Convertible Top - Side Rail Foam Seal Replacement Kit
No: TSB-98-42A-001DATE: March, 1998
MODEL: 1996-97 Eclipse Spyder
SUBJECT:
CONVERTIBLE TOP SIDE RAIL FOAM SEAL
REPLACEMENT KIT
PURPOSE
This bulletin has information about a new convertible top side rail seal kit available for the 1996-97 Eclipse Spyder convertible. This kit consists of four die-cut, adhesive-backed high-density foam seals and an instruction sheet for installation. These new seal pieces replace the original lower-density foam seals on the front and center side rails of the topstack assembly.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The foam seals on some vehicles may deteriorate (compress or peel off) causing poor appearance or water leaks under certain conditions. The new foam seals are die-cut formed seals which fit better and provide a better seal and appearance. These new foam seals are supplied in a kit for 1996-97 model year vehicles. 1998 model year Eclipse Spyders have the new die-cut foam seals installed during production.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
1996-97 Eclipse Spyder
PROCEDURE
Note:
Refer to the illustration for rail location explanation.
^ A-A: Section of the front rail just behind the front rail mounting screw.
^ A'-A': Section of front rail behind rear rail mounting screw.
^ B-B: Section of center rail just behind the front rail mounting screw.
^ B'-B': Section of center rail behind the rear rail mounting screw.
1. Unlatch and open the convertible top to the half-open position.
2. Using procedures in the service manual, remove the weatherstrips and retainers from the front and center rails on both sides of the vehicle. Make sure to use match-marks when removing the retainers for easy positioning during reinstallation.
3. Peel the old foam seals from the rails. With a clean cloth dampened with a solvent cleaner, remove any residual seal adhesive from the rails.
4. Make sure the surfaces where the new seal are to be installed are dirt, grease, and moisture free. Use a clean cloth and apply an adhesion promoter or primer for acrylic adhesives (3M N200J, Tite-R-Bond 2287, or equivalent) to the rail surfaces.
5. Peel off the protective backing from the new foam seal strip. Note the relationship of the grooves molded into the tape to their position on the rails as shown in the illustrations. The center groove should line up with the bottom of the rail.
6. Align one end of the rail seal to the rail. Then starting in the center of the rail, fold the back portion of the foam seal under the rail and press it firmly into place. Again starting in the center, fold the foam seal over the outside portion of the rail and press firmly into place.
Note:
When applying the foam to the front rail, tuck the foam under the topcover side retention cable and in between the front rail and bow No.1.
Note:
For proper compression between the front and center rail foam seals, make sure the foam seal extends 3 mm from the rear end of the front rail and 3 mm from the front end of the center rail. Trim any excess material to achieve this 3 mm requirement
7. Continue applying foam seals to the remaining rails.
8. Reinstall the weatherstrip retainers paying close attention to the match-marks and weatherstrip location and alignment.
9. Close the top. To confirm proper adhesion between the rails and the new seals so the seals do not detach, cycle the top several times.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Convertible Top Side Rail Foam Seal Replacement Kit Installation
Nature Code. 56Z Cause Code: 990
Labor Operation No. 42386700 Time Allowance: 1.0 hr.
Warranty Coverage: 36 months/36,000 miles.
Special Warranty In formation: Normal warranty procedures apply.