Snapped one of the roof locking handles on my Clipper

A word of warning to mk1 cabriolet owners - go easy on you roof locking handles.

Last week I had left my roof open until ~23:30 and went to close it - it was autumn-chilly after a hot day and very difficult to get the front roof lugs/pegs to locate onto the top of the windscreen. Seems like the roof was less pliable due to the cold.

After a few minutes of cursing I ended up using excessive force on the handle to get it shut. The following day I released the handle and it didn't 'thunk' back as it usually does. Closer inspection revealed a half cracked handle:




Easy to swap out but £90 for an eBay replacement stung a bit Moral: treat your handles with respect!

 

Yes I've also broken 2 handles in 20 years so now I push down on the roof from outside while carefully working the handle.
Don't want to break another one as they are so expensive…

Keep them greased, and if your top doesn't almost latch you may need to adjust it.  The Eccentrics are a good place to start as they will cause the top to be too high, it needs to be so that the top lowers sufficiently to almost cradle the latch, but you have to have it clear the B-Pillar seal it is a Ballet of adjusting.  As if the frame rubs too hard you can cut or wear out the b-pillar seal.