Jughead Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 This topic may have been covered numerous times, but just wanting to hear the technical insights. Although it is very technically possible to take the roof off a 1360 sedan will the tub / rest of the panels collapse in or something sinister as such overtime? I know it's another age-old debate as to weather one should be "allowed" to remove it or not etc.. 😅 Many thanks Jug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 On the herald convertibles there are a few "extra" bits to make up for the loss of roof. Of note is the larger B post area, and perhaps more importantly, the extra door catches. Essential if you do not want the doors to open at "inconvenient" moments. There was a "conversion" made in teh 1990's by "Tristan" that turned a saloon (sedan!) into a convertible. It used a T bar arrangement: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jughead Posted March 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 Thanks for this Clive. So without such mods like the widened B posts the normal sedan could be in a bit of trouble? Jug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 I have never tried it. However, there are plenty of people who have just unbolted the roof and used the car for extended periods of time. Less so in the UK where it would be silly as the weather is "changeable" even in the summer. But where warm dry weather is almost guaranteed it was something many did. But the door catch issue would worry me. The doorgaps on a convertible tend to open/close during driving, and that is with the extra catches. Without them? wouldn't like my chances to be honest. However, it may be OK?? Only on way to find out I suppose. Oh, certainly worth checking the chassis siderails and the 4 body mounting brackets each side. If they are at all iffy the body could start moving about when the roof is removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 Triumph used the hasp and staple to control door opening on all open top breeds be it herald vitesse and all TRs But Not on spitfires Shown on all the parts lists and available but can be rare and can be very pricey. Do check the sprung wedges on yourn door striker is free and is spring returned, most important to stop door latch lift and self opening Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 I won't advocate doing it without other reinforcement, particularly as Pete says with the door catches at the very least.That's my personal opinion only, but I feel it's got the potential for a serious accident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bordfunker Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 A mate of mine at uni did this on his 13/60 and the doors used to regularly fly open on roundabouts! Therefore I would definitely suggest using additional convertible catches, and some sort of bar assembly to tie the b posts together. Karl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Jones Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 I have done this quite extensively in the (fairly distant) past. Structurally there is very little difference between the saloon and convertible tubs (none at all to the chassis) and the extra parts added to the convertible tub (b-pillar shrouds and hood bin frame) add very little. What is more significant is the general condition of the structure, both chassis and tub, especially the body-mount areas. The condition, lubrication and adjustment of the door catches also makes a difference. My 1200 saloon had it's roof removed several times and was driven quite long distances (yes, there was the occasional wetting!). Yes, the doors would fly open sometimes, but the car was really pretty rotten so the doors would also occasionally fly open with the roof fitted as well. The car was noticeably more flexible with the roof off. Then, when I built my Vitesse convertible, for many years I had no "anti-burst" catches fitted. This was better than the saloon with the roof removed, but there was still the occasional door "incident" - usually only under severe conditions. Eventually I did get around to finding and fitting set of the extra catches. This has improved matters to maybe 98% - if I remember to keep everything adjusted and lubricated and passengers occupants shut the doors properly in the first place. Cobbled hairpin bends open them whatever..... Bottom line.... the cars are flexible things without roofs (saloon and convertible), not much better with roofs, and the door catches are "rustic". On my "one day" list of improvements Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 with only 3 fixings at the front and 3 at the rear the B post extensions do very little with just a couple of small screws and pop rivets i guess the roof doesnt add great aids to rigidity but it must surely help . how many have the striker wedge actually free , sprung and working , this little sod stops the door lifting you can buy the striker and wedge but no springs are available . repairs are down to much faffing and lots of DIY to find a spring let alone connect it up Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jughead Posted March 8, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 8, 2019 Thanks very much for the info everyone. really good advice and thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jughead Posted March 30, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 HI guys, Just picking this up again. lol Does anyone 'causally' take their roofs off? - I mean say if its sunny i'll take it off one weekend etc... but then put it back on etc.. My 2nd question to follow has anyone come up whht solutions that allow for "easier" lift off etc? - (back) Windows flopping out etc or does that just do that on mine because the rubbers are so perished? Many thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 Hi Jug. Short answer: Yes! I used to remove the roof from my 13/60 frequently every summer in the 80’s. I’m not saying it is the right thing to do, it’s just a fact that I did... The doors never flew open, but yes, the car was a bit more flexible without the roof. I should add that my car was (at the time) completely rust free and very solid. I used to cover the car in the evening and avoid using it on rainy days, and then put the roof back for the winter. It takes 10 – 15 minutes to remove or to put back the roof once you have done it a few times. I even learned how to do it myself without help from others. Quite spectacular exercise! You have to carry the roof on your neck (pefect equilibrium is the key to success) then climb into (or out of) the car. I used to amuse my neighbors a lot stumbling around on the lawn with a roof on my neck. Happy days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 I missed this before. I know that an event in which your car inverts is unusal, but precautions need to be in line with the consequences, not just the likelihood. I also know that the roof on a Herald isn't very strong, and might not protect you if you did invert, but there will be nothing between you and the road if it isn't there. Not a pretty thought, and the windscreen and surround are useless in this respect. So, some sort of 'Roll Over Protection System' (ROPS) is needed, IMHO, even if you have no intention of competition. This will have the added advantage that you will be able to brace the B-posts against it, if you will add a small strut between them. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johny Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 A roll bar would be nice but theres plenty of our convertibles out there that dont have any protection..... Jug if you do decide to remove the roof youll probably find that bitumastic sealant has been used onto the rear deck which is a bit of a pain to get off. This of course does help maintain a good seal but also I found keeps the roof more solidly located - now after bolting it back in place without sealant I do get more creaks and squeeks as I drive along☹️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlubikey Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 Yes, if you're worried about roll-over, don't buy a convertible! The difference with the Spit door catches is that they're "burst-proof" locks - on the 1500 at least. I notice Canley's have tooled up and offer new staples & hasps (or whatever they're called) for Heralds etc. Cheers, Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrapman Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 It is feasilble to fit Spitfire catches to a Herald. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 30, 2019 Report Share Posted March 30, 2019 The hasp and staple are common to most TR not unique to the H V S.if that helps a supply chain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted March 31, 2019 Report Share Posted March 31, 2019 9 hours ago, Pete Lewis said: The hasp and staple are common to most TR not unique to the H V S.if that helps a supply chain. Good morning Pete! Could you please give some advice where to find these TR items? My CV Vitesse have doors from a saloon and I dont have the "anti-burst catches" or whatever they are called (yes, the doors do fly open during spirited driving, never a dull moment in a Vitesse). This item seems to have become obsolete at Canleys (?) I can't find it there. Any advice much appreciated. Br Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johny Posted March 31, 2019 Report Share Posted March 31, 2019 yes Richard says in his post above that Canleys are listing the anti-burst catch again but if so theyve hidden them really well on their website or theyve sold out already! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlubikey Posted March 31, 2019 Report Share Posted March 31, 2019 YKC3290 and ZKC3464, now showing as no longer available from Canleys or Rimmers :¬( Canley's certainly had them for a while on their web site. I would give Dave a ring and ask him if he intends to have any more made. Cheers, Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD Posted March 31, 2019 Report Share Posted March 31, 2019 20 hours ago, johny said: A roll bar would be nice but theres plenty of our convertibles out there that dont have any protection..... Have to say, that is a bit like other human habits that need 'protection', and we know how often that goes wrong. By strange coincidence, a poster on the FB page Triumph Vitesse International has just decribed his inversion incident in a Spitfire, and ascribed his survival to wearing a retractable seat belt, that "secured him in his seat". No argument there, but from the rest of his description that he landed upsidedown in a ditch, so that he wasn't crushed was a more important survival factor. john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 31, 2019 Report Share Posted March 31, 2019 available at robsport https://robsport.co.uk/index.php/online-shop/shop-tr6/category/98-bodywork 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark powell Posted March 31, 2019 Report Share Posted March 31, 2019 The hook part also needs the plate that fits inside the door frame.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now