The definitive guide on how to dismount/mount the top hood on Mini-El?

[zaprodk]

Hi. Looking in the workshop manual it isn't really shown how the top is mounted/dismounted on the Mini-El - the action of doing it without damaging anything.

The few times I had to remove the top it's always quite a fight to get the foam-frame in the hood to clear the bottom two corners of the black instrument panel plastic. There must be a better way to do it painlessly and without the chance of extra scratches. What do you do?

The video on Youtube showing the City-El being assembled in the DE factory makes it look very easy - it's not that easy for me.

Any tips are very welcome.

Image attached for reference (not my vehicle)!


Regards,
Per.

 

[Sascha Meyer]

Hi Per,
you can´t do it on your own. There have to be at least two persons when removing the top. One has to hold and fix the top whilst another is loosen the screws and otherwise. It is quite a mess if i remember me right.
Please explain your issues in more detail..

Mange Hilsen fra Tyskland, Sascha

 

[zaprodk]

Hi Per,
you can't do it on your own. There have to be at least two persons when removing the top.

Of course you need to be two persons. Maybe i didn't make that clear that we were at least 2 persons. Alone the weight of the hood makes it impossible to move it alone.

 

[bastelgarage]

I have a battle miniel lying around right now and took a look at the hood for you. (do not be irritated I have opened the hood from the front, the holders are unscrewed).
The pictures are so I can show you where the screws are, I have never done it myself but it should help you.

 

[Enno]

Hy Per,
right, those are the important 6 screws. Loosen the black caps at the front with a euro coin - the actual screws are behind them. Also important: when the gas pressure lifters are unclipped, relieve the hood with a wooden pole to set it up. Loosen all screws evenly, otherwise there may be material stresses in the hood.
Same as when assembling,
greetings
Enno

 

[zaprodk]

Craft Garage & Enno: I do know how to take off the top and I have done it a few times on my El's

Also the Mini-El does not have the mount in the middle of the front frame, only the two front plastic nuts and the 4 in the sides of the dash.

What is giving me problem is the plastic corners of the dash getting in the way. I will try to support the frame halfway open next time to see if it eases the process.