Pop top scissor bolts snapped & will not rise - Page 2

kallen · 08-01-2011, 10:29 AM

About 60 pounds. When I first installed it I thought about adjusting the chain but lifting the pop top was still easy, so much so that even my 5'2" 100 pound girlfriend could do it so I nixed the idea and left well enough alone.

I can't stress enough how the plastic slider that had come loose was jammed between the bolt, roller and steel housing. I'm sure that was the cause because it took some serious effort to dislodge it. I'll attach a picture later of the mangled slider.

That being said, I believe the HDPE is another good preemptive idea. My front slider area took some abuse during this whole imbroglio so if I have to get in there I may go ahead and do it. Actually, the bolts holding the slider just turn w/o coming out so I'm not sure I can get it off and at this point, I'm anxious to get it back to 100% so I can enjoy this summer.

rockbender · 08-01-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kallen

Actually, the bolts holding the slider just turn w/o coming out so I'm not sure I can get it off and at this point, I'm anxious to get it back to 100% so I can enjoy this summer.

You'll have to get on the roof to hold the nuts - they are under the little plastic caps.

kallen · 08-01-2011, 10:49 AM

Good to know! Now that you mention it I do recall the caps.

Curious though, thinking about the chain tensioning mechanism. Why do you suppose SMB didn't just use a simple turn-buckle mechanism?

jage · 08-01-2011, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kallen

Curious though, thinking about the chain tensioning mechanism. Why do you suppose SMB didn't just use a simple turn-buckle mechanism?

Strength would be my guess.

**BroncoHauler** · 08-01-2011, 12:57 PM

As you undertake this "adventure" snapping some pics would go a long way towards helping others with this same repair, should the need arise.

Herb

ANZAC · 08-01-2011, 04:11 PM

Umm, what if the bolts snapped while someone was sleeping up there?

Is replacing them ahead of time (and checking for issues with the slide) do-able? Or something you only want to do when they fail (which sounds harder...)

joey2cool · 08-01-2011, 04:57 PM

ANZAC has a good question. I see that the hardward is tucked beneath cloth covering that is not set up for disassembly (i.e., no quick snaps for pulling material back to inspect things). I'm also having a tough time visualizing the slider and each component since I can't see what's underneath the cloth covering. More photos please (time permitting of course)...

woodbee · 08-01-2011, 05:13 PM

joey2cool,

I have had mine uncovered several times. The material has philips screws holding it in place and can be removed quite quick and the workings can be covered back up quite quick also. No problem.

Woody

LenS · 08-01-2011, 05:43 PM

when you get time to post PLEASE include close ups of the failed bolts.

Seems like I remember from a previous post that someone replaced the bolts with the next size larger for more strength??

bluedog225 · 08-01-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ANZAC

Umm, what if the bolts snapped while someone was sleeping up there?

Is replacing them ahead of time (and checking for issues with the slide) do-able? Or something you only want to do when they fail (which sounds harder...)

I think that's a valid concern. The way the thing is set up, if you have two supports, one on each side, at the middle, the top can't fall on you. The canvas keeps each end up. Or you can go with 4 supports, one in each corner. That big top coming down during a storm might get a little uncomfortable...

When working with the mechanism, be careful with the big spring. It can hurt you.