Exige roof removal and replacemnt.
Discussion
Yippee i now have a garage.
Being a bit girlie, i quite fancy the idea of an exige that can be convertible for 3 seasons and was wondering how long does it take to put the roof panel on and take off? How does that compare to that rather iffy cloth job on an elise?
Ta in advance, Ben
PS if this topic has been covered elsewhere apologies, couldnt be bothered to look through 100 sides.
Being a bit girlie, i quite fancy the idea of an exige that can be convertible for 3 seasons and was wondering how long does it take to put the roof panel on and take off? How does that compare to that rather iffy cloth job on an elise?
Ta in advance, Ben
PS if this topic has been covered elsewhere apologies, couldnt be bothered to look through 100 sides.
Edited by bencollins on Tuesday 20th November 21:40
The standard n\a S2 Exige's roof is exactly the same fitting as the S2 Elise's hardtop. It's easy to remove, just a few bolts at the back and three on the front panel that hooks to the windscreen. Replacing is fairly straightforward but takes a little bit longer to get everything lined up properly. The "hooks" at the back are just pressed metal and easily bent if care isn't taken. Also be careful not to overtighten the bolts as it can cause squeaking noises when on the road. On my Exige the front right bolt kept undoing itself and had to be secured with a bit of nutlock. While it's quick to take off and pretty quick to put back on it's not as quick as the soft top, minutes compared to seconds, but then it isn't designed to be taken on and off frequently.
Once fitted the softop can be removed in moments, you don't even have to get out of the seat to do it, and can be stowed in the car. If you go for a soft top conversion you'll need to have a couple of holes dremelled (in the roll bar cover iirc), a pair of rubber grommets, the soft top itself and the roof bars. The roofs aren't cheap but you might find a second hand one, if so be sure that the two bars are included with it.
The hive-mind says that removing the roof has no effect on handling. Try it, drive it on roads you know well, and make your own call. I did and found mine less planted in fast corners and much less settled (felt like the dampers were on their way out) on the crap road surfaces we have in Kent so it went back on the same day never to come off again.
Once fitted the softop can be removed in moments, you don't even have to get out of the seat to do it, and can be stowed in the car. If you go for a soft top conversion you'll need to have a couple of holes dremelled (in the roll bar cover iirc), a pair of rubber grommets, the soft top itself and the roof bars. The roofs aren't cheap but you might find a second hand one, if so be sure that the two bars are included with it.
The hive-mind says that removing the roof has no effect on handling. Try it, drive it on roads you know well, and make your own call. I did and found mine less planted in fast corners and much less settled (felt like the dampers were on their way out) on the crap road surfaces we have in Kent so it went back on the same day never to come off again.
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 5th December 09:06
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