[timbo18]

Hi All,

Hoping someone might be able to help me as, so far I cannot find any useful information on the web.

I bought my T5 poptop van not long ago and have noticed that the rear scissor hinges are quite rusty which is preventing the roof from full closing. aroung a 5mm gap is visible when the roo is closed.

I was simply going to remove these, clean them up, hamerite and lubricate them. However, I was thinking that it might be better to replace them. Can I find any replacements on the net, can I hell. Does anyone know where I can get these from? If not the complete hinges then new spacers would be helpful as the current ones are quite brittle.

Also, one of the self-tapping bolts keeping the hinge in place has come loose and will not screw back in place. It doesnt look like I will be able to fix this without removing the kitchen units and cutting some of the ceiling carpet. As a solution Ive thought about widening the whole and installing a a rivet nut that I could use to bolt the hinge on to. Does this sound plausible?

Any help/advice would be very welcome. Added some pics to explain what I mean.

 

[Mid Life]

I was looking t mine over the weekend as I'd notice I had a bit more of a gap on one side. I was advised to make sure all the bolts and caps were secure, which they are. Mines been on for a couple of years and seems to be wearing well. I try to make sure its all dry before dropping the roof or drying it out at the first available opportunity.

Looking at you hinges I think its from these guys http://www.poptoproofs.co.uk/index.php give them a call T:

 

[Matt645]

Maybe post some pictures of the actual roof as I'm sure someone will identify it, then get on to the manufacturer for replacements/upgrades. It might be a specialist job though as you'd need to support the roof somehow.

For the hole you could use a hard setting metal filler and re-tap it? Or even better put a heli-coil in.

 

[timbo18]

Just looking over some of the old paperwork and looks like you were right MidLife, poptop supplied by potops uk Ltd and originally fitted by Hilton Campers. The roof actually has a 5 year warranty apparently and was fitted in 2013 so maybe able to use that. Will give them a bell and let you know how you get on.

If they cant help think Ill try the metal filler approach.

 

[Mid Life]

Good news and Im glad you were able to confirm it was a poptops uk roof. I googled Hilton campers as I used to work near to Hilton, however, I see from previous posts that they were based out towards Hucknell/Ilkeston Notts. http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=243054

 

[sadmadbadbiker]

Hi
Timbo
If you can send me better pics i think i will have some in stock
A:

 

[timbo18]

Thanks SadMad but I removed most of the rust from the hinge and it isnt actually too bad. Bit of hammerite should sort it. With regards to the loose bolt, I spoke to a local mechanic who has done a lot of work on conversions over the years. He recommends re-fixing the bracket using a wider hex screw. Managed to find some so going to give a go this weekend.

Trouble is that I am going to need to remove the gas strut and part of the scissor hinge to get at it. Anyone know whether these are easy to re-attach when required or is it a specialist job?:*

 

[jason_rmh]

The gas strut is a ball joint with a clip to hold it in place at one end and bolts or screws at the other end, so as long as the roof is supported when removing, that is quite easy.

The hinge, I think that's bolted? So same again, support the roof or have an assistant, while you loosen the bolts.

Jas

 

[sadmadbadbiker]

Not to much of a job
however the struts are compressed when fitted to keep the tent tight so may be a bit of a faff T:

 

[timbo18]

Ok cool. Ill give it a go this weekend.

 

[timbo18]

So the fix for the hinge has worked so chuffed with that. However, when I went to re-attach the gas strut I found that it had seized fully open. Anyone else had a seized strut? Any tips for getting it closed? Is it just a case of buying a new one and replacing? Hoping I'm just being dumb as I have a trip planned for next weekend and could do without the hassle of running around trying to get hold of a new one

 

[Edge-Effect]

Have you managed to reattached the gas strut? believe they are very stiff if trying the push them down by hand.

 

[timbo18]

I haven't but it won't even budge. Tried tapping it with a hammer but no movement


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[airhoguk]

I doubt its seized, more likely the pressure required to make lifting and lowering the roof will be quite high much more than your tailgate gas struts. Will it fit without needing to close it at all? If not you may need something like a sash cramp to close it enough. Be careful though it will be like a catapult if it slips out

 

[triffic]

As above, it's unlikely you will be able to safely compress it (and hold it compressed while you fit it) without specialist equipment - the pressure needed to hold up the roof will be high. Is it not possible to lift the roof manually and fit the strut while it is fully extended?

 

[Edge-Effect]

I haven't but it won't even budge. Tried tapping it with a hammer but no movement


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Have a look at this vid may help you in the refitting, 1.50 mins in;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5YsbpwqRGI

 

[timbo18]

Thanks for the video. Ill give the ratchet strap a go. If not Ill try the cramp. Just cannot budge it at all at the mo so presumed it had seized.

 

[airhoguk]

The alternative would be to release the second strut and then raise the roof until they both line up and then refit

 

[timbo18]

You were all right. It wasnt broken just v v stiff. Managed to fix it on using the paracord and ratchet straps. Chuffed that its all fixed. Thanks very much for all the advice T:T:

 

[airhoguk]

Glad to hear its all sorted