Up To 09/2000
Convertible Top Cover > 09.00, Replacing
Removing
- Disconnect harness connector from rear window heater and pull out cable from rear window seal.
- Push out rear window.
- Loosen convertible top cover all around from rear window frame by prying out steel clips.
- Unclip convertible top headliner - 1 - at left/right in rear corner areas.
- Pull off seal - 1 - from front roof frame.
- Unbolt retaining rail - 2 - (Torx T20 ).
- Pry out clips - 3 -.
- Remove retaining strip/weather seal - 1 -.
- Pull off convertible top cover (bonded) from weather seal.
- Remove rivet - 1 - for tension cable anchor (drill off rivet head and drive rivet shaft out of convertible top frame using a drift).
NOTE: On some vehicles, tensioning cable anchor rivet - 1 - has been replaced by an "S" shaped hook that locks into convertible top frame.
- Pull off seal - 1 - from rear roof frame.
- Unbolt retaining rail - 2 - (Torx T20 ).
- Pry out clips - 3 -.
- Remove rivet - 4 - (drill off rivet head and drive rivet shaft out of convertible top frame using a drift).
- Pull off convertible top cover (bonded) from roof frame at rear.
- Pull tension cable - 2 - out of convertible top cover - 1 -.
- Remove rivet - 3 - (drill off rivet head and drive rivet shaft out of convertible top frame using a drift).
- Cut convertible top cover all around in area of edges (for better disassembly).
NOTE: Tension strap and convertible top headliner must not be damaged during cutting.
- Remove clips for rear package shelf carpet ( Pry lever V.A.G 80-200 ).
- Remove combination bolts - 1 - (Qty 12) and remove convertible top mounting channel - 2 -.
Sealing band between convertible top mounting channel - 2 - and chassis can lead to light sticking of convertible top mounting channel.
- Remove rivets - 1 - from convertible top mounting channel - 2 - (drill off rivet head and drive rivet shaft out of convertible top mounting channel using a drift).
Securing plates - 3 - for transportation protection can be discarded for assembly.
NOTE: Securing plates can be either black or white in color
- Remove convertible top cover strips - 1 - from convertible top mounting channel - 2 -.
Installing
- Bolt on convertible top mounting channel - 1 - with Fitting bracket V. A. G 1887 - 2 -to chassis.
NOTE: Fitting bracket V.A.G 1887 - 2 - should be located at sides of vehicle near edge of convertible top mounting channel in order to reduce risk of damage to paint surface of vehicle.
- Pull convertible top cover - 1 - into convertible top mounting channel - 2 - (to pull in, use lubricant, e.g. silicone lubricant spray D 007 000 A2).
- Align center marking/convertible top cover - 1 - (welding point) with center marking/convertible top mounting channel - 2 - (hole in convertible top mounting channel).
- Secure water deflector - 1 - with rivets - 2 - to convertible top mounting channel - 3 -.
- Remove Fitting bracket V.A.G 1887 .
- Bolt convertible top mounting channel to chassis.
- Press in tension cable - 1 - at left/right into side guide - 2 -
- Pull in tension cable - 1 - at left/right using Soft top cable guide JC4200 - 2 -.
- Rivet tension cable or secure tension cable "S" hook firmly in forward area - 1 -.
- Insert convertible top cover - 1 - to roof edge, align and bond using two-sided tape.
- Install retaining strip/weather seal.
- Bond front seal - 1 - to roof frame using two-sided tape.
- Install rivet - 4 -, insert clips - 3 -, bolt on retaining rail - 2 - and install seal - 1 - onto retaining rail.
NOTE: Two-sided tape is used as an adhesive on retaining rail - 2 -.
- Align rear window frame parallel to corner bow.
- Clamp wooden block - 1 - (approx. 70 mm x 20 mm, length approx. 460 mm) between rear window frame - 2 - and corner bow - 3 -.
- Close convertible top.
NOTE: Convertible top cover must lie against rear window frame around perimeter.
- Secure convertible top cover (first in radius - arrows - ) to rear window frame using steel clips (8 mm, rust resistant). Perform check measurements between rear window frame and cross-seam of convertible top fabric.
NOTE: Do not cut convertible top cover before stapling to rear window frame.
- Cut convertible top cover flush along window flange - arrows -
- Install rear window and also seal off all around using D 469 101 A3.
NOTE: Any wrinkles formed can be eliminated by heating convertible top cover using a hot air gun.