FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Convertible Top Adjustments

When a convertible top component is aligned to proper fit and finish specifications, weatherstrips and seals will not always make proper contact. In these cases, the use of shims, spacers, caulking putty and foam adhesive backed tape will be required to gain proper seal compression. Align weatherstrip and seal channels or retainers so the contact surfaces are smooth and make full contact with mating surfaces. A paper strip, equal in size to a dollar bill, should be able to be drawn through the contact surfaces without tearing the paper. A reasonable amount of effort should be required to pull the paper through.

Bolt on body panels should be aligned to the weld on body components. The door should be aligned to the quarter panel, rocker panel and A-pillar. The gaps between panels should be as equal as possible. When the door is fitted properly, the door glass can be aligned to roof rail and A-pillar weatherstrips. After verifying the door and door glass alignment, the quarter glass can be aligned to the door glass and rear roof rail.