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YOUR RESEARCHcabriolet issue on my 996 -99
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Replace top
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I replaced my top for $2000 and that covered installing the original OEM heated rear window into the new top.
Leading evidence: 'Replace top' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace top' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Just gave it a go and loosened, then tightened the torx screw holding down the cable on the bottom and it didn't lead to any change.
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Suggestion
B3freak...is that a case for replacing the trim/seal parts in that area or simply trying to get the corded edge of the top back into the seal/trim?
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Suggestion
Normally, it's just a matter of resetting the edge of the convertible top with the frame.
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Rennlist: 1 discussions
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B3freak...is that a case for replacing the trim/seal parts in that area or simply trying to get the corded edge of the top back into the seal/trim? The '99 I took for PPI last week was starting to do that a bit and my assumption was that it could probably be tucked back in...was my assumption (as usual) wrong?
I have a cabriolet and that middle section is known to pop out. Normally, it's just a matter of resetting the edge of the convertible top with the frame. There is a cable tensioner that may need adjustment, but this doesn't mean the convertible top needs to be replaced. A minor issue compared to the hydraulics on the convertible system.
Watch this video and closely examine the middle section as it opens.
You Tube
I had this issue when the rivet holding the tension cable snapped. This may help if that is the problem:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...f-996-cab.html
-Greg
I'm looking at a potential purchase of a 2002 C4 convertible. It has a couple issues with the top. Basically the same issue where the top pulls in and away from the seals. Also a lot of gap between the headliner and the top in that section where the middle piece of trim comes away from the top.
Both cables seem to be firmly attached. Possible that is simply stretching over time? just a little too stretched out?
Regarding the liner, I noted that there are some black fabric bands in that area that are broken...I am guessing they were elastic and held the head liner closer to the top at one time? Rest of the liner appears to be fine, except both sides in this same area where the center piece of side roof trim pulls away from the top.
Sorry for the crap pictures...i was having a devil of a time with exposure and focus in the bright outside light and the dark interior.
Wow, that's a lot of slack in the cable. Looks like it's drooping down several inches. That cable is supposed to be tight along the convertible frame channel. IMHO, the cable is either stretched and needs replacement or it's not attached properly.
If you're negotiating a fair price, I would try to get the price down to cover professional service on the top. If the convertible doesn't need replacement, you should budget around $1000 for complete service. I replaced my top for $2000 and that covered installing the original OEM heated rear window into the new top.
Sorry, that's a crappy picture...that's not the tension cable. That's a wiring harness in the roof!
The tension cables seem pretty tight...but are just loose enough that the fabric puckers with the roof closed and pulls away from the seals.
That pic shows the sag of the roof liner away from the roof in that area. Like I said, I think there are normally some elastic fabric bands that would hold all that stuff in place....they are either blown out or (one is) ripped. I don' think it is separation of the head liner form the roof as there is no glue in that area.
That is on the drivers side...which actually conforms to the molding better. The passenger side is a bit worse, but can be guided into the track in the molding when the roof is being closed. See pic
Mine had this issue - it was a nylon strap with a spring in the middle that keeps tension on both sides of the top when closing.
it was a very simple fix the strap has loops in the middle that holds the spring and the stitching had come undone. The strap is between the headliner and the top and runs from side to side right where the top is no longer seating inside the plastic frame.
Mine did the same. Put the roof into service position (half up) and feel in around both sides and you will find this strap going side to side. In my case on side had come unstitched, so I could only find the other. I simply got out a needle and thread and stitched it back on. Working perfect for past 2 yrs.
Hello, found this thread as I am having the same issue as the thread starter. The solution arrived at by other posters which seems to involve restitching of the spring tensioner seems to correspond to another problem later posted but probably not the initial photo. My issue which looks like the issue initially posted seems to be that there is TOO much tension pulling the fabric out of the trim, not that there is too much slack. Please see below
I can't post a pic because I've got the hardtop on (and it's raining and dark here anyway), but to fix my stretched cable until I replace it, I loosened the torx screw (i've seen a lot of references to a rivet, but if they're talking about the same thing mine is screw) at the back that holds the cable taut. Then I rotated the eyelet towards the back of the car to put more tension on the cable, and tightened in place. that was enough of a change in tension to fix the problem. It's been about a year and half without the edge of the roof popping out of line again.
Thanks for that idea. Just gave it a go and loosened, then tightened the torx screw holding down the cable on the bottom and it didn't lead to any change. I suppose it may be loose from the top screw underneath the trim, although I gotta say the cable doesn't seem to have much slack on it.
