Roof down

[nakedninja]

So here I am with care of my housemates '5 (mk2 1.6) for the week (get in) and last time I tried to put the roof down it just sat there in an ungainly pile behind the seats, doing a good impression of an air brake.

Question:

How do I put the roof down?


Aside:

Yes, I feel a bit like a tool for not knowing. And whats this cover people are talking about, to go over the roof? Where is that?

Thanks.

[franv8]

It's too cold (for the fabric) - either it will sort it self out slowly, or you could get some heat into if first before dropping it.

Also - does it have a zip around the rear window? Undo this first (should go from drivers side to passenger side to undo if it's like mine)

[Dorje]

It's a mk2, should be glass rear window.

Think the vinyl roof is just a bit stiff from the winter months, it is getting warmer now to the point where I will be using mine.

I'd just lightly press it and go for a drive to let it settle over some bumps.

[GravelBen]

franv8 said:

Also - does it have a zip around the rear window? Undo this first (should go from drivers side to passenger side to undo if it's like mine)

There seem to be two schools of thought about this - some say you should always zip it down to avoid folding/splitting it, other say you should leave it zipped in to avoid the top resting on it and rubbing scratches etc into it.

I used to always zip it down but have now taken to leaving it zipped up but sticking something in behind as it goes down to prevent it creasing - those foam swimming pool 'noodles' were recommended but I just use a rolled up wooly hat.

No problems so far with that approach after maybe 4-6 months.

Edited by GravelBen on Monday 23 February 19:55

[ciderminx]

nakedninja said:

And whats this cover people are talking about, to go over the roof? Where is that?

Thanks.

That'll be a Torneau cover. They look good when the car is sat on the drive way, but get over 30mph and you'll be driving with your right hand and trying to grab the damn thing with your left.

[ali_kat]

I had this problem when I first had my mk2.5 - i went to the local 'hood' experts shop for a lesson

If it has the glass rear screen, then you need to pull the lowest rail towards you as you push the roof down, or the hood folds in between the rails and prevents it from folding down (you may need to push it back when putting the roof backup) - there is a join in the material here, and it catches on it, so it isn't as smooth as it should be.

As another poster has said, it also helps if the vinyl is warmed.

HTH

[MX-5 Lazza]

As Ali Kat said. It's pretty common, mine does this occasionally.
All mk2+ have glass rear windows and NO ZIP

[nakedninja]

Thanks for all your help guys, I spent 10 mins last night scrabbling for a zip and when I couldn't find one decided to drive home with the top up.
Almost had a little moment when the back end let go a little early and stepped out coming off a round about. Cold tyres and cold road = no fun, especially when you're not expecting it.

Excitable little things aren't they!

[MX-5 Lazza]

It shouldn't be cold enough to cause any grip problems at the moment.
As it's not your car I guess you won't be doing anything to it but can you tell us what the tyres are?
My guess would be that it's never had a full geometry check and that the alignment is less than ideal...

[nakedninja]

MX-5 Lazza said:

It shouldn't be cold enough to cause any grip problems at the moment.
As it's not your car I guess you won't be doing anything to it but can you tell us what the tyres are?
My guess would be that it's never had a full geometry check and that the alignment is less than ideal...

To be honest Mr Lazz man, I agree. The tyres look fine but are probably just stock stuff and it does feel a little flighty sometimes. If I was her (and lived near WiM) I'd get it checked.
Still, managed to get the top all the way down this afternoon for a nice little spin to the shops on my lunch break.
I'm still grinning. Fantastic feeling.

[A2Z]

Just looked at your profile. You may want to suggest she trys here

http://www.4wheelalignment.co.uk/

They have done my MK1 and they are very good.