83 Cabriolet hood lid adjustment

[mhackney]

Hi all, my recently acquired 83 cab's engine lid doesn't quite fit properly - I think. With the top down and boot installed, the right corner of the lid rubs against the boot and the snap fitting. When closed, it seems to fit correctly with about a 4mm space all around. Maybe the corner sits just a hair low. So I loosened the 2 hinge bolts on each side and attempted to adjust according to threads I've read hear and the Bentley manual. I ended up putting 2 1.5mm shims on the right side. It now looks like this:



And just barely clears the snap now. You can see the snap it it about 10" to the left of the right edge. There is a little white "nick" on the lid edge where the paint has rubbed off.

Does anyone have any other suggestions before I seek professional help? Anyone with an 83 (or 84-89) cab have a similar problem?

cheers,
Michael

[vesnyder]

I have an '83 Cab and have never noticed any interference. Will take a look and let you know if I have any ideas - good luck!

[mhackney]

Thanks Vance. Why is your cab named The Matrix?

cheers,
Michael

[dfk911sc]

Michael,

Have the same problem and probably the same chip LOL! When I replaced my Cab boot (cover) I opted to go back to original Tenax fasteners, because of the clearance issue I kept the snaps for the two back ones. What I do is unsnap the back two, move the boot out of the way then open the engine shroud. Sort of a PITA, but it prevents paint chips.

[mhackney]

That's good to know Dan, thanks!

Michael

[mhackney]

Dan, wouldn't the Tenex fasteners stick up even more? I had those on my 62 Roadster and remember them as being like little knobs that stick up.

cheers,
Michael

[vesnyder]

I checked mine and the clearance is only a millimeter or two - on the passengers side. More on the drivers side. One thing you may consider is putting a piece of hard plastic in the seam and shut it and it may bend it slightly to clear it - but be careful!

The "Matrix" avatar for my Cab is because it is triple black and is my escape from reality - like the movie! But the 914 I have is enough reality for both cars - what a PIA! I've had it for almost 5 years and it has spent 3.5 of those on jack stands! (where it is at the moment)

[dfk911sc]

Originally Posted by mhackney

Dan, wouldn't the Tenex fasteners stick up even more? I had those on my 62 Roadster and remember them as being like little knobs that stick up.

cheers,
Michael

Michael,

Yes they do stick up more. That's why I kept the "button" snaps for the two on the rear. I have replaced all the side fasteners with Tenax (keeps the boot snapped at 100+), plus they are the OEM type of fastener. I don't think you can get them from Pelican, I got mine from Eagleday. Be prepared for sticker shock, if I remember correctly about $170 for bases and caps all around with 2ea for spares.

[robert walsh]

hi, not that this helps in anyway but my '83 cab does the exavt same thing on the exact same snap, tried to adjust but no luck, over the years just learned to be patient and carefull when openning the the with the boot affixed to the top. best of luck bob

[mhackney]

Thanks for the info Bob. Looks like that is what I'll need to do too.

cheers
Michael

[3.2 CAB]

Mine has the snaps at the very rear in the center. Every once in a while, when I open the engine lid, it is very close to rubbing on the boot at the middle area at the rear of the boot, when I go to open the lid, while raising it the first little bit, I look to see if it is going to clear the boot fabric alright, if it looks like it will touch it and make it roll up a little with the lifting of the hood, I just reach up and press down on the center of the fabric on the boot with one finger, and the lid will then clear when opened fully.
I don't know if I read it correctly, but you said you paid $170.00 for the handful of the Tenax type snap assemblies???? Or was it supposed to be $17.00 for them. I bought new ones from the dealer in New Orleans, and I think that they were about $6.00 each. If the $170.00 is correct, I need to start selling them.

[dfk911sc]

3.2 Cab,

$170.00 no misprint.

German (GHE) TENAX® Fastener - Black Chrome-Plated Brass
Original German TENAX fastener (Marked with "GHE" and N0. 33 on locking washer) for canvas covers and top boots on Porsches and other fine cars as well as maritime applications, camping gear, etc. Complete as shown with sheetmetal screw. Screw size is 4,2, thread length is 16mm (0.65 Inch). Made of black chrome-plated brass. Clamping capacity up to 1.8mm for sheetmetal and up to 2.5 for textile material. Metal or cloth aperture for button head is 10+1MM. This Tenax fastener because of its larger section is not compatible with the "Made-In England" Tenax pegs. The installation key is compatible. Price each.

TENAX-101$9.95 = 9.95x14 (two spares) = 139.30 + wrench 2.45 and express shipping.

http://www.eagleday.com/tefaforpo.html

At the time after checking several other souces they had the only stock available.

If you can beat the price it could be a limited but good venture.

[cab83_750]

Those fasteners were around $19.xx for each one from Rusnak in Westlake Village. I found a marine-version for around $3.xx/pc.

When mine was scraping, I was able to adjust the lid by inserting washers between the brackets and the lid.

[3.2 CAB]

I will have to buzz my friend Johan, and check what type of price he can get them for me. He lives in Stuttgart.