Top Question - Re: Fabric Outside the Frame

[Doug&Julie]

I'm sorry I don't have a better photo, but...the car below has part of its top outside the plastic frame (around the "B pillar"). Looks like it should tuck in easily but, of course, I couldn't (although I just tried with my fingers). It's this way on both sides. Is this a conditioning issue or a bigger issue? Can it easily be "put right"?

FYI it's a car for sale, not mine. (..but I might consider it as it's otherwise pretty clean.)



Thanks!

[Don Z.]

Doug,
I asked a question about this a few months ago, as I was having the same problem. At first, we thought the top was not adjusted properly, but what I've learned since then is that it's a combination of a couple of things:

1. If you have the top "almost all the way up" (about 6 inches from closed), you'll be able to see two velcro tabs that hold the top to the top supports. These need to be as tight as possible.

Also, when the top is not "all the way up", you can reach in and notice that there are elastic tabs that keep the top "back" as the roof cycles. Sometimes, these tabs get "overstretched", and they are not doing their job anymore. Of course, their job is to pull the roof behind the plastic frame.

Fix? Well, I tried to shorten the elastic by sewing a bight together, but that only works sometimes. What does work (and it's not convenient) is to stop the roof about six to eight inches before the latch, get out, tuck in the roof by hand, then complete the closing cycle.

Here's the link to my previous post:
Convertible Top Adjustment

and here's a photo, that I think matches yours

[Doug&Julie]

Thanks, that makes sense. If I go back for the car, I'll have to check it out.

Cheers!

[messex]

My car has the same issue. I actually, currently, do what the previous post suggested. I stop the 'closing' at about 6 inches, and I just reach over to the right, feel around, and 'push it in' so that it closes inside the frame. Gotten pretty good at it, however, I want to find a fix. I have a 'one-button close' mod that I want to do, but have held off mainly because of this issue.

Related to this, when I was at BRBS 2010, I met Maurice, who is a convertible top expert. He was helping me 'lubricate' the parts on the top for a smoother closing. While working with him, we found a 'piece of fabric' that was actually the piece that is usually sewn into the top and holds it 'together' to help guide it. He showed me on the left side where it went, and sure enough, it was missing on the right side. So, I kept the piece - just haven't sewn it in yet. I am hoping, if I do that correctly, it will fix my issue.

Not much help, but thought I would share. If I get it done, and it does help, I'll try to post pictures so you can see what I'm talking about.

Mark