T25 Pop top - Autohomes roof - Inner rot repair

[brander]

Autovan just re-conn'd my roof at a pretty penny! I am hoping it lasts a damn good while now - especially as the entire cap is a single piece of fibreglass.

The side flap hinge locking mechanism is still rubbish tho!

Is the Autovans roof much lighter? The difference driving with the old soggy roof off was really noticeable (not on the roads - just manouvering around the back of the house). On the bright side, it doesn't need lowering now the roof's back on

[aec]

Thanks for the additional info brander.

Unfortunately, the wood has pretty much had it over the entire cap. The screws all popped out on one side between the back wall and the roof leaving one corner stuck drastically up in the air. As I pulled on the handles to try to lower it again I could feel the wood splitting above the handles I had to get up a ladder and push it down from the top.

Given the account of your experience, the more I think about it, I think I should just give up on it. The side and front/back panels are OK but not in great condition, and the corner aluminium angles are pretty mangled where they clash as the roof goes up/down. It has been refurbed once before (before I owned it) and I think doing it again might be pushing things a bit far. I never really liked the look of high tops that much but for us it would probably be far more practical and I'm warming to them now. My only concern was the kids are getting bigger and might be cramped in a high top roof compared to the Autohomes. I'll just stop feeding them

[Gallen]

Hi guys,

I'm the illusive OP on this topic! - Appologies for not contributing since posting but my mind has been elsewhere recently.

Structurally the roof seems sound (fixings, struts etc).

The DIY roof mould looks amazing.

Where did you get your Piano hinges from???

[TravellingChick]

Autovan just re-conn'd my roof at a pretty penny! I am hoping it lasts a damn good while now - especially as the entire cap is a single piece of fibreglass.

The side flap hinge locking mechanism is still rubbish tho!

Is the Autovans roof much lighter? The difference driving with the old soggy roof off was really noticeable (not on the roads - just manouvering around the back of the house). On the bright side, it doesn't need lowering now the roof's back on

Not especially tbh. The recent winds haven't helped - motorway driving has been a battle!!