Convertible Top - Cover Bulging/Lifting From Frame
No.: TSB-98-42A-006DATE: September, 1998
MODEL: 1998 Eclipse Spyder
SUBJECT:
CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER BULGING OR LIFTING FROM # 2 OR # 3 BOWS
PURPOSE
This bulletin contains repair procedures for correcting a condition where the convertible top cover lifts away from the topstack frame at the # 2 or # 3 bows.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Symptom
Some 1998 model year Eclipse Spyders may exhibit a condition where the top cover material bulges or lifts away from the crossbow top supports. This usually occurs when the vehicle is operating at highway speeds, and more so when the windows are in the closed position. The condition can also be seen when closing the door with the window up. The top material should not lift or pop up away from the top support bows when the doors are pushed closed.
Cause
This lifting of the top cover material happens because the top cover listing strips are only partially attached or not attached at all to the # 2 or # 3 top support bows.
Remedy
Inspect the top cover to determine if the listing strips are properly attached. If not, pull back the headliner and attach the listing strips then reset the headliner.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
1998 Eclipse Spyder
PROCEDURE
Inspection
1. Open the top to the half-open position.
2. Accessing the top cover from the side, between the top cover and headliner, place your hand between the top cover and the # 2 and # 3 bows to verify whether the listing strips are attached.
3. If the listing strips are not attached, proceed with the following steps.
Repair
NOTE:
Refer to TSB-98-42A-003 (Electric Convertible Top Supplement) for complete information about listing strip installation.
1. Remove the two headliner screws at the # 1 bow.
2. Disconnect the dual lock attaching the headliner to the # 1 bow then fold the headliner back so you can access the # 2 and # 3 bow.
3. With a forked trim tool, pull the headliner plastic extrusion clips off the # 2 and # 3 bows.
4. Close and latch the top assembly.
5. Attach the listing strip by wrapping it around the # 2 and/or # 3 bow. Use a roller to make sure the listing strips adhere securely to the bows. The existing adhesive on the bow should be sufficient, however if the listing strip does not adhere securely to the bow, proceed with step 6. If the listing strip is fastened securely with the existing adhesive, skip to step 7.
NOTE:
Refer to TSB-98-42A-003 for more information.
6. If after completing step 5, the listing strips are not securely fastened to the bow(s), peel the listing strip away from the bow, apply a 3/4 inch piece of double- sided adhesive tape (3M tape number 969, 3/4 inch wide, 5 mil thickness) over all the existing adhesive, then attach the listing strip as instructed in step 5.
7. Cycle the top back to the half-open position.
8. Reinstall the plastic headliner extrusions to the # 2 and # 3 bows.
9. Reinstall the headliner screws to the # 1 bow and reattach the dual lock. Use a roller to make sure the dual lock is securely fastened.
10. Inspect the top cover for puckers and/or pinched conditions. If one of these conditions appear, repeat steps 1 through 9.
PARTS INFORMATION
If Required:
3M Adhesive Transfer Tape, No.969 (3/4 inch wide, 5 mil thickness, 18 yard roll)
Available from:
Midwest Paper Specialties
Attn. Gordy Coleman
2121 Fort Street
Detroit, MI 48216
(313)962-2121
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Top Cover Listing Strip Attachment
Nature Code: 86Z Cause Code: 410
Labor Operation No. 42386000 Time Allowance: 0.2 hr.
Warranty Coverage: 36 months/36,000 miles.
Special Warranty Information: Normal warranty procedures apply.