[Simon Lewthwaite]

Its looking fine now – may be able to simply use the rubber finishing strip after all. Main area of worry is the front corners not being tight enough. I’ll know when I wheel it out again later and look to refit the polished trim. Think I have cleared enough space for all this to fit back on – fingers crossed.

The problem with just the 5 bolts was that the front corners didn’t sit at all. May have been how I tightened the bolts because it did sit down during the dry-fit.

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Wow, long time since my last post.
I have finally got around to bonding the roof!
So, the 5 bolts are inadequate to pull the roof through the bonding (Sika 211)
Luckily, I had some laminate flooring straps whose flat plates can link together in a way v similar to that described in the manual.

View post on imgur.com

And dont worry, these were spare cushions!!
I’ll examine the bond tomorrow and likely add some more, particularly at the front as mentioned earlier.
Then its to see if the finishing rubber is OK or if I need to create a boundary of sealant instead to finish things off? Its a black roof, so either will be fine hopefully.

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Just one last thing as I get everything together. No one mentions the use of cargo straps other than the Citroen workshop notes. Are these more likely to cause damage than help?

In the meantime, I have reupholstered the interior roofing trim. BTW, getting a good fit on these is best done with the roof off!! Opportunity to get the fixing well….fixed and positioned. Those clips are a little flimsy to say the least.

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Thanks Paul – the wrench worked really well and its now a dedicated Citroen tool! Anyone welcome to ask and I’ll happily post and for the next person etc etc. Saves wrecking another.
The thing in the middle of the bracket is a rubber plug from the underside. Most but not all of my brackets have these. I guess I’ll fill the remaining with mastic as I go.

[Simon Lewthwaite]

There were no rubber washers under the brackets when I removed my roof I dont think – unless they were in amongst the rusted remains!
Anyone know what thickness these are – are they different at the rear fixings too?

[Simon Lewthwaite]

OK, I’m getting there now.
Roof in situ, dry fitting – its clear from the rear fitting to B pillar fitting (835mm) that the roof wants to slide back.

So, marked up. Front dotted line is the difference between where it wants to sit and where it should sit.

Adapted wrench to crimp brackets

And epoxy’d in place. Crimping worked well (image to come)

What are these? – all around my roof – for a bolted roof?

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Ah. Missed that you are totally right and thats what I have. My original front remains in good condition and bonded so will only use the 2 side ones.
Simon

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Fantastic help as ever, Paul. I hadn’t found that thread on AF – Very similar state of play as myself right now (although no fire!!)

Re headlining adhesive, I have several cans of Trim-Fix, rated to 120degrees C. I used this for the headlining on my Lotus – also black rood and GRP and has not failed after around 8 years now. Less than half the surface area however. Fingers crossed. No mention of additional bond for the rear trim so I guess its just the clips.

OK, I’m agreed that I will attach the mounting brackets at the B pillar position, giving 5 locating points. I bought 2 side and 1 front from Darrin but all 3 look identical. Also same astronomical price so I had better use 2 at least!! I like the idea of using 2 part adhesive – Araldite still the preferred or Gorilla or doesnt matter? Guess the crimping will just have to be carefully done but not rock hard as the glue will be there.

I’ll do my best to document as I go as others who have done this help us all so much.

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Your roof is GRP. Any other panels?

Even breathable covers prevent proper breathing and can result in microblisters in painted GRP panels.
If in a garage, despite the attractiveness of covers, you might be better letting it get dusty!

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Wow Paul, that looks like a big job.
It would scare me to death cutting out big bits like that.
Looking at mine, I think this was done at some point on one side. Certainly focusses my attention an another part of the car that might cause trouble.

[Simon Lewthwaite]

It does look great. Mirror finish.
Done by Option1Sportscars in Bromsgrove.
They are primarily GRP specialists, so Lotus and TVR common there.
Only the owner still able to work on the metal panels. Obviously the roof but also my valance, rear wings and boot are GRP.
Its a complete panel restore so should all be as perfect as the roof I’m hoping.

Roof in black, rest in Gris Nacre

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Its a great question.

I like Paul’s assessment of why people like a DS in the first place (who are not French)

Personally, apart from the obvious beauty, technical innovation etc, I like the quirk and the fact you dont see many around. I dont like being obvious.

This is why the other classic I own is a Lotus Esprit.
If I had the chance, I’d also own a Messerschmitt KR200, Countach, Miura.
I wouldn’t say no to a Bond Bug!

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Yes – I’ve ordered ‘V brake noodle gaiters!’
Who knew!!

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Think this might be beyond help….

[Simon Lewthwaite]

Cant recommend them enough. They have some plans of carpet sets they can send you that are sort of useful but no substitution for chatting in person.

[Author]

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