With practice it now takes me under 3 minutes to fold and under 10 to redeploy unless there are high winds or something unforeseen like cattle.
There are some tricks:
The TWO piece roof is much easier to redeploy compared to the FOUR/FIVE piece, the reason being that you of course don't have to meddle with the side windows that are annoyingly difficult to line up correctly in their guides. you simply slide the side windows over the metal brackets and use the velcro fasteners to secure them.
The trick to the FOUR/FIVE part roof's side windows, I find is that you need to zip the first two inches or so of the zipper, then insert the plastic guides at the bottom and front of the side windows, then zip the rest. The zippers can be kept sliding nice and smooth by spraying with silicone based lubricant (there's a few brands that will say to use on zippers including a Motomaster home brand that costs about 5$) regularly.
I NEVER, EVER completely remove the rear window, I unzip it but leave the zipper inserted, then fold the window down behind the rear seats. I also leave the rear corners clipped into place and simply fold the roof back. I actually roll the front part back and tuck it behind the seats over the window.
The trick to replacing the front part is to first wrap the ropes on either side to their respective plastic clips, and tie the buttons, make sure the rear corners are tucked into their guides. Don't pull the plastic clips to the sides, they're not made to hold any pressure that way, they need to pull back STRAIGHT.
Then you insert the front part into the folding metal bracket (the one that clips onto the windshield frame) and button it or clip it, depending on which system you have, some have buttons some have plastic hooks or clips.
Then as you close the front bracket it will tension the rear part of the roof and the buttons on either side of the dome light will be easy as pie to clip.
After which you reinstall the side windows as described above, zip up the rear window and you're done, I should have my wife film me doing it and put it on youtube.
It's an art.
The Vitara has a FIVE part roof where the front part doesn't have to be completely removed and the rear part is much easier to tension because of the frame design. However the side windows are still as difficult to reinstall and frankly, I've always found this type of roof (on the '99+ Vitaras) to be a bit too tight for my taste. When I zip the rear window it seems way too snug.
Another tip for the soft top;
If you rip a seam where the roof is sowed on, simply resow using Spiderwire fishing lead. It has to be the multi-stranded type of fishing lead, I use 50lbs test and THAT never ripped on me.
It won't dry up because:
My final tip for VINYL soft tops is to use plenty of Armor All on all exterior surfaces including the windows, it will keep the roof nice and flexible, prevent it from drying up or cracking in the sun and it will keep the windows clear. Just make sure it's clean before you apply it.
Enjoy!
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