Replacing roof canvas/bellows

Padraic · Jul 20, 2017

Hi all, I received my new roof canvas this morning from Gunzl, it looks good.
I'm hoping to fit it tomorrow and I've been reading the previous posts here about fitting it, which have been very helpful.
However, the new canvas on the rear inside, has four loose strings. See attached photos.
What do I do with these, do they tuck in to the fittings that hold the canvas in place?
I've sent an email to Gunzl to query them, just waiting on a reply.

Padraic · Jul 21, 2017

Got a reply this morning from Gunzl, the extra string is to allow for movement and stretching while fitting and then has the be trimmed when finished fitting.

2into1 · Jul 21, 2017

If they are not doing any harm, it might be worth leaving them loose on the inside..... In case you need to remove and re-do at some stage.

Padraic · Jul 21, 2017

Yea it might've no harm at all if there is room to tuck them away.

Padraic · Jul 21, 2017

So I've made a start this evening, got the old canvas removed fairly easy. Made a start one fitting the top of the new one.
Fitted the top front of the new one first and worked my way down the sides. The top rear is very tight so I may loosen the aluminum trim on the sides and get the rear in place first. Hate this fiddly work, but tomorrow is supposed to be dry so I should get it finished and head away for the night.

CannonDale · Jul 21, 2017

Padraic said:
So I've made a start this evening, got the old canvas removed fairly easy. Made a start one fitting the top of the new one.
Fitted the top front of the new one first and worked my way down the sides. The top rear is very tight so I may loosen the aluminum trim on the sides and get the rear in place first. Hate this fiddly work, but tomorrow is supposed to be dry so I should get it finished and head away for the night.

Take plenty of pictures to post on here and good luck.

Padraic · Jul 22, 2017

Right got this job done, didn't enjoy it at all. Would have preferred to have to take the gearbox out!!!!!
Will do a quick write up about it and post a few pics next week.
But it's done and I'm away for the night in it so happy days.

CannonDale · Jul 22, 2017

Padraic said:
Right got this job done, didn't enjoy it at all. Would have preferred to have to take the gearbox out!!!!!
Will do a quick write up about it and post a few pics next week.
But it's done and I'm away for the night in it so happy days.

Well done

Max-Felix · Jul 22, 2017

Great job, look forward to the "how to".

Beachbum140 · Sep 3, 2021

I am currently looking at replacing the canvas on our 2008 T5 roof tent. I came across a video on this once before but now cannot find it. Anyone have a link for a DIY bellows replacement video?