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Anything and everything Herald. Talk about anything from the first 948s to the last 13/60s.
Section : Saloon to Convertible Conversions
Posted By : Malc Dyche, 06-Sep-2004, 04:15pm
OK, so it may seem simple to most of you guys, but I've bought a Herald saloon, and wanted to know if it's OK to drive with the roof off.
I have to do some work on it and would like to get the roof sorted by a friend. The easiest way is to drive there, take off the roof, and drive back. Will
it be strong enough without the roof in place?
Thanks for reading this, and for your help if you can, Malc.
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Posted By : Raymond Johncock, 06-Sep-2004,
04:22pm
Malc
If you look at a original convertibles doors they will have anti burst catches as well as standard lock . Due to body flexing the doors could possibly
come open whilst driving along without a back up .
hope this helps RAY J
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Posted By : Malc Dyche, 06-Sep-2004,
05:18pm
Cheers Ray, I will be careful of this. Thanks for your speedy response, Malc.
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Posted By : Raymond Johncock,
06-Sep-2004, 05:30pm
MALC
If you go into the herald archives there is a column on saloons to convertibles which you might find interesting
RAY J
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Posted By : Van Hamlin,
06-Sep-2004, 09:54pm
As well as anti-burst catches I think the original convertibles may have had a larger/stronger panel going across the top between the rear
seat and boot lid, or strengtheners supporting the B posts. There must be some reason why you see convertible rear tubs offered for
sale.
I would recommend you check with your insurance as they may stipulate that you have to do certain things to strengthen the car when you do
the conversion. Sorry if I'm being a killjoy but good luck!!
Van
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Posted By : William
Davies, 06-Sep-2004, 10:21pm
The convertible rear shell is quite dfferent in detail to the saloon, but that has little to do with actual structural design. The
changes relate to mounting points for the hood mechanism - the hood is nicely engineered and disappears completely into it's own well,
that took a substantial redesign of the shell to accomodate.
The main concern is that convertible owners get forced into having remedial work when their cars begin to sag. Saloon owners get away
with a lot more rot before the car bends. Taking the roof off a Saloon can suddenly reveal just how flimsy they are,
Cheers,
Bill.
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Posted By : Ben Ferguson,
08-Sep-2004, 02:40pm
Hehe, my Herald is rather flimsy too but not through any rust... it was a saloon aaaages ago, but at some point has had a conv rear
tub put on. The main area of flex however is the bulkhead, you can see out the corner of your eye the windscreen pillar moving in
relation to the door... and talk about scuttle shake!It kind of moulds round speed bumps. It would be interesting to drive a
saloon/estate to see what the difference is!
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Posted By : Chris Mills, 06-Sep-2004,
04:27pm
Should'nt be a problem, whilst the roof adds strength to the overall structure, as Heralds have the chassis anyway you'll be OK, loads of drivers do it
during warm spells.
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Posted By : Malc Dyche, 06-Sep-2004,
05:16pm
Thanks guys. I didn't expect such a speedy response! Your help is very much appreciated, thanks again, Malc.
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Posted By : William Davies, 06-Sep-2004,
05:57pm
Hi Malc,
This shouldn't be a problem on a car which has a reasonably sound chassis, make sure the frame gets any necessary repairs before the roof comes
off.
Pre June-1962 cars have a substantially weaker chassis design which needs all the help it can get from the roof.
Cheers,
Bill.