Convertible Roof Structure
Posted By : Chris Taylor, 19-May-2007, 10:15pm
Pretty sure it should straighten out. It is unlikely to have permanently bent the side members, they are probably just "sprung" into a new position
currently. If you can push the strut back close to where it should be, look to see how the frame fits around the door window, and then try to fold the
hood frame back (gently) to see if it still folds smoothly and in the right positions, you should have a good idea whether the rest of the frame has
been bent or the various pivot pins damaged.
I'd also look very carefully at the hood seams along the back of the door windows (where a flap is secured between the hood frame and the alloy window seal retainer) and the fit of the hood along the top of the rear wing to make sure the hood fabric or stitching has not been damaged. While the hood itself may be unscathed, I would certainly factor into the insurance claim getting the hood re-aligned/refitted/adjusted.
I'd also look very carefully at the hood seams along the back of the door windows (where a flap is secured between the hood frame and the alloy window seal retainer) and the fit of the hood along the top of the rear wing to make sure the hood fabric or stitching has not been damaged. While the hood itself may be unscathed, I would certainly factor into the insurance claim getting the hood re-aligned/refitted/adjusted.
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Convertible Roof Structure
Posted By : Nadine Black, 19-May-2007, 10:22pm
Chris, thanks for the advice...wanted a second opinion as car is not just my pride and joy but a daily runner for myself and kids..was worried about safety aspects etc. Will certainly advise repair to include hood adjustment etc...thanks-
Convertible Roof Structure
Posted By : Leon Guyot, 19-May-2007, 10:32pm
I met someone once who had smashed both the alloy wheels on one side of his Vitesse while in a road rally, and rolled it sideways down a ravine. The soft top frame saved his life by successfully absorbing the roll, springing back and forth, the rest of the car was pretty much destroyed.
He told me that he owed his life to that hood frame. Also that he would not use alloy wheels on a rally car again!
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Convertible Roof Structure
Posted By : Nadine Black, 21-May-2007, 08:15pm
Leon, I'm amazed at how strong the structure is....aparently the 'banker' was 6ft 4ins and 18 stone and he jumped up and down on the roof and the only impact was one bent strut!!
Take care
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