Work Procedure

FABRIC UPHOLSTERY LOOSENS FROM SOFT TOP FRAME

1
Preparation

Turn the ignition key to accessory position (II).

Raise the cover plate and convertible top with the button on the dash as per illustration.

Turn off and remove the ignition key. The affected areas are shaded, see illustration.

2
Properly secured fabric

This picture shows how the fabric should look when correctly installed.

3
Check the fabric

Check the fabric covering the frame for bubbles or loose edges (as illustrated).

Depending on amount of fabric separation, choose an appropriate starting point for each of the four frame sections. Read all three choices before starting.

1) No bubbled or loose fabric: Go to step 4. Perform steps 4 and 5.

2) Fabric is minimally bubbled and/or minimally loose. Go to step 6. Perform steps 6-13.

3) Extensive bubbling and/or 50 % or more of the fabric is loose. Go to step 14. Perform steps 14 to end of method.

4
Mix two-part epoxy

Apply three to five dabs of epoxy to the edge of the fabric to secure it to the frame. See illustration.

Note!
Ensure that the glue overlaps the fabric/frame as per illustration.

Note!
The side with the cutout needs five dabs. The side with the straight edge needs three.

6
Loosen fabric

If the fabric is minimally bubbled or minimally loose, carefully loosen the fabric in the surrounding area without tearing or stretching it.

Loosen fabric just past the point where it is loose, but no further than lower edge (1) of the frame. See illustration.

7
Remove adhesive film

If the adhesive film has separated from the foam of the fabric, remove the adhesive film from the frame.

8
Clean surface

Clean off the uncovered surface with cleaner H.

If there is grease on the specific area, use brake cleaner or degreaser to clean area, and as final step, wipe off with cleaner H.

9
Mix epoxy

Mix epoxy and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions.

To prevent dripping or running after application, allow mixture to cure 1-2 minutes before applying as follows.

10
Apply epoxy

Note!
Ensure that no glue can be seen after the fabric is reinstalled.

Note!
Wipe off any glue spill immediately.

Apply a thin layer of epoxy to the frame metal surface, as per illustration (top and inside).

Note!
The upper triangle (A) shows a view when in- side vehicle, facing slightly to the rear.

Note!
The lower triangle (B) shows a view when standing outside vehicle looking down.

11
Reinstalling fabric

Carefully lay the fabric against the frame and wrap it around the edges so that no pull or stretch marks are visible on the fabric.

12

Carefully brush/stroke the fabric with fingers to get a smooth, wrinkle-free surface.

13

Perform the same operation where applicable.

14
Replace fabric strip

If the fabric is extensively bubbled or more than 50 % is loose, replace the fabric strip as follows.

15
Remove weather strip

Important

Before removing the weather strip, mark its exact position to ensure correct alignment when reinstalled.

Use whiteout (type correction fluid), grease pencil, or other erasable marking instrument. Mark three index lines on frame and weather strip, as shown, to show lateral and longitudinal alignment.

Note!
If the weather strip is properly marked for reinstallation, lengthy readjustment to ensure wind and watertight fit (per VADIS) can be avoided.

Remove only one weather strip at the same time, and replace it before the next one is removed (if applicable).

16
Remove nuts

Note!
Shims may be placed between the convertible top frame and the weather strip. Note the number and location of all shims.

Carefully remove the nuts and washers and set aside for later reinstallation.

If necessary counter hold the studs so that they do not turn.

Remove and set aside the weather strip for later reinstallation.

17
Remove the fabric

Remove and discard the affected fabric.

18
Remove adhesive from frame

Remove residual adhesive film or foam from the frame.

19
Clean surface

Clean off the uncovered surface with cleaner H.

If there is grease on the specific area, use brake cleaner or degreaser to clean area, and as final step, wipe off with cleaner H.

20
Installing new fabric

Peel the protective backing from the double sided adhesive on the fabric.

Center the fabric along the length of the frame before securing it to frame.

Carefully lay the fabric against the frame and wrap it over the edges without any pull or stretch marks visible on the fabric.

21

Carefully brush/stroke the fabric with fingers to get a smooth wrinkle - free surface.

22
Install shims and weather strip

Reinstall the weather strip in the exact position from which it was removed.

Reinstall shims. Shims are not symmetrical. Rotate shims so that they do not stick out beyond the edge of the frame.

Reinstall nuts and washers. Torque nuts to 2-2.5 lbs/ft.

23

Perform the same operation where applicable.