Convertible Top - Becomes Trapped When Raised
501-14XK8
DATE: 1O/97
Convertible Top - Headlining Retention - Modification
MODEL
1997 MY XK8 Convertible
VIN
001001-ON
Issue:
On some 1997 MY XK8 vehicles, the headlining can become trapped in the convertible top frame when raising the convertible top.
This bulletin describes a modification that will eliminate this issue.
The modification applies to only those vehicles that have the headlining secured to the frame by snap fasteners. The modification does not apply to the later type headlining retained by fir-tree fasteners.
Action:
In case of a customer complaint of the headlining becoming trapped on a 1997 MY XK8 convertible, refer to the following procedure.
MODIFYING HEADLINING RETENTION
The instructions are for one side of the headlining, (installed with press studs), repeat the operation on the opposite side.
Note:
The following operation can be performed with the convertible top in the lowered position.
1. Release the two snaps at the forward end of the convertible top side frame and then move the headlining aside to expose the frame.
2. Position a piece of masking tape, (sufficient to provide a mark for a hole center), on the frame at 190 mm., (dimension A, Illustration 1), from the center of the first snap.
3. Mark the proposed hole center, on the masking tape, at 190 mm., (dimension A, Illustration 1), and the same distance from the edge of the frame as the nearest snap.
Note:
Use either dividers or a compass, with the distance set at 190 mm. and the pivot point placed in the center of the base of the front snap to mark the hole.
4. Lightly punch the hole center, as marked on the tape.
5. Carefully drill a 5 mm. hole, in the frame, at the marked center.
6. Remove the masking tape from the frame, deburr the hole and clear up any drilling debris.
Note:
The 5 mm. hole will accept a fir-tree fastener that must first be inserted between the headlining layers to secure the convertible top lining in position and while being concealed.
7. Snap the headlining in place and then gently stretch the material into its installed condition.
8. With the material in this position and using a needle, probe through the material to locate the drilled hole, (Illustration 2).
Note:
When probing, insert the needle carefully to avoid breaking any of the threads.
9. After locating the drilled hole, hold the needle in position in the material and detach the snaps to release the headlining.
10. Observe where the needle exits from the material on the opposite side, mark the position, and then remove the needle.
11. Lightly mark the back side of the headlining with a small vertical line, indicated by the arrow in Illustration 2. The length of the line must equal the diameter of the head of the fir-tree fastener. The line will indicate where to cut a slot to allow the fir-tree fastener to be inserted between the headlining layers. This cut line must be far enough from the point at the center lines in Illustration 2, that the two cannot join to form a rip.
12. With a sharp, scalpel type blade, carefully lift the fabric at the marked line and cut upward along the line, taking care not to cut the layer below.
13. Insert an awl or other pointed and tapered tool into the slot and push the point out at the marked center, from the underside, to provide the hole for the stem of the fir-tree fastener.
Note:
Avoid breaking any of the fabric threads.
14. Carefully insert the fir-tree fastener through the slit in the fabric and then push the stem out through the hole.
15. Close the slot in the fabric and then push the fastener into the drilled hole in the frame to retain the headlining fabric in position.
16. Re-fasten the snaps.
17. Repeat the operation at the other side of the convertible top.
Parts Information:
DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER QTY
Fir tree fastener AGU 253O 2
Warranty Information: