Engine access cover - How to remove(with Hoops)

Clive's excellent How to shows how to get to the engine, if you have the standard TBar and crossmember with the speaker box.

If you have most types of Hoops fitted it is usual that the original crossmember and speaker box is replaced.
This actually makes engine access easier.

Unzip the plastic window and ease the top out of the hood.

Roll it back to give access to the 5 clips that hold the rear hood bar. Release the clips.




You can now hinge the rear bar up and forwards, laying the window on to the top of the soft top.

Remove the carpet.

Exposing the sound deadening layer.

Remove the sound deadening layer to reveal the access cover.

Because the speaker box is absent, Access to the 3x 10mm bolts under the crossmember is possible with a 1/4 drive socket or a ratchet spanner.

Remove the rest of the 11x 10mm securing bolts and lift the access cover off. You will need to manouevre the edge of the cover past the clips.

I think mine has been off since I got the car a few months ago . Anyone drive around with it permanently removed .
So much messing to do .why not . Too hot?

Heat is but 1 reason, there is potential for fumes causing problems, engine bay aiirflow may be adversely affected, little to protect the occupants from boiling coolant in the vent of a cooling system failure or fire in the case of a fuel line failure and loss of body rigidity (you'd be surprised how much difference a flimsy bit of tin can make when properly secured)