Soft top

[Jimmyrinse]

The sides of my roof don't look like there meeting the seals correctly, however the roof doesnt look like it would stretch as it looks short on both sides (they sort of bow in towards the middle as the ends seem to be ok)





Does it look right?

[Dai1986]

Re: Soft top

The sides of my roof don't look like there meeting the seals correctly, however the roof doesnt look like it would stretch as it looks short on both sides (they sort of bow in towards the middle as the ends seem to be ok)





Does it look right?

Hi, mine does the same, the soft top does shrink over time and also contracts when its cold. Mine is worse than that and hasnt leaked, they do have secondry seal so aside from wind noise I wouldnt be to worried. In the summer it will get better, that is what I have noticed on mine. I hope this helps.

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Soft top

Its put my mind at rest a little, it will still annoy me though and i will notice it every time i use the car!

I wonder if you could keep pressure on both sides for a while if it would stretch back? Although would probably shrink again over time.

Is this a common thing with soft tops as this is my first? You would have thought they would use a material that either didn't shrink or pre shrink it before use to prevent this....

[137699]

Re: Soft top

Soft top shrinkage is getting to be a more & more common problem on the roadster. As yet nobody has come up with a solution except replacement of the roof.

[Dai1986]

Re: Soft top

Its put my mind at rest a little, it will still annoy me though and i will notice it every time i use the car!

I wonder if you could keep pressure on both sides for a while if it would stretch back? Although would probably shrink again over time.

Is this a common thing with soft tops as this is my first? You would have thought they would use a material that either didn't shrink or pre shrink it before use to prevent this....

It is quite common, aside from a new soft top I dont think theres a lot you can do. IIRC iread a thread on a company that repairs soft tops that can stretch them back, I am sure it was on here somewhere, but I cant find it in the search. I have been meaning to make ajig to do mine, but just havent got round to it, withmy recent issues with Smart I have had bigger fish to fry!

[Rodzter]

Re: Soft top

We MUST find that thread!
Just done a google on soft top stretchers, haven't found anything spot on as yet. Apparently sun &/or heat will allow it to stretch a little (cold/wet can do the opposite).

[sneakinhysteria]

Re: Soft top

Got the same. I think the shrinking is also one of the main causes of the lateral bars detaching (easily fixed with very strong double sided tape, 12mm wide, so it won't protrude). Yep, I miss the TR.n "What have you done to your car today" thread as I just refitted my repaired roof.

I'd also be very keen to know more about the top stretchers.

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Soft top

I am tempted to plastidip my roof ive read about it being done with good results and no cracking.....not sure im brave enough though

[Nik_nak]

Re: Soft top

I need to pluck up the courage to remove my soft top as I have a broken side runner, but as I have my hard top installed I may wait till it drys slightly.

[Rodzter]

Re: Soft top

I would of though covering in plastidip may not give you the result you want (will it fold ok with this, or are you going to use it as a Temp Hardtop)? Unless it fills in any gaps, shouldn't make the roof material itself any more water proof. As I think it's the seals & drains which cause related water ingress.

[mac999]

Re: Soft top

My thinking is that the roof will stiffen up and be really hard to fold,putting additional stress on the roof motor

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Soft top

I think the first couple of coats soak into the material then it builds up a bit, apparently it folds ok without cracking etc so sounds like a good option, just need the courage to do it!

[sneakinhysteria]

Re: Soft top

Can't see how it addresses the shrinking. It may prevent it partly but it won't reverse it.


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[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Soft top

It wasnt to address the shrinking, it was just something i was considering to freshen the top up as its a bit faded and fancy making it glossy

[Nik_nak]

Re: Soft top

If you want gloss, get a hard top.