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Broken Roof
Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 12:09 pm
by JUCanterbury
Morning all,
Driving down the motorway yesterday when the front of my roof tore off and broke into a thousand pieces. Tried uploading a picture but can't seem to manage it atm? It is a manual pop up roof and that part is fine, it is what i think is meant to be the front aerodynamic section which has torn away. No idea why it happened, as in rot, design fault etc. But now the question is how do I go about fixing this? Is there a part i can get from a breakers yard maybe and from the looks it is just some wooden board holding it on?
Think I have sussed the picture issue:
Thank-you
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 12:24 pm
by g8dhe
On the added pop up roofs they just stick a plastic wind break on with tape and normally silkaflex or similar, sounds like the convertor didn't do a good job or used the wrong bonding material which has perhaps failed in the low temperatures. I think I would have a word with the original convertors as several of them have changed/improved designs as the failings become apparent
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 12:28 pm
by Bob
Agree with Geoff.
That looks like an after market roof so the supplier should be able to supply and fit a new part.
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 1:29 pm
by TheLongRoad
Looks similar to the retro fitted pop top that we have on our Bongo. Try some of the converters to see if they have replacements. I'll PM you with details of who converted out van. Not adding them here as it might be implied they were responsible for you van - which we can't say.
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 3:10 pm
by mikeonb4c
I've read of this happening before. Its disturbing that it can happen as the consequences for road safety could be very serious. If its possible to trace the installer, i think it should be impressed upon them that this more than just a stick-it-on-whatever item. MOT testers need perhaps to be aware also?
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 3:37 pm
by TheLongRoad
You'd be surprised how much stuff on modern cars relies on a bit of glue
https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/company-u ... 847&rt=rud
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 11:41 pm
by mikeonb4c
Indeed. I think what surprises me most (or perhaps it doesnt!) is how there is no process (MOT or whatever) for checking stuff like this. I wonder what the insurance/who gets sued situation is if something serious happens.
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2018 2:42 pm
by teenmal
Its the drivers responsibility to insure that the vehicle is in a safe condition and not a danger to others. The Insurance Companies will wash their hands of a situation like this. Was the Insurance Company informed in detail of this extensive Modification to this particular vehicle ?.
Take Care.
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2018 5:20 pm
by mikeonb4c
teenmal wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2018 2:42 pm
Its the drivers responsibility to insure that the vehicle is in a safe condition and not a danger to others. The Insurance Companies will wash their hands of a situation like this. Was the Insurance Company informed in detail of this extensive Modification to this particular vehicle ?.
Take Care.
However.....it would be interesting to know whether the relevant authorities are taking an interest in (lack of) industry standards. A (non technical) driver might reasonably expect that components like this are affixed so as to be unlikely to fall off. But maybe i'm just old fashioned.
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2018 5:39 pm
by teenmal
The problem there is, the deflector could have been removed for some reason and then poorly refitted. Usually when an owner is washing his vehicle they notice these things, unless they use a car wash.
Take Care..
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2018 5:44 pm
by teenmal
JUCanterbury wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2018 12:09 pm
Morning all,
Driving down the motorway yesterday when the front of my roof tore off and broke into a thousand pieces. Tried uploading a picture but can't seem to manage it atm? It is a manual pop up roof and that part is fine, it is what i think is meant to be the front aerodynamic section which has torn away. No idea why it happened, as in rot, design fault etc. But now the question is how do I go about fixing this? Is there a part i can get from a breakers yard maybe and from the looks it is just some wooden board holding it on?
Think I have sussed the picture issue:
Thank-you
it looks like a "Drivelodge Elevating Roof", have a good look about the roof for any clues as to the supplier or installer. Also worth looking through any documentation you may have for any relevant certification re the roof.
Take Care
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2018 8:59 pm
by TheLongRoad
The Drivelodge covers the whole width of the van. The type in the photo is narrower than the van plus opens high at rear.
Re: Broken Roof
Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2018 10:23 pm
by TheLongRoad
More like these
http://www.imperialcar.co.uk/in_stock/2 ... silver_31/. Not implying or suggesting that the original posters vehicle was supplied or converted by Imperial- others use same pop top.