Convertible Top Backlite - Installation

INSTALLATION






CAUTION: Do not operate the vehicle within 24 hours of backlite installation. It takes at least 24 hours for urethane adhesive to cure.

CAUTION: Open the left front door glass before installing the rear window to avoid pressurizing the passenger compartment if a door is slammed before the urethane bonding is fully cured. This may result in potential water leaks.

1. If reusing the original backlite, remove all butyl and tape from the perimeter and clean using 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner or equivalent.
2. Start the end of the butyl rope at a lower corner of the backlite, fit the butyl rope inside the channel all the way around the glass so there no breaks or seams in the butyl anywhere else in the glass frame.
3. Install a second butyle rope inside the other along the bottom of the glass.
4. Add a square patch to each of the upper corners.

NOTE: To ease installation, two guide pins can be gabricated using M5 20mm (or longer) bolts. Cut the head of the bolt off being careful not to damage the threads. Thread these pins in the center top and bottom of the backlite frame to ensure proper alignment.

CAUTION: Be sure hands are clean for reassembly.

5. Install the glass into the top. Guide the locating pins (4) through the holes in the panel (two long removable pins, if fabricated, and three short fixed pins in the glass frame).
6. Start at least two bolts (1) on the top and bottom of the glass frame and draw the frame in, by hand, compressing the butyl.
7. Place the top in the vertical position. Convertible Top - Description.
8. Start the remaining bolts around the perimeter and hand tighten.
9. Remove the two fabricated guide pins, if used.
10. Install the remaining bolts around the perimeter and hand tighten.
11. Tighten bolts in two more stages working from the center top and center bottom toward the sides. Alternate areas to ensure consistent pressure around the glass. Tighten to 6 N-m (53 in. lbs.). Torque the bolts only one time or the top, where the window mounts, may collapse.




12. Connect the electrical connectors to the backlite glass.
13. Install the mid/rear panel headliner. Convertible Top Headliner - Installation.