Bellows front panel stiffener

[Frankyworthy]

Hi All
I’ve read a few threads about this but nothing in recent times. And this appears to be a fairly common issue. The stiffener stitched into the front panel is designed to draw in the fabric when closing to avoid it snagging. However, the design flaw is that this stiffener can snag on itself and snap with a dramatic bang.

Thoughts?
From reading posts, do we now have a definitive work around using industrial materials to unstitch and replace this item in two parts?
Is it actually worth the effort of replacing?
Is it just a case of holding the stiffener whether broken or not when closing the roof as well as tapping the other rear corners inwards with the awning crank?

Any current experience or position in this would be very welcome.

Thanks

 

[dspuk]

On a 6.1 it’s a non issue. On a T5, no idea.

 

[SusiBus]

I had this break on aT5. Just made sure to pull it in by hand. It was no major problem.

 

[Frankyworthy]

On a 6.1 it’s a non issue. On a T5, no idea.

Thanks. You might have to explain please?

 

[Perfectos]

Thanks. You might have to explain please?

I think they revere to the front opening bellows.
Now supplied by VW as the standard