Dormobile roof won’t open fully. Help please

Workshop and Technical tips & tricks.
Bob750
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Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Dormobile roof won’t open fully. Help please

Post by Bob750 » Mon Oct 08, 2018 7:49 pm

Hi Michiel
Yes that sounds a good idea. I would assume that the more force the strut can exert, the less likely it’s a problem in wind
I see on the website the struts range from low to really high forces so one strut I was looking at was capable of lifting 140 kg and some a lot more. The roof being 60kG as you say.
Good choice available.
Your idea is a sensible precaution
Cheers
Bob
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DrivingDutchman
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Location: Raunds, Northants

Re: Dormobile roof won’t open fully. Help please

Post by DrivingDutchman » Mon Oct 08, 2018 7:59 pm

Hi Bob,

I'll try to dig up the receipt of the ones I bought.

Michiel
1969 109 sw dormobile Dora
1996 overland defender sw 110 Nellie
1962 109 sw safari diesel Hannie (sold)
1973 88 series 3 soft top in various bits on the drive...
Bob750
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2018 1:42 pm
Info: Bob
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Dormobile roof won’t open fully. Help please

Post by Bob750 » Mon Oct 08, 2018 8:00 pm

That would be great Michiel
Cheers
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DrivingDutchman
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Location: Raunds, Northants

Re: Dormobile roof won’t open fully. Help please

Post by DrivingDutchman » Mon Oct 08, 2018 8:06 pm

There is a word of caution though...

The roof shell needs to be in reasonable good condition. When the roof is down, the struts will try to pusch the roof sideways. I had a crack in mine on the right hand rear corner and the strut cracked it open even further. So I had to get that repaired first. So be aware of that and be careful. But once you have all balanced out it works just fine...

When the time comes to fully refurb the roof etc, I'll make a metal frame around the edges all around to strengthening the whole roof shell so the struts can't push it apart anymore. But for now this setup works ok.



Michiel
1969 109 sw dormobile Dora
1996 overland defender sw 110 Nellie
1962 109 sw safari diesel Hannie (sold)
1973 88 series 3 soft top in various bits on the drive...
Bob750
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2018 1:42 pm
Info: Bob
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Dormobile roof won’t open fully. Help please

Post by Bob750 » Mon Oct 08, 2018 8:33 pm

Ok Michiel that’s interesting
It would be good to see your mods when done
Cheers
Bob750
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Info: Bob
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Dormobile roof won’t open fully. Help please

Post by Bob750 » Mon Oct 08, 2018 8:35 pm

It would be good also to understand how to fit a new roof canvas at some point. I like my original canvas but I fear time has taken its toll
Cheers
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DrivingDutchman
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Joined: Mon Feb 10, 2014 11:44 am
Location: Raunds, Northants

Re: Dormobile roof won’t open fully. Help please

Post by DrivingDutchman » Mon Oct 08, 2018 10:03 pm

I have got the original fitting instructions from Dormobile. A friend of mine has bought a new roof from them a little while ago and I have scanned in the instructions. They are not the best I have to add, but it gives you a good starting point. I'm sure there are on this forum who have done this before who can give further advice and tips and tricks.
PM me your email address and I'll send it to you.

Michiel
1969 109 sw dormobile Dora
1996 overland defender sw 110 Nellie
1962 109 sw safari diesel Hannie (sold)
1973 88 series 3 soft top in various bits on the drive...
Jabbawocky
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Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:11 pm
Info: Barney the Dormobile
Location: Yorkshire Dales

Re: Dormobile roof won’t open fully. Help please

Post by Jabbawocky » Fri Oct 26, 2018 12:13 am

Hi all

My 1971 Dormobile has a different arrangement at the top of the stays. There are three slots for the top mount, to allow for the stiffing of the canopy in winter. All later roofs should have this arrangement.

Cheers Mick
AlexB
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Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:01 am

Re: Dormobile roof won’t open fully. Help please

Post by AlexB » Sat Oct 27, 2018 3:37 pm

If you fasten them altogether with the strut flat and pointing towards the hinges with the springs slack, there should be enough twang in them when you fasten them to the roof, to assist lifting and needing a little pressure to close the roof.
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