All About Automotive Convertible Tops & Components

Convertible Tops - You can drive a convertible or cabriolet with or without a roof in place as it is a passenger car. Retracting and storing the roof will change between models. When needed, you can have a driving air experience as the convertible comes with a roof. The drawbacks of a convertible are that it has less structural rigidity and cargo space.

Majority of convertible roofs comes with a folding construction that is made from cloth. The types of convertible roofs are retractable hardtops which are made from metal or plastic and detachable hardtops, where the metal roof is removed and kept in the trunk.

Convertible roofs are of three types:

• Textile
• Detachable hardtop
• Retractable hardtop

1. Textile - It is made from a soft material. The materials that are used are: Cotton canvas woven were used so tightly in the early convertibles as it acts as a waterproof. However, there was a problem which the automakers had, as they to secure the raw materials to fulfill orders after World War II. In recent years, cloth-based material has become more common. The most popular material was latex and butyl rubber fabrics as each account for about 35% of the top weight of convertible while others include vinyl (12%), jute (8%), and rayon and acrylic fibers (Orlon), each 1% in the compositions. There are 2 layers in the material: The top layer has a specific structure and is made of PVC and the bottom layer is made of cotton. The collapsible roof section has an articulated folding frame and it includes linings like a sound-deadening layer or an interior cosmetic lining so that the frame can be hidden.
2. Detachable hardtop - The detachable hardtops which are rigid, is stored in the car’s trunk and has been in use since the 1950s. When compared to fabric-based tops detachable hardtops provide superior waterproofing, soundproofing, and durability. It is also integrated with rear-window defrosters and windscreens. In earlier days, detachable hardtops were provided for various convertible sports cars and roadsters. As the convertible top was quite expensive, the hardtop was customarily offered as an additional option. Early buyers were able to avail both at no additional cost but had to pay extra. One popular addition was the metal-framed "Carson top" as it was able to turn these models into the instant hardtop. The design was similar to the convertible top, but it lacked the bulky folding mechanism and made the removable hardtop to look more rakish.
3. Retractable hardtop - Also known as "coupé convertible" or "coupé cabriolet", a retractable hardtop is a car with a self-storing hardtop and can be operated automatically. It has the benefits of enhanced climate control and security. This can be traded off against less luggage capacity, mechanical complexity, cost, and weight.

• Convertible Top Frames
• Light Bars
• Convertible Top Boots & Moldings
• Tonneau Covers

There can be variation in the folding design of the convertible top's frame and they can be elaborate. Some vehicles are equipped with manual convertible tops whereas the others come with electric convertible tops. The retraction mechanism in electric tops is designed to unfold and fold the frame and is known as a power top. The top will retract or goes up when the driver simply pushes the button. The driver has to unfasten the top latches in manual tops from the windshield before he can manually push the top down. To put the top up, he has to pull it manually and re-fix the latches to the windshield.

Here are some of the common convertible top problems.

1. Low Convertible Top Fluid - The very reason that will prevent the convertible top from the opening is the low convertible top fluid. The convertible top fluid level can go below if there is a small leak due to aged seals. You can find the reservoir for the convertible top in the trunk area.
2. Failure of limit switches - You will find small switches all over the convertible. The switch that fails often is the one that is present in the trunk divider. The convertible top will stop working if this fails.
3. Failed hydraulic pump - Failure of the hydraulic pump may take place even before you change the convertible pump motor. You will have to inspect the fuse and relay of the convertible top. They may be faulty rather than the convertible top pump or motor.
4. Worn lift solenoids - The cylinder will start to wear out, if you use the convertible top more frequently, A worn-out cylinder top can be a problem if the convertible top goes slow up and down or gets stuck.
5. Defective relay or corroded contacts - Rust can damage your convertible top. Fix your convertible for rust before it gets worse.

Do you have a problem with your convertible top? Here are a few symptoms.

1. Slow Convertible Top Movement - there are a few reasons if the convertible top is moving slowly like worn-out lift cylinders, fluid level is low, relay contacts are corroded, binding of links or cable and the battery is weak.
2. Convertible Top Won't Raise or Lower - Improper functioning of the convertible top or the convertible pump is not getting power, the relay could be bad, the convertible switch can be damaged, the hinge can be defective or damaged.
3. Beck lid won't open - The limit switch is damaged, fluid level is less, deck lid solenoid is damaged, the pump may be malfunctioning.
4. Convertible top won't go down - Damaged relay. Fluid level is less. The motor is burned out. Hinges and linkage arms experience excessive friction.

Do you like repairing your car on your own? Thinking of opening up your own car body shop? It is a great business opportunity if you love cars and possess a good work ethic. Now if you want your shop to be successful, then you will require a combination of effort as well as car mechanic training. And of course, the correct equipment which would upgrade your speed as well as make your repair work easy. If you have the right tools, then you can easily meet the demands of today’s car body structures. Here are some of the most essential tools which you might need to repair your Convertible Top. 

• Screwdriver
• Wrench set
• Mallet
• Utility knife
• Staple gun
• Drill

More than any other kind of failure in a car, there’s almost nothing that’s quite as heartbreaking as a completely damaged Convertible Top. Now when we talk about the replacement cost, it might vary a lot even on the same car depending upon its performance, labor cost, brand, etc. The approximate cost for replacing the convertible top lies between from $900 to $1500. The original price was $259, but you'll have to pay additional for shipping and tax if you want to get the canvas cleaner.

Here a few steps to help you with the installation of the convertible top:

Step 1 - Remove Interior Panels to Expose Top Fastening Points

• The normal procedure is to remove the old top, by starting from its outer edges inward, the window, the main fastening areas of the old top.
• Inspect your top and see where it goes under the interior panels. You will have to remove this to work on the edges. The design will vary from model to model.
• You will have to remove the rubber trim around the edge of the frames.
• Once you remove the trim from the rear frame member, you will be able to see the edges of the top which is fixed to the frame.
• Usually, you can use a screwdriver under the leading edge of the trim and push it upward and out of the frame, then "peel" the trim out.
• As you remove the rear inner panel, you will be able to see the rear trim stick which is fixed to the rear body by bolts.

Step 2 - Remove Rear Window

• One of the difficult steps in getting the window in and out as you need to have patience. Perform this task a little early because if you can’t get the windows out, then it might be tough to perform this task.
• Carry out this task with the help of a screwdriver, but perform it carefully. If the window is equipped remove it with a defroster clip.
• Use a screwdriver and finger to lift the rubbers at the corner.
• Repeat the same with the second tool and make sure there is a little space between the two tools.
• Get a rope and work underneath the trim so it gets stuck in the space. Slide one of the screwdrivers along the edge of the trim while pressing the rope with one finger.
• The end of the rope has to be tied in a square knot and tie a screwdriver in the second square knot.
• Turn the screwdriver in the clockwise direction by pulling the knots tights and twisting the rope. The edge of the trim will start to pucker. Don’t tighten them.
• You will not be able to let go of the screwdriver as it may flip and break the glass. Get help from someone. Stand in a position where you can apply pressure to the windows on its corners.
• Make your friend stand behind the vehicle and be ready to pull them off gently from the vehicle. Don’t apply too much pressure from the inside as they can break the glass.
• Focus on applying pressure on the edges of the windows rather than the center.
• Twist the rope again and make sure that the rope stays under the trim. If you over-do the rope may slip.
• Press the top corner and then the bottom of the glass gently. If the windshield seal was used, then you will hear cracking noise. Remember to push gently.
• If one side comes up, then the entire window will come out and the hardest part is done.

Step 3 - Remove the Top From the Front, Sides, and Window Frame

• Begin from the front top and take away all the screws and remove the strip. The side trim strips have to be removed where the top is fixed to the sides of the frame.
• With the help of a screwdriver, remove the screws. Inspect the edges of the frame where you will find more trim strips and they have to be removed.
• If there are any areas which are fastened by pop rivets, then you will have to remove them.
• Make sure as to where the vinyl is used. Pay extra attention while you peel off the areas. It must be exactly fit, else the top might wrinkle.
• The top has to be free on the front and sides once you peel them off.
• Remove the staples from the window with the help of a screwdriver so that it doesn’t hang on the new installation.

Step 4 - Remove the Rear Trim Stick and the Old Top

• Remove each of the bolts which hold the rear trim from inside of the vehicle. Cover the rear of the vehicle in blankets once it is free and loose.
• Get your friend’s help to lift out the trim stick that is stuck to the rear of the vehicle. To make the trim stick come out, you must compress a little.
• Place the trim stick on the top. You will have to clean the rear area as there may be dirt and dust.

Step 5 - Put New Top on Vehicle

• Put the new top into the channel of the rear trim stick. Ensure that it is placed in the center.
• While you bolt back to get some assistant’s help and lower the trim stick into the body. Attach the front trim stick by pulling the top over the front.
• Use a couple of screws and fix the front trim stick. Use vinyl glue to fix the front trim. Glue the vinyl at the right place and remove the excess vinyl.
• Fix the side flaps again and rivet it at the top where it is fixed to the frame at the middle bows. Change all the trim sticks.

Step 6 - Install Window

• Carry out this process with the top up and in a locked position. You will have to begin the process at the middle top, bottom, and sides of the old frame where the old window was fixed.
• Do not tighten the vinyl as it will become tight as you go around the window. With the help of a flat-nosed hole punch, tap the staples in.
• If these staples, bend, then remove them with the help of pliers. Repeat the same procedure at all the corners.
• It is best to add staples on either side so that the corners stay firm.
• Now find 4 more locations between the corner and center position and repeat the same until you staple them.
• With the help of a utility knife run around the edges, and the excess staples have to be trimmed so it flushes with the window frame.
• Apply a thin bead of windshield seal on the bottom of the frame edge which touches the side slightly. Press it again into ledge so it doesn't obstruct with the window re-installation. The seal will be flattened perfectly and you won’t find difficulty in removing while you install the next top.
• Get the window back in the hole with your friend’s help. Similarly, twist the rope as you had to do for removing.
• With the help of a screwdriver run around the edge of the seal from the inside and make sure that it’s going inside the edge of the window frame.
• Ask your friend to apply pressure to the window at the edges.
• Once the window is in the frame, work together with your friend to agree on what's going in first.
• Your helper should then push on the bottom, by applying pressure and you should pull the rope out. Once the rope is removed, the trim will slip up over the frame beautifully.

Step 7 - Replace All Trims and Hardware

• Change all trims, interior panels, and rear seat.
• Use vinyl top treatment as soon as possible if you had brought them along with the new top.
• Don’t make any adjustments unless there is a need.
• At times you will have to adjust the hooks to tighten the locks. Don’t overdo as they may wear out quickly or break the locking mechanism. Only tighten them if there is a need.