I know this reply is a month on from yours, but if you still have the problem maybe I could help.
My company is BAS International and we specialise in Cabriolet Hood manufacture and fault diagnoisis. We have just finished the delelopment of our Crossfire hood and need a car to put a new hood on to check the pattern. We would be willing to fit a free hood in return for us using your car for this, while we have it in we could also sort out the problem with the operation.

If any other Crossfire Roadster owner in the UK is interested in a new soft top in any colour for free in return for us using your car for the final pattern tweeking then please contact us. You can check out our Website at www.bas-international.com .

Rob
BAS International.