Unusual roof (third time lucky!)

The Tardis factor (interiors , awnings, roofs etc)

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

markr
Registered user
Posts: 22
Joined: 26 Feb 2007, 20:55
80-90 Mem No: 3021
Location: Stroud, Glos

Post by markr »

Hi Tex,

Yes that,s the one, my Rivera was manufactured in Holland.
3021, 1986 Devon Moonraker, pop top with the aerospace roof. Subaru Imprezza powered.

User avatar
Tex Ritter
Registered user
Posts: 436
Joined: 10 Oct 2005, 09:14
80-90 Mem No: 1057
Location: Northumberland.

Post by Tex Ritter »

Hello markr, does yours still have the grill and cover? I've still got mine, but I removed them and fitted a piece of plywood covered with carpet. The original grill/cover used to rattle like billyo, so the've been relegated to a cupboard in the garage, where they can make as much noise as they like :lol:

Tex Ritter.
If you never have a route planned ...how can you ever be lost?

markr
Registered user
Posts: 22
Joined: 26 Feb 2007, 20:55
80-90 Mem No: 3021
Location: Stroud, Glos

Post by markr »

Hi Tex,
Yes mine still has the grille and cover, but i don't use the cover as that caused the rattle.

I have another question for you, how is your roof secured externally?
Mine is held down by a locating lug at the back (not visible when roof is down) and two clips, and two rubber toggles at the front above the driver and passenger doors.
Inside it is secured by a clasp released by a choke style knob inside.

The van I saw at vanfest had no external fixings, so I guess mine were added later.

Mark.
3021, 1986 Devon Moonraker, pop top with the aerospace roof. Subaru Imprezza powered.

User avatar
Tex Ritter
Registered user
Posts: 436
Joined: 10 Oct 2005, 09:14
80-90 Mem No: 1057
Location: Northumberland.

Post by Tex Ritter »

My roof is held in place by 2 external 'overcentre' clasp and anchor type buckles.

Internally there is a sort of brown webbing type lashing strap - same material as the water tank retainer strap - this is anchored to the roof about midway, and then goes through a loop that is rivetted to the van steel work above the slider.

Bit like a cinch strap on a western saddle.

If you want to see them send me an email and I'll post some pics. :wink:

Tex Ritter
If you never have a route planned ...how can you ever be lost?

User avatar
campervanbeethoven
Registered user
Posts: 3
Joined: 15 Sep 2008, 19:19
80-90 Mem No: 5949
Location: Mid Wales

Post by campervanbeethoven »

It seems quite a rare beast this roof. Only ever seen one at a festival. Does yours have folding ply panels up inside to create an upstairs 'coffin'?
Mine was quite awkward and wonky lifting when we got it so used a couple of long piano hinges to fix the front concertina boards. Can't find a pic of it up but the top is now fixed with ratchet clamps[/img]

markr
Registered user
Posts: 22
Joined: 26 Feb 2007, 20:55
80-90 Mem No: 3021
Location: Stroud, Glos

Post by markr »

Hi,
Yes mine has the fabric covered ply panels on all four sides, retained by catches, though mine do seem quite secure.

I think that I was lucky as mine was owned by the same family from new, so i have all the original paperwork, and the options list fitted to my van from Devon, it makes interesting reading, particularly the 1985 prices!

Mark.
3021, 1986 Devon Moonraker, pop top with the aerospace roof. Subaru Imprezza powered.

Mick & Tracey
Registered user
Posts: 78
Joined: 13 Sep 2006, 22:22
80-90 Mem No: 3830
Location: Chester

Post by Mick & Tracey »

Interesting to hear about the various details. It seems like Devon did a few variants or maybe changed design over the years.

Ours is a mint 1986 model. Roof number 42.

We don't have a rear heater (presumably an option).

Our roof doesn't have lining boards. It is all vinyl except for a trimmed folding headboard section at the front (higher end). This automatically unfolds as you lift the roof and has some curtains which cover the front vinyl window. To be honest this is a rather strange arrangement as it doesn't open totally vertically (not broken, just designed that way) and has a small gap between it and the vinyl. Presumably the panel is there to prevent people leaning against the front roof section?

Our roof is retained by two internal tensioned clasps, one each side in the middle.

Also have an opening roof vent.

Mick

Locked