Convertible Top Inquiry

[Skip]

Very recently I have noted this Velcro tab hanging down from the right side of my convertible top just above the rear window. Also, there is a slight bit of the black band at the top of the glass showing below the opening for the window that does not show on other retros Birds I have seen. Anyone experienced this and know what the issue is? I have checked the shop manual but it does not address this specifically plus the illustrations are not very clear. Please see photo #1. The black band is also showing on the left side of the glass but not the Velcro tab. And the top is tight against the glass. See photo #2. I have tried pushing the Velcro tab up under the top, but it will not lay flat and leaves a bulge. I am wondering also if this would be an ESP issue or if I need to take it to a convertible top installer. Thanks for your input.

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[CVCashmere]

Re: Convertible Top Inquiry

Skip

I have a similar problem with the black strip sticking out from the right side. I would also like to know what it is and how to fix it.

Thanks

CVCashmere

[jssantoro]

Re: Convertible Top Inquiry

What you are seeing is the actual top , which is the waterproof part, underneath the cloth cover. The cloth covers shrink, especially if sitting in the sun all the time, like mine. It will get worse, then again mine has never been in a garage since new. Doesn't hurt anything this except the look. Only fix is a new top. This is what mine looked like before I changed it. Took few years to get to this point from where you are now.You can also see where the window started to delaminate from the vinyl. The cloth itself still looked good though after 15 years.

[Skip]

Re: Convertible Top Inquiry

Jim:

This is essentially what a convertible top installer told me. The top is shrinking. But my car has not been outside for extended periods except TBN events, club conventions and meets, etc. He told me it is not a problem as it stands now and top would not need to be replaced until it starts leaking. That is not an issue right now. I have not had the hardtop on for a long time. I think this winter might be a good opportunity to let the fabric top "rest".

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[jssantoro]

Re: Convertible Top Inquiry

I was surprised mine lasted so long since it's been outside all its life. All I ever did was put UV protectant on it twice a year.Mine went for years like this before I needed to change it. It will just get worse once it starts. If it's a daily driver like mine get a complete top assembly with the frame from a boneyard, I paid $700 for mine, and just bolt it on. Our tops, like Mustangs, can be unbolted from the car. Procedure is in the shop manual. bunch of bolts, unhook the hydraulic cyls etc.Takes a few hours but pretty easy and cheap compared to paying a trimmer $1700 or so to replace the top only. Most of these cars have no mileage and the tops are like new.

[Skip]

Re: Convertible Top Inquiry

I was surprised mine lasted so long since it's been outside all its life. All I ever did was put UV protectant on it twice a year.Mine went for years like this before I needed to change it. It will just get worse once it starts. If it's a daily driver like mine get a complete top assembly with the frame from a boneyard, I paid $700 for mine, and just bolt it on. Our tops, like Mustangs, can be unbolted from the car. Procedure is in the shop manual. bunch of bolts, unhook the hydraulic cyls etc.Takes a few hours but pretty easy and cheap compared to paying a trimmer $1700 or so to replace the top only. Most of these cars have no mileage and the tops are like new.

True. I know of a few out there where the top has never been off of the car since new.

[Brad]

Re: Convertible Top Inquiry

What you are seeing is the actual top , which is the waterproof part, underneath the cloth cover. The cloth covers shrink, especially if sitting in the sun all the time, like mine. It will get worse, then again mine has never been in a garage since new. Doesn't hurt anything this except the look. Only fix is a new top. This is what mine looked like before I changed it. Took few years to get to this point from where you are now.You can also see where the window started to delaminate from the vinyl. The cloth itself still looked good though after 15 years.

For the top of the rear glass, is the glass glued to the waterproof part and then the waterproof part is glued to the cloth?

[Rondor]

Ok ,,, so what is the strap looking thing in the first pic?????