Convertible Top - Abnormal Wear At 1/4 Glass
NO.: TSB-96-42A-019DATE: October, 1996
MODEL: 1996-97 Eclipse Spyder
SUBJECT:
TOP COVER WEAR AT REAR QUARTER GLASS BELT LINE MOULDING
PURPOSE
This bulletin contains procedures to repair a condition where the top cover contacts the belt line moulding.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The top cover on some vehicles may touch the belt line moulding near the back edge of the rear quarter glass. After many cycles of raising and lowering the convertible top, this contact can wear through the top cover material requiring top cover replacement. The distance between the top cover and the belt line moulding should be 5 to 8mm. If the distance is less, the rear rail of the topstack can be twisted slightly inward to move the top cover material away from the moulding.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
1996 Eclipse Spyder Convertible (All)
1997 Eclipse Spyder Convertible (built before 8/20/96)
PROCEDURE
1. Inspect the top cover edge at the rear of the quarter glass on both sides of the vehicle. If the top cover material is worn through, replace the top cover. (If top cover replacement is required, refer to TSB-96-42A-O18 for additional information.) If the top cover material is not damaged, proceed with the following steps.
NOTE: Be sure to inspect the clearance as described, after installing a new top cover to prevent damage to the new top cover material.
2. Check the distance between the belt line moulding and the top cover material just behind the seam in the top cover at the rear of the quarter window. The clearance should be between 5 and 8 mm. If the clearance is less than 5 mm, proceed with the following steps.
3. Roll down the door glass and rear quarter window glass.
4. At about 30 mm above the belt line moulding, grip the front edge of the rear topstack rail with duck billed pliers.
CAUTION: Make sure the ends of the pliers are protected so the top cover is not damaged.
5. Monitoring the distance between the top cover material and the belt line moulding, lightly twist the rear rail inward until the distance is 5 to 6 mm.
NOTE: The rail can also be moved inward by lightly tapping the rear rail inward with a nylon head mallet while monitoring the distance between the moulding and the top cover material.
CAUTION: Be very careful when bending the topstack rear rail. The rail bends very easily. Do not bend the rear rail more than 7 mm or the aluminum rail may crack.
6. After moving the rear rail to get the proper clearance between the top cover and the belt line moulding, check the operation of the rear quarter windows. Make sure each window glass is correctly aligned in its guide channel. Check that the each window operates smoothly without binding. If the glass does not fit into the channel properly or if the window does not open and close smoothly, readjust the glass according.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Convertible Top Cover/Belt Line Moulding Clearance Adjustment
Nature Code: 47Z Cause Code: 450
Labor Operation No. 42386200 Time Allowance: 0.2 hr.
Warranty Coverage: 36 months/36,000 miles.
Special Warranty Information: Normal warranty procedures apply.