Folding Top Front Panel Replacement

Folding Top Front Panel Replacement

Removal Procedure




1. Manually open the folding top as shown in the illustration. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation (Folding Top Manual Operation).
The distance (A) from the windshield header to the leading edge of the folding top panel is 400 mm (15.75 in).
2. Place a protective covering over the interior of the vehicle and the adjacent body panels.
3. Remove the headliner. Refer to Folding Top Headlining Trim Panel Replacement (Service and Repair).
4. Remove the latch. Refer to Folding Top Front Latch Replacement (Folding Top Front Latch Replacement).




5. Remove the retainers holding the hydraulic cylinder hoses and the electrical wires to the folding top panel.
6. Using a grease pencil, mark the location of the bolts to the link on the folding top panel.
7. With the aid of an assistant, remove the bolts (1) from the folding top panel (2). Remove the folding top panel.
8. Note the number and the location of any shims (3) that may be present.

Disassembly Procedure

1. Remove the location pins. Refer to Folding Top Front Locating Pin Guide Replacement (Folding Top Front Locating Pin Guide Replacement).
2. Remove the weatherstrips. Refer to Folding Top Side Front Weatherstrip Replacement (Folding Top Side Front Weatherstrip Replacement).
3. Remove the weatherstrip restraints. Refer to Folding Top Side Front Weatherstrip Retainer Replacement (Folding Top Side Front Weatherstrip Retainer Replacement).

Assembly Procedure

1. Install the weatherstrip retainers. Refer to Folding Top Side Front Weatherstrip Retainer Replacement (Folding Top Side Front Weatherstrip Retainer Replacement).
2. Install the weatherstrips. Refer to Folding Top Side Front Weatherstrip Replacement (Folding Top Side Front Weatherstrip Replacement).
3. Install the location pins. Refer to Folding Top Front Locating Pin Guide Replacement (Folding Top Front Locating Pin Guide Replacement).

Installation Procedure




1. With the aid of an assistant, position the folding top panel (2) to the vehicle.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

2. Apply LOCTITE(TM) Blue, GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to the bolts.
3. Install the folding top panel bolts (1). Do NOT tighten.
4. Install the same shims (3) in the original locations.
5. Align the folding top panel bolts to the grease marks on the link and tighten to 18 Nm (13 lb ft).
6. Install the retainers holding the hydraulic cylinder hoses and the electrical wires to the folding top panel.
7. Install the latch. Refer to Folding Top Front Latch Replacement (Folding Top Front Latch Replacement).
8. Manually close the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation (Folding Top Manual Operation).
9. Verify that the folding top panel is properly aligned. Refer to Folding Top Clearance Gap Specifications (Folding Top Clearance Gap Specifications).
10. Adjust the folding top panel if necessary. Refer to Folding Top Front Panel Adjustment (Folding Top Front Panel Adjustment).
11. Remove the protective covering.
12. Cycle the folding top under power through one complete cycle in both directions.
13. Inspect the folding top for proper operation. Refer to Power Folding Top Description and Operation (Power Folding Top Description and Operation).
14. Install the headliner. Refer to Folding Top Headlining Trim Panel Replacement (Service and Repair).