Convertible Top Weatherstrip: Service and Repair

Replacing weatherstrips

Note! The illustrations in this service information are used for different model years and / or models. Some variation may occur. However, the essential information in the illustrations is always correct.


Note! Before starting work, see Preparations before work Preparations Before Work.



Note! When replacing all the weatherstrips, the center weatherstrip must be replaced first. Then replace the rear weatherstrip and finally the front weatherstrip.

This section contains methods for:
- replacing the weatherstrip for the front side window. See Replacing the weatherstrip for the front side window
- replacing center weatherstrip. See Replacing the center weatherstrip
- replacing the rear weatherstrip, C-post. See Replacing the rear weatherstrip, C-post
- replacing the inner weatherstrip for the cover. See Replacing the inner weatherstrip for the cover
- replacing the center weatherstrip for the cover. See Replacing the center weatherstrip for the cover
- replacing the outer weatherstrip for the cover. See Replacing the outer weatherstrip for the cover
- replacing the weatherstrip for the tensioner rib. See Replacing the tension bow weatherstrip.

Replacing the weatherstrip for the front side window

Removing the weatherstrip, front side window





Note! Mark up the weatherstrip at the front mounting before removing the front weatherstrip.

Set the convertible top to the position illustrated.




Fold up the edge of the outer roof textile above the front weatherstrip.

Remove:
- the cable with the mounting
- the 3 screws for the weatherstrip.

Note! Note the number of shims for the screws between the weatherstrip and the member.

Remove the 1 screw in the front cross member.
Replace the weatherstrip.

Installing the weatherstrip, front side window

Install:
- the weatherstrip so that it aligns with the other weatherstrips
- 1 screw in the front cross member. Tighten
- the 3 nuts for the weatherstrip. Tighten.

Note! Reinstall the correct number of shims for the nuts.

Install the cable and mounting.
Check that the window is sealed to the weatherstrip. See Side door front assembly, adjusting Side Door Front Assembly, Adjusting.

Replacing the center weatherstrip

Removing the center weatherstrip




Set the convertible top to the position illustrated.




Fold up the edge of the outer roof textile above the center weatherstrip
Slacken off the 3 nuts for the weatherstrip.

Note! Mark up the position of the nuts.

Note! Note the number of shims for the screws between the weatherstrip and the member.

Replace the weatherstrip.

Installing the center weatherstrip

Install:
- the weatherstrip so that it aligns with the other weatherstrips
- the 3 nuts for the weatherstrip.

Note! Reinstall the correct number of shims for the screws.

Install the cable and mounting.
Check that the window is sealed to the weatherstrip. See Side door front assembly, adjusting Side Door Front Assembly, Adjusting.

Replacing the rear weatherstrip, C-post

Removing the rear weatherstrip, C-post




Set the convertible top to the position illustrated.




Remove the 4 rivets for the weatherstrip. See Removing rivet .
Use a 6 mm drill bit.





Note! Be careful with the strip.

Hint: When drilling out the rivets, install a section of fuel hose on the upper part of the drill bit to prevent damage to the strip.

Note! Remove the rivet head. Vacuum up the swarf. If the swarf is left in place there may be rattling.

Replace the weatherstrip.

Installing the rear weatherstrip, C-post
Install the weatherstrip so that it aligns with the other weatherstrip on the rear side window.

Hint: Use 12 mm long rivets. Start with the upper rivet.

Note! Do not damage the metal carrier on the strip.

Check that the window is sealed to the weatherstrip. See Side door front assembly, adjusting Side Door Front Assembly, Adjusting.

Replacing the inner weatherstrip for the cover

Removing the inner weatherstrip for the cover




Set the convertible top to the position illustrated.
Remove trim strip.





Note! Pull the weatherstrip upwards. Ensure that the foil remains in place and does not rip.

Replace the weatherstrip.

Installing the inner weatherstrip for the cover

Note! Bond the foil if the strip comes away at the edge when it is drawn upwards. Ensure that there are no ridges in the foil.

Note! Do not pull the strip from front to rear when installing.

Reuse the weatherstrip if possible.
If necessary, clean the channel where the strip will be positioned.
Place a small bead of adhesive at the bottom of the channel. Ensure that there is no adhesive on any visible surfaces.
Press the strip into the channel. Use a weatherstrip tool if necessary.

Caution! The mating surface must be completely free of dirt and grease.

Caution! Both the weatherstrip and the car must be at room temperature.

Replacing the center weatherstrip for the cover

Removing the center weatherstrip for the cover




Remove the cover. See Replacing, adjusting and emergency opening of the cover Replacing, Adjusting and Emergency Opening of the Cover.
Remove the end protection on the weather strip and pull the strip upwards.
Replace the weatherstrip.

Installing the center weatherstrip for the cover

Note! Do not pull the strip from front to rear when installing.

Reuse the weatherstrip if possible.
Unscrew the painted protector on the outer cover. See Replacing, adjusting and emergency opening of the cover Replacing, Adjusting and Emergency Opening of the Cover.
Install the weatherstrip in the groove.

Caution! The mating surface must be completely free of dirt and grease.

Caution! Both the weatherstrip and the car must be at room temperature.

Install the painted protector on the outer cover. Install the cover. See Replacing, adjusting and emergency opening of the cover Replacing, Adjusting and Emergency Opening of the Cover.

Replacing the outer weatherstrip for the cover

Removing the outer weatherstrip for the cover




Remove the cover. See Replacing, adjusting and emergency opening of the cover Replacing, Adjusting and Emergency Opening of the Cover.
Pull the weatherstrip upwards.
If the weatherstrip is stuck, heat it carefully using a hot-air gun.

Note! The material in the cover is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. The material must therefore be heated carefully.

Replace the weatherstrip.

Installing the outer weatherstrip for the cover
Reuse the weatherstrip if possible. Remove the old tape. Install new tape.
Press the strip into place on the cover while pulling off its backing tape.

Caution! The mating surface must be completely free of dirt and grease. Do not touch the surface after cleaning.

Caution! Both the weatherstrip and the car must be at room temperature.

Install the cover. See Replacing, adjusting and emergency opening of the cover Replacing, Adjusting and Emergency Opening of the Cover.

Replacing the tension bow weatherstrip

Removing tension bow weatherstrip




Set the convertible top to the position illustrated.




Remove the 19 screws from the tensioner rib.

Note! Ensure that the outer and inner textiles do not change position during replacement.

Remove the 1 nut holding the cable.
Remove the 1 screw from the outer textile.
Remove the 2 nuts securing the triangular weatherstrip.

Note! Mark up the position on the weatherstrip.

Replace the weatherstrip.

Installing the weatherstrip for the tensioner rib

Install:
- the triangular weatherstrip
- the 2 nuts. Tighten
- the cast screw from the outer textile
- the 1 sliding washer
- the mounting holding the cable
- 1 nut. Tighten.
Do not tighten the nut for the mounting too hard, as the cable mounting must be able to run easily.