

The rear of the hood is secured by a rail inside the back lip of the hood material, with 7 small studs that pass through the front lip of the rear deck, & are secured by nuts. There isn't really any adjustment there. There should be two webbing strips running front to back under the hood but above the frame to tension it, have you got any adjustment there?

Tony
Image
<font size="1">1981 2L FHC Cavalry Blue - very original & not rusty!
1980 3.5L V8 DHC Regency Red - on the road again.</font id="size1">

Posted: 16 May 2008 15:33
by samco
Hi Ian

There aren't many of us in Cornwall so we should meet to compare notes. I am in Newquay and am a member of the TR Register as the Drivers club has little or no members down here so ther are no regular meetings. We have a regular meet the last Tuesday of the month and if you want details call me on 07813 939941

If it doesn't fit you obviously need a bigger hammer.

www.metronewquay.co.uk www.wheelintheheel.co.uk

Check out my album

http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/samco_bucket/

My youtube progress http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMDqLU1N7Y



1980 Californian import converted to right hand drive V8. Under construction.
ImageImageImage

Posted: 16 May 2008 17:34
by sterthian
Author Topic
sterthian
Wedgling



United Kingdom
3 Posts
Posted - 15 May 2008 : 22:08:25
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Having just bought my first TR7, i am thoroughly enjoying myself, apart from one major problem.

Sometimes, the soft top will go straight up, but most of the time when raisede there is a 2 inch gap between the header rail and windscreen mounts.

If anyone has any clues or advice, all help appreciated.

Many thanks in advance

Regards from Ian in Cornwall.

jclay
Wedgista



USA
2947 Posts

My Photos
Posted - 16 May 2008 : 01:42:10
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Reach in under the head, grab the back cross bar and pull it forward.

Or reach in by the side light and pull the two bars going up, forward.

Also, learn this: How to fold your head

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edited by - jclay on 16 May 2008 01:42:57


sterthian
Wedgling



United Kingdom
3 Posts
Posted - 16 May 2008 : 08:54:52
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

jclay, Thanks mate, i've already memorised the "Stowing the soft top article", i am on my way outside to try and raise the roof before it starts raining, thanks again.


sterthian
Wedgling



United Kingdom
3 Posts
Posted - 16 May 2008 : 09:30:22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm not sure which is wetter, me or the inside of the car.

No luck, on pulling the two rails forward, the hood and frame move forward, and spring straight back to 2 inches between the mounting bracket on top of the windscreen.

Its almost as if the soft top has shrunk.

It is doing my head in as i never had any problems with my mk 111 Spitfire...........

Anybody else got any ideas, i live alone in the country, so i don't have anyone to help by giving the frame a push........

Thanks in advance again.

Regards from Ian in Cornwall.


Ianftr8
Wedgling



United Kingdom
40 Posts

My Photos
Posted - 16 May 2008 : 11:10:13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Ian,

I sometimes have the same problem when getting the hood into the correct position. I have noted over the years that because I have a roll bar fitted that sometimes the hood frame catches on that - other times the black plastic cover mouldings on the frame sides,over the door get caught up so I have to check that these are ok. when you put the hood down are you releasing the velcro strip that holds the centre of the hood?

If you want to see lots of wedges with the tops up or down how about popping up to Prescott this weekend.

Cheers
Ian Freeman

Ian Freeman
1979 TR8 DHC California car that never crossed the pond
1962 Triumph Courier

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Edited by - Ianftr8 on 16 May 2008 15:46:03


TR Tony

When the hood is raised, instead of the two header rail handle lugs dropping into (or near) the slots above the windscreen, the front edge of the hood is just under 2" from the mounting lugs, and no way will the hood move that far.

The hood is an old vinyl one, which i intend to repace with a single window double duck, as soon as i can source one, and the bank manager allows it.

Apart from the hood problem, i am more than happy with the car.

The only other job i have to do is enlarge the slot for the stereo, as mine is fouling on the upper edge on a large rivet head. Not the end of the world, or a major job, but i have to get the hood sorted pdq, as we are forecast major rain over the weekend.

Thanks for helping a newbie, Ian in St.Erth Cornwall.

Posted: 16 May 2008 17:39
by sterthian
When the hood is raised, instead of the two header rail handle lugs dropping into (or near) the slots above the windscreen, the front edge of the hood is just under 2" from the mounting lugs, and no way will the hood move that far.

The hood is an old vinyl one, which i intend to repace with a single window double duck, as soon as i can source one, and the bank manager allows it.

Apart from the hood problem, i am more than happy with the car.

The only other job i have to do is enlarge the slot for the stereo, as mine is fouling on the upper edge on a large rivet head. Not the end of the world, or a major job, but i have to get the hood sorted pdq, as we are forecast major rain over the weekend.

Thanks for helping a newbie, Ian in St.Erth Cornwall.

Posted: 17 May 2008 08:57
by sterthian
The soft top is up. The only way i could do it was to sit on it.

Somehow i don't think that is how it was originally designed, but it will do for now as summer seems to be over.

Thanks to all who helped, (any other ideas/suggestions appreciated)

Ian in St.Erth Cornwall

Posted: 17 May 2008 10:18
by jclay (RIP 2018)
Sitting works. My grandmother did that to me once! That was all it took!

Posted: 19 May 2008 16:38
by sterthian
Fortunately for the windscreen, i am a lightweight, (just under 10 stone), but i would feel a right idiot sitting on my roof to get it down with a babe alongside........[:D]

Posted: 19 May 2008 23:21
by Hasbeen
What might be fun would be to get the babe to sit on it.

Hasbeen

Posted: 20 May 2008 16:11
by busheytrader
Ian,

How old do you reckon your vinyl hood is?

When my 7 was about 8 years old and still wearing the original hood, I always raised the soft top before warm day turned into cool night.

The vinyl always managed to shrink back enough to make a fight of it. It kept the neigbours amused.

Fast forward to the present day and our MX5 manual hood takes seconds and I don't even step out of the car. (Long arms)

Cheers,


Adam

TR7 V8 DHC Jaguar Solent Blue. 9.35cr Range Rover V8, Holley 390cfm, JWR Dual Port, 214 Cam, Lumention, Tubular Manifolds, Single Pipe Exh, 3.08 Rear, 200lb Spax & Solid Bushes, Anti- Dive, Granada Vented Discs & Calipers, Green Stuff, 4 Speed Rear Cylinders, Uprated Master Cylinder & Servo, AllyCat 5 Spokes. No Door Stickers.

Posted: 23 May 2008 17:59
by sterthian
Good point mate, as i am about to replace the (aging) hood, that might solve the problem.[:)]