Softtop use

[Anonymous]

hi guys

a friend of mine just bought a 2 and the last owner has told him that he hasnt had the hard top off or the soft top up for about 8-10months.  

any advise for first time him trys to put it up tomorrow? should he do anything special with it not being used in a long time?

[Anonymous]

When we got our 2 the soft top had only ever been up and down a few times and the hard top had been left on for some months before we bought it.  When we first tried to put the soft top up it wouldn't get anywhere near the latches at the front.  Allowing the car to stand in warm sun for a while before trying is the best thing to do, but is rather difficult at this time of year.  The only other thing I can add is that ours quickly loosened up with use.

[Anonymous]

As above, make sure that the temperature is above 5degC as recommended in the manual otherwise the hood will be very still and you may damage it

[spit]

8 months is a long time folded! Slowly and coaxingly are the ways to go  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

Watch out for the hood sides rubbing against the sharp brackets on the bars (the ones holding the parcel string I think). This is actually a potential prob for all softie users and something to check for - the brackets can dig in and wear the inner fabric quite easily (I've discovered   s:oops: :oops: s:oops:  )

Also, until the hood gets its shape, the strap in the midline (at the inside-top-centre of the glass) can droop and catch the latch as it goes up (I've also discovered   s:oops: :oops: s:oops:  ).

Bit of warmth & TLC and all should be well.

[Darth Paul]

Might be worth taking the car for a spin first with the hardtop on. The hot engine will warm the folded hood. Then, once the hardtop is removed, pull the hood up as far as it will go and start the car and have the heaters/fans on full for 10 mins or so, all the while coaxing the top towards the windshield top. Eventually it will reach far enough that you can engage the latches. Then work the latches to coax the hood to meet the screen. Careful is the word. Once up and latched, it will stretch and will gradually get easier to lower/raise over time.