Fitting the hard top

[Val. h]

Is there a knack or sequence to fitting the Hard Top?

I've just taken ownership of a Mk1. Fitting the hard top was not fully successful, in that the fixing behind one one the front seats will not lock in. all the other fixing points have locked in without being forced.
should I be getting quite firm in the handling (pushing and pulling) of the roof. Or are they a bit delicate?

Looking forward to getting to know the car.


Val.

[stagwingnut]

When fitting mine on , make sure all handles are in unlocked position, sit the roof on the car , I then lock down one handle at stump just half turn each to semi lock it , then go around each one to fully locked down , regards Graham

[malc4d]

I have the same problem with mine after renovating the interior of it. Someone said that l should ckeck the two adjusting bolt at the rear most left and right corners.

[Paul Kelley]

Welcome to Stag ownership and the SOC forum Val. Make sure that your fourth lever is providing the same amount of grip space as the others and adjust as necessary. Then, follow procedure as per Graham's post above. The roof is not especially delicate, I have to put quite a bit of weight on mine to get the back two levers to grip, but I do this as close to the edge as possible where it is strongest. Alignment may be affected if the wings have been replaced and the roof might have twisted slightly depending on how it's been stored.

[Val. h]

Thanks Guys. By loosening all the other fixing points and a little wriggling and pushing down. We managed to get it to lock in.

[stag8manod]

After fitting a new set of seals mine wouldn't lockdown so I wrapped a large ratchet strap completely around the car and gently winched the hardtop down to compress the new seals enough for the catches to engage.
Cheers Ian A

[SaphireSpud]

Val, am I missing something here? This is the time of year to be taking your hardtop off, not putting it on! Unless you are in the southern hemisphere, of course! Glad to hear that you have succeeded. Regards, John, from South Wales where it is almost always raining!

[Val. h]

Val, am I missing something here? This is the time of year to be taking your hardtop off, not putting it on! Unless you are in the southern hemisphere, of course! Glad to hear that you have succeeded. Regards, John, from South Wales where it is almost always raining!

HaHa! I just bought the car. Hard top had to be fitted to bring it home, but it wouldn't lock down. Hence the post. We did get it to lock, but suspect it might be a little out of shape. I'll take it off for the summer, this weekend. The wife hasn't seen the lovely red soft top yet.

As it happens; I had an MGTF for which I bought the HD. Great for going through the car wash, but I couldn't open the roof on nice spring days. Took it off and sold it. It let more water in than the soft top too.


Val.

[SaphireSpud]

I too had to fit the hardtop to bring it home! Usually put it on at the end of September and take it off at the end of April. Plus or minus. Great to have it though, transforms the car. Enjoy. Regards, John.