Hard top frozen solid

[Hantsdave]

Hi everyone,

I've just joined the 'Club' having bought a Stag - only wanted one since 1974. I've got a 73 MKll which is in good nick body and interior wise with a knackered Rover engine in it. I want to put an original Stag lump in it so I bought a rust heap T reg with good original engine and box.

The problem I have is that as the donor car has sat around for the last 6 years in the open the hard top fittings have rusted solid. The catch at the rear undoes ok and the front screen levers now turn but the central levers are solid. They've had penetrating oil on for 7 days now to no effect. I am loathe to force them in case they sheer off.

Dos anyone have any ideas how I can get the roof off? I don't mind knackering it as it's only good for the glass and chrome trim.

I wil also need some advice later when I come to revert to an original Stag engine/box.

Many thanks

Dave.

[TimShoubridge]

imported post

Hi Dave and welcome.

I'm no expert, but I believe the side catches are an area generally where the hardtop rusted.If it is the donor vehicle and you do not need the hard top, is it possible to somehow cut away the area where the catches rest? Can you undo the 3 screws that hold each catch together and in place? If so, a good bolster chisel should do the rest.

Tim

[redstag]

imported post

Hi Dave

Don't use too much force on the levers, they will snap. From experience the scars take ages to heal.

If you undo the single screw and remove the lever you can get some grips on the square boss. As Tim said it is best if you remove the chrome plate but the two screws are likely to be seized solid as well so you will need to drill them out or chisel it off if you don't care about the damage. Once that plate is off you can get the penetrating oil where it needs to be and should eventually be able to free the locking bolt

Pete

[Hantsdave]

imported post

Thanks Tim and Pete,

I will try as you have suggested. Here goes.........

Dave.

[Hantsdave]

imported post

Well...I managed to get the hard top off!!!!

One of the B post levers snapped but the housing was so rusted it fell apart and the other side undid as it should.

Having freed all the fittings the roof would not budge.I forced the front edge open and discovered that a previous owner had fixed the front edge of the roof to the windscreen top with some form of mastic.

It was worth the effort as the soft top frame turned out to be in better nick than the one I planned to keep.

Thanks again for your help.

Dave.