New Owner!

[Big_Al]

Here is the problem, the gap over the windscreen.

There is tension in the struts and the roof is taught.
I've tried tipping the windscreen forward or back but it doesn't help.
I may be being thick but design of the catch surely means you will have a gap?

IMG_1071 by Alan Pearson, on Flickr

[Big_Al]

Just a thought - do you have to have the side panels on to pull the roof down on to the windscreen?

[lowebird]

Alan, Another thought I had is that as your car doesn't seem to have been used much, it may pay you to leave it with the hood up over the winter as the material does have a tendency to shrink a tiny bit thereby causing a few problems. It's the same on my Morgan.

[Big_Al]

Thanks Reg, worth a try.
But DO you need the side panels on to make it work??

[lowebird]

Al, by the side panels, I assume you mean the side curtains? If so, the answer is no, they aren't under any real tension. I have looked at your picture and that really is a large gap which would seem to be completely wrong.
Think your best bet ( unless Neil of Roy come back with some ideas ) is to speak to Mike at Suffolk ( 01728 745055 ) he may be able to help.
Good luck.

[NATONEIL]

Al
The top of the screen has to fit in the channel in the bow. The press studs and side curtain material fits over and outside the top hood brace. Once the screen is completely in the bow you can then push the attachment clips fully up. You might find that, like mine the screen is not exactly parallel to the bow. I always unscrew the side wheels which gives the screen a little more flexibility. A little water /rain also helps the top of the screen to fit in the bow. The build instructions suggest you build a screen template to get the screen in the best place. I did that and somehow got my screen on slightly twisted. I now realised I should have used the roof and front bow as the template for the screen and will one day take the screen off and refit it. I will post a photo of my screen and roof in due course.

[Big_Al]

Thanks Neil!

I did email Mike at Suffolk and he came straight back with this:

IMG_1074 by Alan Pearson, on Flickr

IMG_1075 by Alan Pearson, on Flickr

[Big_Al]

So - after a couple of failed attempts I realised that the 1st and 2nd picture are the key.
You need to make sure the main hood support and and tension bar are vertical as in pic 1.
In pic 2 you need to make sure that you "flatten out" the hinged bars that become the side rails.
The windscreen being adjustable does help.
My hood is as new and the hinged bars are stiff - once I coaxed them flat the hood sits down on the windscreen once you push the tensioning bar back to the seam. Phew!

As suggested I'll leave it that way over the Winter and let it stretch a bit.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[NATONEIL]

The thing is by the time you realise that it is getting too wet to continue without the roof up, is exactly 3 minutes after the last time to get the roof up without getting soaked.
We tend to drive roof up side curtains off in the winter and in light rain. If you are considering a long run which might be wet, it is worthwhile running a bead of clear glazing silicone along the windscreen fold otherwise wind can blow water between the upper and lower parts of the windscreen. It is refreshing in the summer but less so in the winter. It is easy to peel off if you are going to display your car with the screen down.

[NATONEIL]

Al, one other thing, if you drive the car and the roof gets wet leave it up until it has dried. If you have been in a shower by all means drop it when the rain has passed but when you get home put the roof up again to ensure it is dry to avoid shrinkage and mold.

[lowebird]

There you go Al, confirmation of the items from the works and from Neil who built his car. Hope it all comes together and do remember the bit about leaving the hood up, it's quite important.
Regards,
Reg

[Big_Al]

All noted - thanks chaps!

[Big_Al]

Everything is now sorted on the hood front, thanks for all the tips.

We treated the car to a spotlight - we love it!
IMG_1120 by Alan Pearson, on Flickr