#1

Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Mon May 31, 2021 5:23 pm
by Aaron Calder | 3.834 Posts

As it was so hot today I decided to ventilate the van so I raised the roof and then tried to open the three triangular vents in the canvas.

All three were seized solid (I've never known that happen before) so I sprayed the zip travellers (?) liberally with silicone lube and left them to soak for a while.

Half an hour later and after much heaving and straining during which I felt sure something would break, I managed to free them. The technique I found worked best involved pulling on the tab while pushing it downwards with the other hand. Eventually, and with some reluctance, all six zips started to move.

I have treated the zip teeth with silicone and closed and opened each one half a dozen times to spread the lubricant. All are now working as usual.

If your van has not been used for a while (ours was last used last September) it might be a good idea to check that your zips haven't seized rather than find them impossible to open next time you go touring.


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2003 Triton 420 and Audi A4 2.0Tfsi S-line SE Cabriolet


Last edited Mon May 31, 2021 5:24 pm | Scroll up

#2

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Mon May 31, 2021 5:53 pm
by Julie Grafo | 3.564 Posts

Good call. We’ve just been away, ours opened ok but it reminded me that the mesh in all 3 is torn and needs replacing, so I closed them quickly. Anyone any suggestions as to where to find this very fine mesh and how to attach it? I’m not a very handy person.


Julie & Neil. 2008 530GT pushing Honda CR-V 1.6 iDTEC SE+
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#3

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Tue Jun 01, 2021 6:14 am
by Frantone | 112 Posts
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#4

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:29 am
by Islay Corbel (deleted)
avatar

Ours is attached with fine velcro so you could get the same type of mesh and velcro that you cut to fit from any fabri shop at a fraction of the cost of a specialist shop. Take one of your mesh curtains with you to show them.


Betty, 1998 Triton 430 and Colin, a Renault Mégane.
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#5

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:40 am
by Steamdrivenandy | 1.054 Posts

I notice from his website that Matts Softops appears to use Velcro rather than zips. Mind you converting a zip version the Velcro looks to be an awkward job or mean replacing the whole canvas
.


I had nothing to do on this hot afternoon
But to settle down and write you a line


Last edited Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:41 am | Scroll up

#6

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Wed Jun 02, 2021 11:12 am
by Julie Grafo | 3.564 Posts

Our zips are fine, it’s just the mesh triangles. Our PuckL had a mesh curtain that went round the whole inside of the canvas but this one has external mesh in three places. I’m not at all handy but think I can manage Velcro.


Julie & Neil. 2008 530GT pushing Honda CR-V 1.6 iDTEC SE+
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#7

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Wed Jun 02, 2021 2:27 pm
by Frantone | 112 Posts

I bought mesh triangles from Matts Soft Tops which had Velcro edges.
It’s the inner pop top fabric triangles that were zipped.



Last edited Wed Jun 02, 2021 2:28 pm | Scroll up

#8

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Wed Jun 02, 2021 2:34 pm
by Julie Grafo | 3.564 Posts

Do the mesh triangles differ in size Tony? Can I just order 3 or do I need to measure them?


Julie & Neil. 2008 530GT pushing Honda CR-V 1.6 iDTEC SE+
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#9

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Wed Jun 02, 2021 2:55 pm
by Randa france | 13.287 Posts

Here's part of a Facebook conversation regarding your question Julie:-

Carol Bee
https://matts-soft-tops.co.uk/
I got a replacement from this guy - about £15 incl postage
Matts Soft Tops – Making and Supplying Top Quality 2CV Hoods and Accessories Since 1996
MATTS-SOFT-TOPS.CO.UK

·
Fran Corrie
Author

Carol Bee does he have the templates ? Or did you have to send them ?
· Reply ·
Carol Bee
Fran Corrie no he didn’t have a template. I just measured it by taking off the one on the other side and took some pics of it for him. He puts the Velcro on as well. Worth giving him a call and he will explain what he needs. Good luck
Randa


ERIBAFOLK POP UP EVERYWHERE 1999 Eriba Troll 530 pushing a VW Touran 2L TDi Match


Last edited Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:55 pm | Scroll up

#10

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Fri Jun 04, 2021 12:43 pm
by Randa france | 13.287 Posts

Nick Shaw, one of our Facebook members has dressed his vents with this cotton fabric.

Nick Shaw.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Randa


ERIBAFOLK POP UP EVERYWHERE 1999 Eriba Troll 530 pushing a VW Touran 2L TDi Match
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#11

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Sat Jun 05, 2021 7:37 am
by Islay Corbel (deleted)
avatar

Is your mesh actually in the triangle flap that opens? Ours is separate so my "help" was rubbish! Ours is a long piece of mesh stuck on the canvas by velcro. Our zippy flaps that unzip are solid canvas.


Betty, 1998 Triton 430 and Colin, a Renault Mégane.
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#12

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:50 am
by Aaron Calder | 3.834 Posts

That's the same as ours, Islay.


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2003 Triton 420 and Audi A4 2.0Tfsi S-line SE Cabriolet
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#13

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Fri Jun 11, 2021 2:54 pm
by Rickys Rav | 74 Posts

TIP - We rub an old candle up and down the open zips to lubricate them before tucking "Morrison" up for the winter.


Troll 540GT pulled by Volvo XC60 D3 R-design AWD
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#14

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Fri Jun 11, 2021 3:05 pm
by Williebraveheart | 351 Posts

Rubbing a lead pencil up and down the zip works a treat.

Stewart


2019 Troll 535GT Fixed Bed. Mercedes GLA 220d 4Matic
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#15

RE: Stuck vent flap zips

in Anything Eriba-related Fri Oct 29, 2021 11:20 pm
by Steve and Debbie | 1.110 Posts

Just watched an old (2013) episode of Wheeler Dealers.

They used Matt's Soft Tops at Snail Farm to make a new roof for a 1958 2CV

Steve.


Puck 120 GT - Nissan Pulsar 1.5DCi


Last edited Fri Oct 29, 2021 11:21 pm | Scroll up


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