Hard Top Problems

[Gareth]

Bought fully lined SPC Hard Top off Simon a year ot two ago : Simon "mated" it to the car so that it did not leak and it has worked fine : no leaks!!

Unfortunately, some time later, my passenger side window motor "packed up" and after it was repaired the window did not extend quite as far as it did originally.

This caused the Hard Top to leak!

I bought some new seals off Simon and (after "cocking it up" a couple of times )have now managed to fit them so that it is, once again "leak proof"

Phew!! the story continues :

As usual, my "ham fisted" efforts may have cured the original problem but has now left me with 2 further problems :

1. How do I remove "Sikaflex" (never seen anything so sticky/messy) from the Hard Top lining material?
2. How do I re attach the roof lining ( which I think was glued to the Hard Top originally) that has become detached during my "trial and error" repairs (without stripping the loining completely : I'm hoping there may be an Upolsterers' trick of the trade for this)

All help/advice appreciated

[romboot]

Hi, I removed silifex from my lining by warming it up with a hair dryer and then scraped it off with a shape blade very very carefully, I cleaned off the residue with petrol.
Bottom line though is you will need patiences as it will be time consuming, fiddly and messy...

[niall]

Gareth,
I think that you need to use a proprietary glue spray available in aerosol tins to reattach the head lining. Simon told me to use one of those when I asked him some months ago. I don't know if you can insert the tiny tube through the lining or whether you need to lift the edge seal which you have now so carefully glued into position.
I will have to try to do the same as my headlining needs a little re-glueing.
Keep us posted on your efforts please.

[Alan_C]

If you used real Sikaflex and not something "like" Sikaflex, then quoting from the manufacturer's datasheet, "To remove cured (set) Sikaflex only mechanical means are possible." Once set, it's insoluble, no solvent will disolve it. I didn't believe them, and tried everything. They're correct, once cured, it can only be removed mechanically, i.e. cutting it out, sanding it off etc. Unbelievable stuff!

[Gareth]

Thanks all for the advice

I'll keep you updated!

I might e mail Simon to ask him about the lining.

[Gareth]

OK! Update as promised :

Good news re Sikaflex on HardTop Lining : Tried steam cleaning with a hand held steam cleaner/fabric pad : it worked!

I think the steam softens the Sikaflex and by rubbing it with the pad while it is still soft it peels off.

Bad news : I think the steam also softens/releases the adhesive bonding the lining to the Hard Top roof and this problem is a little?? worse.

E mailed Simon at SPC to ask for his advice on re fixing the lining.

As usual : one step forward, thre back!!