Vandalism! or attempted theft?

[hwg]

F*&@#ing B$t^'/ds

deep breath...

so some low life has the opinion that my lid doesn't leak enough, and has decided to put it straight with the help of Mr Stanley.
it was parked on a quiet residential road, never had a problem before or seen signs of this kind of behaviour.
its a very clean cut, about a foot long on the top. looks like maybe where you might put your hand inside to unlock the door, but nothing was taken and the doors were either locked again afterwards or never unlocked. maybe they were disturbed, or maybe just enjoy damaging things.

anyway, i need to get it fixed, and have a few questions.

for now, i've put gaffa on both sides of the fabric and its seems to be holding the water out, though the stick isn't particularly strong. feels like a strong wind could remove it with a bit of persistence. is there a better solution?

I'm insured with footman James, is this likely a repair or a replacement job?
if a repair job, how much is a repair likely to be, and is it worth going through the insurance for it?

finally, puns involving neighbourhood / youths in hoodies are welcome...

[simonbuk]

Must be a repair surely if its a foot long cut ?

Cost recently from somebody on here who has just bought one was near enough 2K from m100hoods, that include the whole deal, fitting, restoring frame, new style S2 hood.

So a bit cheaper without frame repaint but still 1.5K minimum from them.

Cheaper elsewhere but fit it yourself, Monsoon on ebay advertise them for £400 but no seals, no fitting, earlier type hood I think.

See other recent threads on here.

[hwg]

Wow okay, that's more than i thought for the replacement.
should have made it clear there are 2 cuts, one above the door and one above the petrol tank on the side of the rear window.

does anyone know if it can it be repaired without leaving an ugly mark? (preferably inside or out).

Thanks

[epipete]

I can't claim to have experience but with 'clean' cuts such as these I'd have thought that they would be repairable and probably not too unsightly afterwards, at least it will restore some integrity against the rain whilst you decide on a more complete job, the fortunate thing is that most joy comes with the roof down!

The downside for you is that, it's like having a thief in the office, will they strike again, etc, etc.

[Artaban]

Think back; you didn't cut up an MX5 owner did you? They all carry scissors with them in case someone needs a quick trim.

I can't find anything in my Footman James policy wording that covers soft tops specifically. My first call would be to Footman James to see what they are prepared to do before you carry out any repairs. They may want an assessor to view the damage in view of the replacement cost. This will probably determine the next course of action. I've no doubt a competent car trimmer could stitch it up but get a quote in case he stitches you up as well. I echo Petes comments; I'd also be nervous about it happening again if I did get a completely new top.

I'd be interested to know what Footman James have to say.

Andy

[Simon_P]

Too much for a sensible repair - Don't accept one from your insurer.
They aren't going to pay for seals unless they were damaged as well.

You are just about to find out if Fj are any good - Let us know how you get on

[HJ2]

What a bummer! You have my sympathy.
This is exactly why i don't lock up my car anymore. You want to come in? Feel free It's empty anyway an if they want to get in, well, they'll manage in seconds like per above
I hope by leavingmy car unlocked, i'll be spared from cuts in my roof.

Hope you get it sorted how you want.

[daveiow]

I know I have posted this on a different topic recently but just to let you know I had the fabric and elastic replaced by Car Hood Warehouse in Chessington a couple of years ago for about £700.
Pleased with the result and service, they managed to do it without damaging the seals which were fairly good at the time.
Your insurance company may be more accommodating if the price is more realistic
David

[lotusles]

An Insurer would not attempt a repair of the hood and a replacement will be the only option. They may however ask for a contribution as betterment.
Incidentally FJ are not the insurer they are a broker, your claim will be with the Insurer that underwrites your particular policy.
Also due to age of car and the fact new manufacturer parts are not available and they will not have an Approved Repairer that would take on the repair they may deal as CIL.

Just make sure you get a full estimate for the replacement to use as actual evidence of the costs.

[Rambo]

Were any other cars damaged in the street ?

And why that side ? I can imagine a numpty hoodie walking down the pavement randomly slashing or keying cars but its on the opposite side to the pavement

I too would be worried about it happening again with a replacement hood

Good luck with FJ

[Paul Alexander]

bad luck with the vandalism, and hope the toerag responsible has their come uppance, but if you want an idea for cost to repair, try the hood guys in Birmingham.

http://www.thehoodguys.co.uk/

they have in the past, fitted hood and seal kits for elans (kits from trim technology, who now exclusively supply m100hoods).

the hood guys may be able to repair, but an inspection is required.

good luck.

[Fredjohn]

bad luck with the vandalism, and hope the toerag responsible has their come uppance, but if you want an idea for cost to repair, try the hood guys in Birmingham.

http://www.thehoodguys.co.uk/

they have in the past, fitted hood and seal kits for elans (kits from trim technology, who now exclusively supply m100hoods).

the hood guys may be able to repair, but an inspection is required.

good luck.

Be aware however that only M100 hoods are likely to have the seals: all other hood suppliers will only provide the hood and you will either have to re-use your old seals, replace with the alternatives from Jamie if still available or be very lucky that the hood supplier does actually have some seals available. I suggest you double check with whichever supplier you speak to if they include the seals or not.

Also if you contact Trim Technology they will simply refer you to M100hoods: I know I tried!!

[Giniw]

Oh, you have ma sympathy, too :/

[simonbuk]

Interested on how you have got on with your insurer ?