Convertible top - fabric not closing properly
#1
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See Pictures. I have not yet investigated, but hoped I would get some quick leads from the experts. ![typing](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/yltype.gif)
Thank you in advance for any contributions you provide to my troubleshooting and repair.
Aron
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Thank you in advance for any contributions you provide to my troubleshooting and repair.
Aron
#2
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Tension cable is stretched out I bet. This is built into the top and attaches via a screw mounting at the back. Not sure if it is adjustable, I think a new top is the only real cure. On mine I was able to push it back in to the window frame with a screwdriver but it eventually pops back out. ![Frown](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
I plan to order a new top at some point.
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I plan to order a new top at some point.
#3
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I had the same similar issue about a month ago on my very new cab top.
I was told that it was out of adjustment and to take it to the dealer and they could adjust for about $100.00.
What they found was this bungee like cross cable had come apart in the center of the car. The cable goes from approximately the top of one rear window to the top of the other. It uses a circular wire ring in the center between both windows to attach both ends of the cable. In my case one end had slipped out of the ring. They reattached it and I have not has a problem since
I was told that it was out of adjustment and to take it to the dealer and they could adjust for about $100.00.
What they found was this bungee like cross cable had come apart in the center of the car. The cable goes from approximately the top of one rear window to the top of the other. It uses a circular wire ring in the center between both windows to attach both ends of the cable. In my case one end had slipped out of the ring. They reattached it and I have not has a problem since
#4
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I had the same similar issue about a month ago on my very new cab top.
I was told that it was out of adjustment and to take it to the dealer and they could adjust for about $100.00.
What they found was this bungee like cross cable had come apart in the center of the car. The cable goes from approximately the top of one rear window to the top of the other. It uses a circular wire ring in the center between both windows to attach both ends of the cable. In my case one end had slipped out of the ring. They reattached it and I have not has a problem since
I was told that it was out of adjustment and to take it to the dealer and they could adjust for about $100.00.
What they found was this bungee like cross cable had come apart in the center of the car. The cable goes from approximately the top of one rear window to the top of the other. It uses a circular wire ring in the center between both windows to attach both ends of the cable. In my case one end had slipped out of the ring. They reattached it and I have not has a problem since
Also check the side tensioning cable(s).
Put the top in the service position (~1/2 way open). a Then check the cable that runs along the edge by popping the cable off of the ball and pulling on the cable to see if it is still attached. They can pull out of the eyelet in the front or break and lose tension. This is repairable. take it to an auto upholstery shop.
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Thanks for the excellent advice! I have not yet had a chance to do the legwork, but surely these are the mechanical issues involved. I'm sure i can solve the problem with these tips.
#6
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Take the top 1/2 way up -- you should be able to troubleshoot easily from that perspective. I had a the exact issue last year and it was just a cable that "strayed" a bit. Pushed it back in place (10 seconds) and haven't had a problem since. Hope your fix is as easy as mine.
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As Peter and others have stated, my problem is the spring loaded strap under the headliner. I have the proper thread and needle and am trying to motivate to actually do the work.
Thank you all for your help, A-
Thank you all for your help, A-
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The needle simply has to be strong enough to go through the thicker canvas material. Specifically, a needle that is shaped like a half circle is ideal (vs straight needle), but not required. Regarding the string, it's probably a synthetic material (vs cotton like a standard sewing set) so that it can withstand weathering and time. I went to a local car upholstery shop and asked them for 5-6' of black string for the job and he just gave me a tiny roll (and the needle).
Good luck.
Good luck.
#12
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Rob, put your roof into service position (halfway up/down). Reach in under the roof material and feel around. On at least one side, you will feel the strap. It usually breaks fro one side. Simply fish it back to the other side and stitch is back on. If you look close, you will likely see where it was originally stitched on.
#13
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I had a loose cable on the driver's side that created a small gap in the cover where it meets the frame.
Someone at the dealer told me I'd have to replace the entire roof -- wtf? Not true.
Local auto upholstery shop (recommended by the same person) immediately diagnosed it as a loose cable. He also told me that elongated/broken cables can be easily replaced.
Someone at the dealer told me I'd have to replace the entire roof -- wtf? Not true.
Local auto upholstery shop (recommended by the same person) immediately diagnosed it as a loose cable. He also told me that elongated/broken cables can be easily replaced.
Last edited by sgt1372; 03-08-2020 at 05:09 PM.
#14
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I actually just dropped off my car at Riggs Brothers to have a new top fitted to my car because my top was doing this same thing.
Well, it’s kinda true. Yes, there cables that go across the roof sideways can be adjusted, but the cables that run along the front to back, well, those are adjustable in limited fashion at the front by the windshield, but not so much at the back. So if those cables are stretched out, I’ve been told, they cannot easily be fixed or replaced, as they are sewn into the top. You can adjust and see if it helps, but at some point - normally 5-10 years after the new top is installed, another new top will be needed because they just don’t last that long. The canvas does, but the cable system design doesn’t.
Well, it’s kinda true. Yes, there cables that go across the roof sideways can be adjusted, but the cables that run along the front to back, well, those are adjustable in limited fashion at the front by the windshield, but not so much at the back. So if those cables are stretched out, I’ve been told, they cannot easily be fixed or replaced, as they are sewn into the top. You can adjust and see if it helps, but at some point - normally 5-10 years after the new top is installed, another new top will be needed because they just don’t last that long. The canvas does, but the cable system design doesn’t.