MX5Ireland

So, as the topic tells, it's fitted Robbins softtop, all well until last thing on the list, latch the new top an leave it for 2 weeks. It is missing 1-2 inches to latch on. Is it all just force required, or is there better ways of doing it?

did you loosen the latch all the way out? If you look at the bit of the latch that grabs onto the windscreen header you'll see a plastic cover which flips out.
Then unwind the piece inside this (see pic) to loosen the latch.

Thanks for the tip. Already loosened as far as it could go.

Seems to be common problem 'this is why most people rather buy used roof intact with frame.You might need to loosen the 6 x 12mm bolts ( 3 on each pillar) and do not retighten till roof locks are closed .This might give you a bit of extrs movement on the frame which might help.

Turned out all that was needed was more manpower. Local gaming(card- and wargaming) night in UCC was my rescue, only took me and 6 other guys. Surely it could have been ok with less, but me and 3 others was not enough. Possibly because they are not car guys It now fits snug as nothing else and wil remain latched on for the next couple of weeks.

What I have found over the years fitting soft tops is to leave the 6 ( 3 each side) side pillar bolts loose until the roof locks to the header clamps over the windscreen and then tighten the 6 bolts.It gives the whole frame a little more slack.It might not be a bad idea to do this now as it seems your soft top is extra short ??It might tear ??

Just your luck that Sunday will be fine and you won't be able to put the top down!

Autocheck: It isn't short, just a tight fit. As it is vinyl it will ease up over time. The 6 bolts did not give any forward play on my car.

I will probably try to open the top on Sunday on the run, if it is still hard I will have the help needed to latch on again

Will you be able to bring 6 people with you in case it rains. Paddy Power is giving 5 to 1 for rain........

sifpilsen wrote:Autocheck: It isn't short, just a tight fit. As it is vinyl it will ease up over time. The 6 bolts did not give any forward play on my car.

I will probably try to open the top on Sunday on the run, if it is still hard I will have the help needed to latch on again

One of the s2000 lads hads the same problem. you're right though it'll ease up after a while.. I'll be there on Sunday anyway

On a car meet I hope more than 6 people will show up, indeed Won't be driving for long with the top down if I have problems putting it up myself.