Convertible - Folding Top Does Not Latch Properly
Group Ref.: BodyBulletin No.: 311509
Date: November, 1993
SUBJECT:
FOLDING TOP DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY
(REPLACE TOP STRIKERS, ADD REINFORCEMENTS)
MODELS:
1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANTES
Condition:
Some owners may experience a condition where the folding top does not latch properly at the windshield header resulting in wind noise or water leaks.
Cause:
Insufficient retention of the striker to the latch roller and/or bent alignment pin not allowing the folding top to latch properly.
Correction:
Replace the folding top strikers on the windshield header and add alignment pin reinforcements at the motor mounting bracket. Replace the alignment pins if bent. Part numbers are listed.
Service Procedures:
Reference 1993 Service Information Manual, Section 10-9.
Add Pin Reinforcements Remove/Disconnect (Refer to Figure 1):
1. Open folding top.
2. Header motor trim covers.
3. Header motors. To aid reassembly and adjustment, scribe position of the motor mounting plate onto the bracket prior to removal.
4. Striker alignment pins. Discard if pins are bent.
5. Motor mounting brackets.
6. Grind edge of welded nut (for strike - pin) flush with end of bracket in area shown in Figure 2, Section A-A. Remove any weld flash/splatter on top surface of bracket.
Replace/Connect (Refer to Figure 2):
1. Motor mounting brackets. Loose install with screw (a) only.
2. Holding the bracket in alignment with the remaining mounting holes, use a razor knife to make a small slice (approximately 1/2 inch long) through the headliner just rear of the striker pin nut (which was ground in Step 6, above). Use the bracket edge as a guide.
3. Reinforcements. Slide leg of reinforcement into slot in headliner and hook into soft top header.
4. Assemble reinforcement to bracket with alignment pin, replacing pin with new if necessary.
5. Remaining bracket screws (b, c). Tighten three bracket screws.
6. Header motors to brackets. Align the mounting plate with the scribe marks on the bracket.
NOTE:
With the reinforcements in position, screw (b) may interfere with the motor mounting plate. If this occurs, mark the plate and grind or file the mounting plate only enough to provide clearance to the screw head.
New Strikers Remove/Disconnect:
1. Upper header molding (screws along top).
2. Sunshades, center cover, and sunshade retainer.
3. Interior header garnish molding. Remove one screw at center. Gently peel vinyl from header and pull molding to release retainers.
4. Latch strikers.
Replace/Connect:
1. Latch strikers with new parts; finger tighten.
2. Adjust strikers for proper operation.
Striker Adjustment:
When properly positioned, the latch roller on the folding top motor should be centered in the opening of the latch striker. The roller will travel to the end of the striker channel when in latched position. The centering pin should move freely in and out of its striker when properly adjusted.
3. Tighten striker fasteners.
4. Interior header garnish molding and center screw. Pull vinyl tight and re-glue to header. Apply additional trim adhesive if necessary.
5. Sunshades, center cover, and sunshade retainer.
6. Upper header molding.
7. Motor trim covers to soft top.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
For vehicles repaired under warranty use Labor Operation T6763 at 1.0 hour "Front latch striker and pin reinforcement - Replace".