Roof removal

[Kaneda]

I am thinking of removing the roof of my discovery and making it a canvas top, just like a series.

I'm sure I could sort out the hoops and could sort out a modification to the door, however I am wondering if it will fail MOT because I will have cut the B, C and D posts and removed the roof.

Do you think I would have to make the hoops more like a roll cage to gain some of the rigidity of the shell?

[muddyjames]

Do you think I would have to make the hoops more like a roll cage to gain some of the rigidity of the shell?

I dont know much about these type of things but I would have thought so, going on the theory of if it was an original fitting then yes. Here the original fitting would be the roof support. Remember the people carrier converted into a soft top on top gear  Didnt go too well. also I would have thought you need a roll cage for strength as top gear keep going on about how wollowy and flexible soft tops are and worse to drive.

Will probably need a single vehicle test by VOSA too due to the mods being done.

My guess on it anyway.

[Kaneda]

The people carrier on top gear was made of fibreglass I think, and it didn't have a ladder chassis under it  

[crazymac]

Cool idea, but i think you would have some rigidity problems? a cage system would help matters if done with careful thought!

Just don't do a Clarkson, Hammond and May!! http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=m9-BDURT4pU

[ben_haynes]

yes it is possible but I would fit some stabiliser bars like that of a 90 / 110 / series bulkhead removal bar

i was thinking of this myself if i do keep my disco

[Kaneda]

What about an external cage and hang the canvas on the inside. That would give the rigidity and make it useful offroad too.

Can anyone recommend a good company for an external cage?

[ben_haynes]

safety devices

[Kaneda]

Do they do an external cage for a Discovery 1?

[Disco Matt]

I would want at least a rollover hoop - I was looking at convertible Range Rovers (mostly the original 3-door version) earlier on this evening and they all seemed to have a substantial hoop in place of the B pillars. Apart from the safety aspect you would probably find that the shell flopped about all over the place!

[Mr Alford]

Do they do an external cage for a Discovery 1?

www.protectionandperformance.co.uk

this is the exact cage im getting in march just over a grand and bolts tgetha





or this one?? they will make whatever you want

[Bulli]

yup performace protection do a good job. im just trying to work out what benefits you are wanting.

to me softtops are cold, damp poorer cousins. If you want to make a show vehicle then cool but i cant see the benefits day to day. ... all i can come up with is negatives, sorry.

[Mr Alford]

im with ya on the same boat

[Guardian.]

A DISCO BODSHELL WITH THE ROOF OF WILL IMPLODE, WELL BE AS WOBBLY AS HELL, FOR GOD SAKE MAKE SURE YOU USE A 3 DOOR SHELL, AND BRACE IT UP WELL!

[Mr Alford]

A DISCO BODSHELL WITH THE ROOF OF WILL IMPLODE, WELL BE AS WOBBLY AS HELL, FOR GOD SAKE MAKE SURE YOU USE A 3 DOOR SHELL, AND BRACE IT UP WELL!

well i am a victim i know how easily those roofs bend and i have a 3 door god knows how bad a 5 door wud be!!!

simple alternative dont do it lol

[mentalmoshio sophs V8i]

yup performace protection do a good job. im just trying to work out what benefits you are wanting.

to me softtops are cold, damp poorer cousins. If you want to make a show vehicle then cool but i cant see the benefits day to day. ... all i can come up with is negatives, sorry.

i agree

buy a freelander soft top or a rangie convertiable . sorry but it will look just ugly maybe on a bobtail disco pickup would be okay

[mentalmoshio sophs V8i]

if u serious about it maybe a range rover roof with a westabo sunroof the full length one . made to fit would be a better bet if u could even find one.

[crazymac]

to me softtops are cold, damp poorer cousins.

Regarding a lined discovery compared to a ragtop discovery, then yeh, I can see the cold damp theory, BUT

I drove a hardtop series for a couple of years before ragtoping that! and what a transformation!!!! it suddenly became quieter AND warmer.

but as I say, that is a comparison between series hard and rag tops!!

I like the idea of making a open cab out of a discovery. I'd do it like a truck cab/pickup, then a rag top for the odd bit of summer rain! but it would be fraught with structural issues!

[thermidorthelobster]

Personally, I'd say try it and see what happens - it won't cost you that much if it turns out to be a total dog's breakfast.

I'm interested to see what the verdict is on MOT / SVA etc.  I don't see why it would need an SVA if you're taking the roof off - you're not changing anything that affects the points system.