Stay Pad

Removal

NOTICE: Be sure to mark the location of the weatherstrip retaining channels prior to removal. If the weatherstrip retaining channels are not replaced in their original locations, the weatherstrips may not seal properly, resulting in water leaks and interior damage. Failure to replace the retaining channels correctly may require replacement of the convertible top assembly.

NOTICE: Use care when working around or handling the convertible top material to avoid scratching or creasing the material.

NOTICE: Use care when handling the convertible top material to avoid damaging the rear glass. If damaged or broken, the rear glass cannot be replaced, and will require replacement of the convertible top material.

NOTICE: Light scratches in the convertible top material can be removed using isopropyl alcohol and 600-grit sandpaper or steel wool. Use light pressure, polishing in a circular motion. Use care not to use excessive pressure. Do not use power tools, as these permanently damage the convertible top material. Heavy scratches require replacement of the convertible top material.

NOTICE: Light creases in the convertible top material can be removed by applying water to the creased area, and pulling the creased area flat, while applying mild heat from a heat gun. Use care not to apply excessive heat, as this permanently damages the convertible top material. Heavy creases may require replacement of the convertible top material.

1. Remove the convertible top assembly. For additional information, refer to Convertible Top Assembly in this section.

2. Place the convertible top assembly on a flat surface and open fully.

3. Remove the screws and the LH and RH side front and rear weatherstrips and retainer channels.

4. Remove the 11 screws and the compression panel.

5. Remove the staples which secure the LH and RH front corners of the convertible top material to the frame.

6. Remove the front retaining track securing the front of the convertible top material from the front of the convertible top frame No. 1 bow.

7. Remove the foam tape and the rivets attaching the front corners of the convertible top material to the convertible top frame.

8. Pull the top material from the header form panel.

9. Remove the 6 screws and the header form panel.

10. Remove the convertible top cover elastic listing strap from the front side rails.

11. Remove the convertible top cover elastic listing straps (one on each side) from the front side rails.

12. Remove the convertible top cover elastic listing strap from the convertible top cover.

13. Remove the convertible top cover elastic listing straps (one on each side) from the rear side rails.

14. Position the water diverters aside to gain access to the tensioner cables.

15. Remove the tensioner cable guides from the convertible top frame No. 5 bow.

16. Remove the tensioner cables from the tensioner cable springs.

17. Remove the 2 pin-type retainers (1 each side) securing the convertible top material to the weatherstrip retainer channels.

18. Remove the convertible top channels from the convertible top frame No. 2 and No. 3 bows.
    • Remove the convertible top material.

19. Position aside the convertible top material from the convertible top frame tensioner cable stays attached to the No. 1 bow.

20. NOTE: Prior to performing this step, be sure to mark the distance from the convertible top frame No. 4 bow to the convertible top frame No. 5 bow on the new stay pad, using the original stay pad as a guide.

    Remove the staples attaching the stay pads to the convertible top frame No. 5 bow.

21. Remove the 6 fasteners (3 each side) attaching the stay pads to the front mount brackets.

22. Remove the 4 fasteners (2 each side) attaching the stay pads to the convertible top frame No. 4 bow.

23. Remove the 4 fasteners (2 each side) attaching the stay pads to the convertible top frame No. 3 bow.

Installation

1. Install the 4 fasteners (2 each side) attaching the stay pads to the convertible top frame No. 3 bow.

2. Install the 4 fasteners (2 each side) attaching the stay pads to the convertible top frame No. 4 bow.

3. Install the 6 fasteners (3 each side) attaching the stay pads to the front mount brackets.

4. NOTE: Make sure to install the new stay pads in the same location as the original stay pads.

   Pull the rear of the stay pad tight and staple the stay pad to the convertible top frame No. 5 bow, keeping the same distance to the convertible top frame No. 4 bow as the old stay pad.

5. Snap the convertible top channels into the guides on the convertible top frame No. 3 bow, then the No. 2 bow and center the convertible top on the frame.

6. Using heavy wire or other suitable material, pull the convertible top listing strap through the channel on the underside of the top cover.

7. Using heavy wire or other suitable material, pull the convertible top tensioner cables through the channels to the rear of the convertible top.

8. Install the convertible top tensioner cables to the tensioner cable springs.

9. Install the tensioner cable guides to the convertible top frame No. 5 bow.

10. Position the convertible top material and secure to the weatherstrip retainer channels with pin-type retainers.

11. Attach the convertible top listing straps (one on each side) to the rear side rails.

12. Install the convertible top listing strap to the front side rails.

13. Install the convertible top listing straps (one on each side) to the front side rails.

14. Install the convertible top listing straps under the header form panel.

15. Install the header form panel and 6 screws in the following sequence.
    1. Tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
    2. Apply 3 pieces of double-sided tape to the header form panel.

16. Apply a light mist of water to the double-sided tape and the underside of the convertible top material where it will contact the tape.

17. Install the rivets attaching the front corners of the convertible top material to the frame (2 each side) and cover the rivets with a short piece of foam tape.

18. Install the front retaining channel into place on the front of the frame and starting in the center and working out towards the edges, clamp the convertible top material in place.

19. NOTE: Prior to stapling, make sure there are no wrinkles in the convertible top material along the front edge.

    Obtain 3/8-in long T50 (Stainless steel or Monel) staples commercially and using a pneumatic staple gun such as a Porter Cable US58 or equivalent, staple the front corners of the convertible top material to the frame.

20. Install the compression panel and 11 screws.
    • Tighten to 2 Nm (18 lb-in).

21. Using an assistant, pull the convertible top material rearward around the convertible top frame No. 5 bow, to the same position as the old top cover.

22. After all wrinkles are removed, remove the tape cover strip and press the convertible top material firmly against the front header panel to seat it against the double-sided tape.

23. Remove the extra material from the convertible top below the convertible top frame No. 5 bow.

24. NOTICE: Make sure the weatherstrip retaining channels are replaced in their original locations. Failure to replace the retaining channels in their correct positions may cause water leaks, resulting in interior damage.

    Install the LH and RH side front and rear weatherstrip retainer channels and screws.
    • Tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb-in).

25. Install the left and right side weatherstrips.

26. Install the convertible top assembly in the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Convertible Top Assembly in this section.