My Moonraker roof seems to have warped/buckled at some point in the past. Not sure if it's been knocked or just one of those old age things. It's not a major problem, it still goes up (just not quite all the way) and the back catch is very stiff. There are also a few hairline stress fractures in the fiberglass at the rear hinge. My question, is it possible to re-shape the roof if removed from the van and how is it done?
it sounds like your rear hinge is the problem to me, the roof itself isn't strong enough to warp (for strong read rigid) what i mean is i doubt fibreglass would find a new shape through choice once cast, i would think your hinges are pulling it out of line somewhere.
Who oils their pop-top hinges? Only people who have forked out for the repairs after they seized right up and something broke...
What's the state of the roof like around the hinges? The roof area around the hinges can get neglected because it's hard to see and get to on a moonraker. I know one that had new gas struts fitted without checking the hinges or surrounding roof and it bent the roof and pulled the rivets out, due to the roof being rusted out and the extra power of the new struts.
Thanks for all the replies. I've checked all the hinges, mountings and condition of the roof in general and it all seems in order. I've had the van about 3 years and it's always been the same. It does appear that 2 of the gas struts have been replaced, one on each end. I think perhaps the rear has been over extended somehow in the past and maybe thats the problem. I guess the only solution is to take the roof off and re-fit it? Also, should the whole of the hinged side be within the gutter when raised? Front and back of mine are over-hanging when up, comments.....
Hi Mack The bottom of the hinge I.e. where the pin is, should be inside the gutter and the hinges should almost touch the gutter when fully open. Unless the hinges have been changed they are made of steel and need regular oiling. 2 of mine were seized when I bought the van and the previous owner tried opening the pop top before I came to look and ripped them from the roof! If you want to desperate the roof from the hinges(which I wouldn't do unless you have to) you will need to drill out the rivets and replace with the same type which aren't easy to find, and also prepare yourself for a bit of rust under there! It sounds to me like you just need some plus gas on the hinges and take a look at the two struts that have not been changed. My opinion is that one of the struts on the side that is dropping is gone! Good luck
