Pistachio has a new hood

[Dalek]

Drove down to Jack Smiths in Swansea to get the new roof fitted. Great drive down in glorious weather. Dropped car of at 10. His place is literally a 5 minute walk from the beach, so we walked along the shore to the marina area where there are a few restaurants (sat in the sun and had an amazing all day breakfast admiring the boats!) and a great museum. He was done by 2pm, which gave us plenty of time to drive down to the The Mumbles.
All in all a really good day out.
Roof is a good tight fit and is not a lot different looking than the original. The main difference being that the window is sewn in. The window on my old roof had been cloudy from the day I obtained the car so to actually be able to see through it has made a massive difference, especially when reversing. The finishing of the work I think is very good, and at £330 all in it is really good value.
All in all, I am more than happy, but I suppose the real test will be to see what happens when it rains! I will keep you posted.
One thing, take some ear defenders. He does like to chat.

 

[t-tony]

Looks very nice Paul. When you count in a nice day too the price is even better!

Tony.

 

[g8jka]

One thing, take some ear defenders. He does like to chat.

And swear

Does a great job though.

 

[How 29]

looks good

 

[hard top]

Very smart and a great price, cost you double that to get it done over here.
Did you get a zip in rear window?
They are sewn in over here, I am not a fan to be honest as I was told if your window goes that will cost you a new roof !

 

[mrscalex]

Well it’s great to hear the weather was good. Swansea is amazing in the sun with the beach & marina.

He does like to chat but he’s Welsh and they’re all like that One of the reasons I like Swansea better than Swindon though. The people are so much nicer.

Yes it’s sewn in @hard top but at £330 to replace the whole lot again when the window goes it’s hardly any more than most places charge for window alone.

 

[Dalek]

Very smart and a great price, cost you double that to get it done over here.
Did you get a zip in rear window?
They are sewn in over here, I am not a fan to be honest as I was told if your window goes that will cost you a new roof !

It is sewn in, but to be honest, at £330 I am happy even if it only lasts a few years.

 

[hard top]

I am happy even if it only lasts a few years.

Yep, good point

 

[t-tony]

With care there's no good reason it shouldn't last as long or nearly as long as the original, which didn't do too bad.

Tony.

 

[Grumps]

Bargain! Several has used this guy now and strongly suspect more will follow. As said at that price IF the window fails I've time you could replace the lot at the price.

 

[handsomejackuk]

mines been on the car 4 years and still looks good... depends how well you take care of the rear window and roof too I suppose.. and mine is garaged all year round so that helps to keep the roof in good condition. my roof cost £280 when the previous owner had it done so he has gone up a bit, but still cheap for a new roof... if i get the mot passed on the 2.8 i will be investing in a new roof too.... roof looks real good @Dalek glad you pleased with it..

 

[Dalek]

And swear

Does a great job though.

I think that might have been the previous owner. He did not swear, but boy can he talk!!

 

[mrscalex]

Anyone thinking of going to Jack Smiths be quick with booking in even if you don't want it done for a couple of months.

As the better weather comes he gets seriously busy and you could be waiting 3 months to see him.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Great job at a bargain price, no wonder you're pleased

 

[Stevo7682]

Looking good

 

[bessieblue]

yep , i need to do this , Bessie needs a new roof but it needs to be lined.

 

[Dalek]

yep , i need to do this , Bessie needs a new roof but it needs to be lined.

He used the existing lining in mine.

 

[Mint]

yep , i need to do this , Bessie needs a new roof but it needs to be lined.

He used the existing lining in mine.

Yep, used my existing liner too

 

[mrscalex]

More so than using the existing liner, it isn't touched at all during the installation.

For avoidance of doubt, as I know some people ask this, when most of us talk about 'having their roof done' it means the outer covering only. The frame (and headlining) are untouched.

An added bonus of this job is that the lower roof frame is re-bonded to the rear bulkhead sealing strip which has the potential to cure leaks and prevent future leaks. However bear in mind this is a) done from a gun and not the factory butyl strips b) to the best of my knowledge the sealing strip to rear bulkhead is not re-sealed and that can also be a source of leaks. There is a sandwhich of rear bulkhead / sealing strip / lower roof frame.

Also be aware he is no longer sewing in vent pockets due to potential to leak. Although if you asked at the time of booking I expect he could still do this for you.

 

[Shelly]

Looks very posh , and so cheap as well