Repairing Chris Slix’s TEMU McLaren – A Roof Restoration on a Supercar Rebuild
CarHoods Northern Collaborates with Automotive YouTuber Chris Slik to Restore a Crashed McLaren
In May 2025, we had the pleasure of assisting YouTuber and automotive content creator Chris Slix with a truly unique project — restoring the his TEMU McLaren, a supercar he’s been rebuilding from crash damage and showcasing on his YouTube channel.
Chris has built a following for his detailed rebuild videos, and this McLaren has quickly become a fan favourite. While the bodywork and mechanicals were well underway, the complex folding roof system needed expert attention — and that’s where CarHoods Northern Ltd. came in.
A Supercar Reborn: The TEMU McLaren Build
The TEMU McLaren project has been one of Chris’s most ambitious builds to date. From smashed panels and crash structure repairs to a full respray in a stunning, head-turning colour, he’s brought the car back to life piece by piece.
The build earned the nickname “TEMU McLaren” because Chris sourced many of the body panels, body kits, and upgrades from the Chinese online marketplace TEMU — showing viewers how it’s possible to rebuild a supercar on a budget without compromising on visual impact.
But while the cosmetic side was coming together nicely, the convertible roof presented more serious challenges.
Diagnosing and Repairing the McLaren’s Roof Faults
We came into contact with Chris after he hit a bit of a wall trying to get the convertible roof operating again. He had ran into several major faults with the McLaren’s complex convertible roof system, including:
This last issue was particularly severe, as a failed hydraulic unit can not only disable the roof system entirely, but also pose a fire risk. To help Chris keep the project moving, we very kindly supplied him with a replacement hydraulic unit, allowing the car to be safely repaired and brought back to full working order.
On-Site Expertise, Start to Finish
Instead of transporting the car to our Cheshire HQ, we took our mobile expertise directly to Chris’s workshop, where he films and rebuilds all of his YouTube content. We carried out diagnostics, mechanical realignment, system calibration, and supplied him with the hydraulic unit replacement for him to install at a later date.
With manufacturer-grade tools and decades of hands-on knowledge, we brought the McLaren’s roof back to life — fully aligned, calibrated, and functioning just like it should.
A Stunning Finish to a Top-Tier Build
Chris has done a tremendous job rebuilding this McLaren. From the colour choice to the fit and finish, the car looks absolutely incredible. With the roof now fully operational thanks to the repairs and hydraulic replacement, the car is a true example of what can be achieved with vision, skill, and the right support.
It was a pleasure to work with Chris and his team on such a standout project — and we’re proud to have helped get this stunning supercar fully functional once again.
Watch the Full Episode
Chris captured our visit and the repair process in one of his latest YouTube videos.
Click here to watch the video on Chris Slik’s YouTube Channel
Why Supercar Builders Trust CarHoods Northern
Whether it’s a McLaren, Aston Martin, Porsche, or Bentley, our team at CarHoods Northern is trusted across the UK for:
Working on a convertible rebuild or facing roof system issues?
Contact CarHoods Northern Ltd — the UK’s No.1 name in convertible roof repairs.
Behind the Scenes with The Late Brake Show & the Bargain Porsche Boxster
CarHoods Northern Teams Up with Jonny Smith for a Special Convertible Roof Episode
In January 2024, we were excited to welcome the team from The Late Brake Show, hosted by renowned motoring journalist and TV presenter Jonny Smith, into our Cheshire-based workshop. As part of his popular Bargain Porsche series, Jonny brought in his newly purchased Porsche Boxster 986 — a fantastic car, but one with some serious issues hiding beneath the surface, particularly with the convertible roof.
Diagnosing the Bargain Boxster’s Roof Problems
Jonny’s Boxster might have been a steal in terms of price, but it came with a range of faults that are all too common on early Porsche 986 models. Once the car arrived at CarHoods Northern Ltd., our team got to work diagnosing a series of roof-related issues — from snapped tension cables and misaligned frame components to a damaged drainage system, which is especially critical on the Boxster platform.
Blocked or damaged drainage channels can lead to water ingress and even cause electrical faults in the roof control system. These issues are often overlooked but can have serious consequences if not resolved properly.
Footage Lost, But the Expertise Remained
Jonny filmed the entire visit to our workshop, capturing the full process and our commentary — but unfortunately, the SD card containing the repair footage became corrupted, making it unusable for the final video.
While disappointing, we knew how valuable this content was to convertible owners and Porsche fans — so we didn’t stop there.
Same Car, Same Faults, Second Chance
Just days after hearing that the footage was gone, another Porsche Boxster came through our doors with the exact same convertible roof issues. We filmed the full repair process from scratch, capturing every critical step and repair insight. We then sent the footage over to The Late Brake Show team, who edited it into the episode so Jonny’s viewers could still see exactly what goes into repairing a faulty 986 roof system.
🎥 Watch the Repair Segment
You can now watch the final edited video featuring the full roof repair breakdown.
Click here to watch the episode on The Late Brake Show YouTube Channel
Why Porsche Owners Trust CarHoods Northern
Whether it’s a Boxster, 911 Cabriolet, or any other convertible, our reputation across the UK is built on:
📞 Got a Porsche Boxster 986 or another convertible with roof issues?
Contact CarHoods Northern Ltd. today — the UK’s leading specialists in convertible roof systems.
Meet Our Fleet – Supporting Convertible Roof Repairs Across the UK
Reliable, Professional & Ready to Respond – Discover the Vehicles Behind Our Service
At CarHoods Northern Ltd., we’re proud to be known as the UK’s No.1 specialists in convertible roof repairs and replacements. But what many people don’t see is the reliable fleet behind the scenes that helps us deliver our nationwide service efficiently and professionally — whether we’re visiting your home, a body shop, or recovering your vehicle to our dedicated workshop in Cheshire.
In this post, we’d like to introduce you to the trusted fleet that powers our business — designed for performance, reliability, and the specialist nature of our work.
Peugeot & Citroën 3.5-Ton Lightweight Recovery Trucks by AKFS
When it comes to transporting convertible vehicles — especially high-value or heavier models — every detail matters. That’s why we use 3.5-ton recovery trucks built by AKFS, a leading name in lightweight aluminium recovery body design.
AKFS recovery bodies are the lightest aluminium builds available in the UK, which gives us the maximum possible payload without sacrificing structural integrity, safety or breaking the law. This is particularly important for heavier convertible vehicles, allowing us to recover cars efficiently, safely, and legally — without overloading.
On top of our specialist equipment, we’ve also made sure that our insurance cover meets the highest standards. We’ve crossed every ‘T’ and dotted every ‘I’ to ensure that your vehicle is fully protected during recovery, no matter the value. We’re insured to carry high-value and prestige vehicles, giving our customers complete peace of mind throughout the recovery and transport process.
Whether we’re recovering a classic Jaguar or a brand-new Aston Martin, you can trust that your vehicle is in safe, professional hands — both mechanically and legally.
Each recovery truck in our fleet is fully equipped and maintained to the highest standard, ensuring peace of mind whether we’re collecting your vehicle from home, a roadside, or a repair centre.
Ford Transit Connect – Our Mobile Repair Unit
Alongside our recovery trucks, we also operate a Ford Transit Connect – the compact but powerful workhorse of our mobile repair service. This vehicle is fully equipped to carry out on-site convertible roof repairs, whether at a customer’s home or on location at insurance-approved body shops across the UK.
Our mobile allows us to deliver fast, efficient service without needing to bring the vehicle to our Cheshire HQ.
A Fleet That Reflects Our Professional Standards
At CarHoods Northern, we don’t just take pride in our workmanship — we also take pride in how we present ourselves. Our fleet is kept in top-notch condition, always clean, regularly serviced, and visually branded to reflect our professionalism. We invest in new or late-model vehicles to ensure reliability, reduce environmental impact, and demonstrate the high standards our customers have come to expect from us.
When you see a CarHoods Northern vehicle arrive, you know your car is in expert hands.
Why Our Fleet Matters
Take a look below at some images of our current fleet in action — from roadside recoveries to mobile roof repairs.
If you spot one of our vans or trucks on the road, give us a wave — we’re likely off to save another convertible roof somewhere in the UK!
This Aston Martin DB11 came to our shop with a Roof that had been ruined by DIY Dye Job – Thousands Spent Fixing a Simple Mistake
Convertible Roof Care Tips from CarHoods Northern – the UK’s No.1 Convertible Roof Specialists
We recently had a stunning Aston Martin DB11 arrive at our workshop in sorry state, after its convertible roof had been permanently damaged by a home dye job gone wrong.
The owner, trying to freshen up the appearance of their soft top, had a well known off the shelf roof dye product applied buy a professional car detailer. While their intentions were good, the result was anything but. The dye reacted poorly (like always) with the factory roof material, leaving unsightly fold lines throughout the fabric. Worse still, the surface of the roof felt like sandpaper to the touch — completely ruining the tactile quality and luxury aesthetic of this iconic vehicle.
Why You Should Never Dye a Convertible Roof Yourself
Convertible roofs are made from specialist materials designed to withstand harsh weather, UV exposure, and mechanical folding. Applying non-approved products — particularly dyes and cleaners — can cause irreversible damage. In this Aston Martin DB11’s case, what began as a small cosmetic touch-up led to a full roof replacement.
Not only did the appearance suffer, but the resale value and overall enjoyment of the car took a hit — and it cost thousands of pounds to put right.
Professional Roof Repairs for Luxury Vehicles
At CarHoods Northern Ltd, we’ve been working with convertible roofs since 1992. Whether it’s a classic Jaguar, modern Porsche, or high-end Aston Martin, we know how to treat roof materials properly — and we only use products recommended by manufacturers or tested by our team.
From colour restoration and weatherproofing to full roof replacements, our workshop in Cheshire is trusted nationwide by insurance companies, dealerships, and car enthusiasts alike. Our nationwide mobile fitting service also means we can come to you — no matter where you are in the UK.
Expert Advice: How to Maintain a Convertible Roof
To avoid costly mistakes like the one seen on this Aston Martin DB11, we always recommend the following:
Damaged Roof? We Can Help
Whether you own a high-end convertible like an Aston Martin DB11 or a classic soft top that’s seen better days, we’re here to help. At CarHoods Northern, we provide expert repairs, restorations, and replacements using high-quality materials and factory-approved techniques.
📞 Get a quote today or speak to our team for advice on how to keep your convertible looking showroom fresh.
Take a look through the images below to see the dramatic before-and-after transformation of this Aston Martin DB11 following its full roof replacement. The results speak for themselves.
