Convertible Top Fabric, Removing

Convertible Top Fabric, Removing







Component description

NOTE: This component description is useful for the sections describing removal and installation.

1 - Bow 1
2 - Bow 2
3 - Bow 3
4 - Bow 4
5 - Tensioning strut
6 - Tension strap
7 - Main bearing
8 - Main link
9 - Roof link - 2 -
10 - Roof link - 1 -
11 - Front roof rail







Fig. 1 Assembly device for Roadster convertible top

- Place convertible top in assembly device without engaging tensioning cable.
- The tensioning cable is only required if the convertible top fabric is being installed because it holds the convertible top in a precise position.
- This position is necessary to ensure that the fabric maintains a specific tension with the convertible top closed.

NOTE: Convertible top removed







- Fold handle - 1 - up as shown and remove socket-head bolt using a hex wrench - 2 - (wrench size in mm = 4).







- Using an auxiliary tool (e.g. welding rod), slide socket-head bolt - 2 - slightly out of handle - 1 - in direction of arrow.
- Remove handle.







- Pry face plate - 1 - from housing button using a screwdriver.

CAUTION: Danger of breakage, retaining pins on inner side of faceplate are secured with super glue.







Fig. 2 Face plate retaining pins

- When installing face plate - 1 -, retaining pins must also be secured using super glue.







- Remove bolts from inner side of face plate - 1 -.







- Remove bolts (arrows) from side and on front face.
- Side bolts are located under seal - 2 -.
- Remove cover - 1 - upward over rotating handle.







- Remove bolts (arrow) (7x) from retaining strip - 1 - for mechanical connection to cowl panel.







- Also remove the bolts (arrow) from retaining strip - 1 -.
- Remove retaining strip - 1 -.







- Remove Phillips-head screws (arrows) at both retaining strips (3x each).







- Remove retaining strips - 1 - at left and right.







- Remove Phillips-head screws (arrows) at front edge of convertible top fabric (11x).

NOTE: For ease of removal, warm up areas that have been glued using a hot air gun.







- Remove tensioning strap - 1 - glued to side of front roof rail.
- Tensioning cable nipple - 2 -.

CAUTION:
There are adjustment spacers between the convertible top frame and the retaining tracks for lateral adjustment of the seal retaining tracks.

Note the number and thickness of the adjustment spacers before removing retaining tracks.

The same number and thickness of spacers must be used during installation of the retaining tracks.







- Bring convertible top into halfway opened position and remove the uppermost bolt (top arrow) for securing the retaining tracks.
- Remove spacers - 2 - and note the number and thickness.
- Close convertible top.
- Unscrew the remaining two bolts (center and lower arrow) for securing the retaining tracks and remove together with seal.
- Remove spacers and note the number and thickness.







- Drill out pop rivets (arrows, 2x on each side) for securing convertible top fabric at B-pillar.
- Reinforcement for convertible top fabric - 1 -.







- Pull seal - 1 - from retaining tracks in direction of arrow.
- Unscrew retaining track - 3 - along with seal.







- Seal - 2 - (item 3) does not need to be removed for removal of the convertible top fabric.
- Unscrew bolts for securing bow casings from bows - 1 - and - 2 - (2x each).
- Remove bow casings from bows - 1 - and - 2 -.
- Pull off sleeve that is glued to front roof rail (double sided adhesive).







- Remove tensioning strap - 1 - using pliers at top of bow - 2 -.







- Bend up tensioning cable eyelets at left and right and disengage tensioning cable - 1 -.







- Pull tensioning cable - 2 - toward rear out of canvas sleeve.







- Remove rubber strap at left and right roof links - 2 -.







- Drill heads (arrows) off pop-rivets and remove tensioning strut striker - 1 -.
- Disconnect wires for rear window defroster at left and right.







- Open channel for wire - 1 - at convertible top fabric and let wiring hang down.
- Remove bolts (7x each) at retaining strips (2x) for tensioning strut.
- Pull convertible top fabric downward off tensioning strut (double sided adhesive).
- Place edge of cover up on bow - 3 -.
- Pull convertible top connection point at front roof rail slightly forward, fold convertible top fabric toward rear.
- Remove convertible top fabric completely, together with rear window, from convertible top frame.