convertible top cable anchor

[mbouse]

rear cable ends for a convertible top.... how are they supposed to anchor to the body?

any one have any pictures of the correct position?

[manoa matt]

Mike

You have to take off the decorative cover above the rear seat. You may be able to see the bracket from there. You may have to take off the convertible hold down bracket. The cable follows the top edge of the quarter panel window. There is a standoff base welded to the body. There is a "C" shaped clip that sandwitches the cable between it and the standoff base.

here is a rough sketch: http://www.flickr.com/photos/38097470@N00/1439990727/

Here is how I've done it in the past:

Undo the convertible hold downs at the windshield frame, but leave the top alone. Loop the cable as shown in the diagram. Pull on the free end while tightening the screw. Now try to secure the top clips to the windshield frame. There should be resistance, you want the top tight.

You may need to readjust the tension. Too tight and the top won't close, the cable will snap, or the cable will cut through the top. Too loose and the top will vibrate and make noise at highway speeds, or leak.

A good test is to put the top up, secure it and check the tension of the cable at the flap that covers the angled edge of the quarter panel window. It should be tight.

[So Cal Mark]

just a simple clamp on the inside of the body

[mbouse]

thanks guys.

[punes]

I know that I have seen this issue before, but how important is having the cable go through that little loop at the rear quarter window? My old top had no cable at all, and I had no issues with it. Now I have purchased a new black cloth top and I might add it doesnt have any strings to pull the cables through.
I did manage to put them through but there is no cut or recess in the material in the general area where the loop (hook) is on the frame.
I cannot see myself trying to make a cut or cutting out some material in the new top to try to let the cable run in the channel unless it is absolutely necessary. And with the other top working fine I would like to hear other ideas or encouragement to attempt this install and forego this step.
Thanks

79 Fiat Spider

[So Cal Mark]

the cable keeps the top taut along the top of the window, I've seen lots without the cables, but the finish is much nicer and less wind noise/water with the cables installed. It's a pain to get the cables thru without the string, so congrats on feeding the cable thru on your own

[mbouse]

sounds like the reason there was no string is because the manufacturer was cutting too many corners.

that would explain why they didn't pre-cut the exit hole as well.

if you are gonna use the cable, use the little tab with the hole in it. makes for a much crisper finish to that corner of the top.

[leftfield6]

Holy thread resurrection, Batman!!!!

rather than start a new thread, I thought I would bump this one back up. I'm in the process of installing a new canvas top from Germanex. Unless I'm overlooking them, I don't see any holes for getting at the cable at the top of the quarter window where the little clamping tab is. How critical is running the cable through that little tab? Should I cut a hole in my new top?

My old top did not have the cables clamped here, nor did it have the rivets at the front and rear of the flap at the top of each side window. Of course, it was crooked, it leaked, it was not exactly a model of "how to do it"!!

I've seen instructions that said to do these rivets, and I've seen instructions that said not to. Thoughts??


So. Cables in the clamps? Rivets?

[baltobernie]

The expert that did my top used the rivets. Black ones, if you can for a black top. I think the front corner would leak and flap without securing this joint.

He also used needle-nosed Vise Grips to grasp the wire in the rear. Really hauled on it before tightening down the bolt and corrugated washer. Looks like the same washers used to secure the dashboard, BTW. He says these are important, and not to substitute.