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If you don't fix them, the top can rip when you try to retract it.
You can push the forward most bow between the elastic straps toward the rear of the car as the top lowers to do the job the elastic bands are supposed to do in the meantime. This will also confirm the straps are worn out if it lowers fine when you manually push the bow back as the top lowers.
Hey guys,
I am new to your Forum.
I picked up the wife an 07 roadster & the top does not come down without a little help (pushing on the top cross member) anyways this is more than likley covered BUT I could not find a thread that did not involve drilling out the factory hold downs for the straps.
This is what I did to fix the problem cost me about $20 as my sewing skills are nil.
$10 material & $8 to get a seamstress to sew then together.
Material
2 x 34" x 1.5" reinforced elastic
12" velcro
I doubled up on the elastic to give it more strength so each piece is 17" long, Velcro on each end (about 4")so I can make a circle that is adjustable (hope that makes sense)
I used the factory locations where the elastic bands are and just went over top of them.
Seems to work.
I did reply to your PM.
If a few people wanted these I would see what my local seamstress would charge to make them BUT shipping would be a killer to most deals as I live in BC Canada.
Go to Autozone/Home Depot/Lowes/Ace/TrueValue/Harbor Freight...
Buy the Highland Bungee cord assortment for $13: http://www.autozone.com/tie-down-and...mpid=PS:3:1:54
See the 6 little guys at the bottom - use two per side. Heatshrink the hooks to keep them from seperating. Wrap them around the two bows where the existing elastic starps are riveted. You'll have two spares and a ton of bungees for the garage, bike, trailer, car, house, etc.
Honestly I just reach back and pull/push the lower strut. Ghetto but works for me every time lol
I live in CA so 90% of the time its 100% sun. And I don't see my self dropping at a light. Only on start up or parking...
Edit: Side note, I am lucky that this is not my only car or DD. I have 2 other cars I can rotate from. I know some people don't have that luxury. So take my comment/$0.02 about it with a bag of salt
Guys,
I was just posting what I found to be an easy fix as it is PITA for the wife to reach up & push the bow when she wants to ride with the top down (we dont live in CA) BUT if you dont like what I posted your more than welcome to simply not use it.
You do realize this is an open topic and not your thread right? Lol
We're not rebutting your post. But replying to a open thread about top issues.
And your point is??
Did you take my reply personally as you live in CA?
I posted to what I though may help the guy with the top that will not go down WITHOUT having to push the bow as I had the same issue, so pretty sure I figured out I did not start the thread, BUT thanxs for pointing that out.
This is not my first car or forum post (recently joined here) maybe check out my YouTube video's if your bored.
Thanks Colin, I did this seems to work only been a couple days , I did do it a little different I used a different elastic strap it is 2 inch and I used adhesive backed Velcro . I cut it to the 17"s as you stated i then put the 3' long adhesive backed Velcro (since the Velcro I used was 1' wide I put 2 strips 3" long side by side) so i eliminated having it sewn together
bought at Amazon
Convertible Top
