Wrinkles in Top Fabric

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

I'd say your tension cables are toasted. Although they may look in good condition, they are stretched to their max already. Get a new set of cables >$100 and you are done. Many DIY around RE how to change those.

Car looks good btw, either it's brand new kept indoor title or you have some serious detailing skills

By tension cables do you mean these:



I've been adjusting them without effect. I believe I used the cables from my 2000 top when I made the swap because the 2004 top did not have them when the recycling yard shipped the top to me. I could believe that the cables have stretched, but I'd like to be as sure as possible they need to be replaced before I spend the money.

Thanks for the compliment on the car's appearance. I bought it used about 7 years ago and the first owner kept it in the garage and only drove it 30,000 miles. I've put over 50,000 miles on it in the 7 years I've owned. During part of that period, I had to store it outside under a cover. Now I do have a garage.

The car's build date was 9-11-99, so it will be celebrating its 14th birthday in less than a week. I gave it a good waxing with with my Porter Cable random orbit polisher for the occasion.

Thanks for your reply.

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

I'd like to be as sure as possible they need to be replaced before I spend the money.

Fair enough

RE confirmation, yes those are the tension cables. However I can't confirm on your roof issue. I reccently had the same problem and new cables did a perfet job for mine - one was snapped in my case and the roof looked exactly as yours (side wrinkles). I'm guessing that if you adjust your cables and nothing move then most likely they are at their MAX (toasted) or one end is snapped off already.

First thing I'd do is ensure that he canvas didn't unglue between the window and the clam. Most of the tension is building there first. It would unglue at that place before anywhere else. double-check!

That top needs fixing for sure. I second other members saying its No big deal at this stage, but what it is going to look in 12 months...hmmmm, dunno. You are right to be concerned. A rag top with wrinkles flapping in the wind at 70mph doesn't look 2cool :/

Luck with the research and fix, let us know how you are doing

Nice car indeed, bit jealous in all honesty