Getting car back to perfect. Still need a wind deflector. On eBay they are about $200 for one with a broken tab $400 for new. I have never seen one in person. They all say that they work fine without the tab. What is the red tab for and can anyone confirm whether it matters?

 

The red "tabs" act as handles and locks that let you slide the spring loaded locating pins & lock them away from the escutcheons that hold the front of the wind block against/near the seatbacks, while you are mounting the wind block.
As long as the pins are still captured in the wind block and have spring pressure you could use it.
It will be awkward mounting it. You will have to push the pins in with your fingers while you slide the tabs in above the rear seat belts and line up the center support pin.

 

NOT MINE!!! $250 shipped, no issues: eBay item number:261746985069

 

You can barely see the red tabs in this pic (from an ad for a new one) They give purchase to slide the pins back. Then you twist them into a notch to lock them back while you mount the unit.

 

I see them on Craigslist often;

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...850124942.html

 

Can't find that one on eBay. Looking for cover/bag also. Can the red tab be replaced?

 

seller is mbstartech1

 

Nice. They sold the car without it.

 

I have a wind deflector w/ red tabs in place but small hole in mesh behind passenger seat from hook on back rubbing up against it. Otherwise in very good condition. There is no bag as my Cab has holder in front of spare tire cover. $150. + shipping. If interested pm me.

 

How do you fold it back into the flat position? Is there a release button? I am hesitant to force it back.

 

^^^ Great question. The last owner forced a fold and actually broke the frame. I have not been able to fold it either. Is there a trick?

 

when i bought my 2000 cab it came with a wind deflector with a broken red tab
It is kind of a pain to put it on and take it off with the tab missing - i would advise you to hold out for one that is not damaged

 

There is no trick, it just flexes in the middle around the simple hinge. As it happens, my frame broke and I'm trying various kinds of glue to put back together. I may try spraying some WD-40 in the hinge afterwards for easier folding in the future.

 

It just folds in the middle. I would definitely get one with the Red tabs. Its hard enough as it is to avoid scratching the leather around the mount point. Also, once the windscreen is in, the screen can fold down from vertical to horizontal position - great feature as visibility out the back is impaired with the screen in the vertical position.

 

The red tabs are easily repairable. There is a factory repair kit. I did this on my wind deflector a few years ago.

I think the part numbers are
996 561 955 00 (left)
996 561 956 00 (right)