Convertible Top Repaired - Not Allowed to Lower the Top????

dengel · 08-21-2008, 12:43 PM

Okay, I'm hoping that some of you folks that have had your convertible top repaired can help me out.

My car has been at the dealership this week to have the convertible top fabric replaced in accordance with the service bulletin repair discussed in this thread, Convertible Top Wear

The dealership sent the work out to an upholstery specialist, and I realize that they are just passing along the instructions they were given. But they are telling me that I can't put the convertible top down for two weeks, because the "top fabric needs to stretch out."

I certainly would have waited until top-down driving season was over to get the work done if I realized that this would be the case, and the instructions in the service bulletin certainly don't mention this at all.

So my question is, have any of you heard of this kind of requirement? If you have had this or a similar repair done, did you have to leave the top up for a period of time?

I am pretty pissed that I was not made aware of this before work was initiated. I realize it is probably not the dealership's fault, but I can't believe that I'm not gonna be able to enjoy my car for two weeks!

Im2damnsexy · 08-21-2008, 12:50 PM

Dear Dengel,

I recently had my convertible top replaced along with the premium acoustice headliner that the shop found tears in and informed me that I needed that too. As soon as I got my car back, the dealer pulled it down for me to see that the cover and the operation of the cover was flawless. The cover did fit a bit tighter than the previous one but no problemo! It has been two months now and everything is still perfecto. So go ahead, drop your top, if you dare.

Carmen

Windrestrictor! · 08-21-2008, 04:48 PM

may want to look into that thread JPM did about convertible tops. i know he has lots of experience with roadsters.

Miner · 08-21-2008, 06:48 PM

Hey Dengel:

My experience is the same as Im2damnsexy. I got the top "layer" of the top replaced under warranty from the dealer. They also put it up and down for me to show me how it worked and it is indeed tighter than the old top. This makes for just a little bit more effort on my part when putting the top up but nothing out of line.

I am now about a month into the new top and no problems are occurring at all. I was not told to leave the top up. It does need to stretch a bit but I think that can happen on its own.

It sounds to me like the contractor that did the top is being just a little bit over cautious and in sunny weather, just down right mean!

Ultimately it is up to you but my opinion is that leaving it up is not needed.

dengel · 08-21-2008, 06:55 PM

Thanks for the info everyone!

After thinking about it, I agree with you guys. I figure the worst that can happen is that it will be very hard to pull the top close enough to the windshield to latch it. I'm sure I'll be able to find a big, strong man to help me, if I need it.

A.J. · 08-21-2008, 07:02 PM

I've had the top (frame and all) on my '07 GXP replaced twice in the past six weeks and nothing was said either time about not putting it down.

Islandhopper · 08-21-2008, 09:45 PM

Hey D, I have replaced the top on BEYONCE, I guess in March and I was not told about this. I've had no problems whatsoever nor have I seen any memos on it

dengel · 08-22-2008, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.J.

I've had the top (frame and all) on my '07 GXP replaced twice in the past six weeks and nothing was said either time about not putting it down.

Thanks. I believe the difference with my repair is that the frame was NOT replaced. They repaired the top by removing the ripped fabric and installing new fabric onto the existing frame. The new fabric does look really taut on the frame, and the frame creaks a bit when I am driving, so I am sure it does need to stretch out and loosen up a bit.

I have come to the decision that I will limit the amount of time I have the top down for the next week or two, and make sure that someone is around to help me put it back up, in case it needs some extra strength to pull it forward to latch on the windshield frame.

Having a little time to think things through, I'm not as upset or worried as I was yesterday.

JustMike · 08-25-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dengel

I have come to the decision that I will limit the amount of time I have the top down for the next week or two, and make sure that someone is around to help me put it back up, in case it needs some extra strength to pull it forward to latch on the windshield frame.

Sounds like a plan! I think they are most concerned about leaving the top down for extended periods of time.

dengel · 08-25-2008, 10:37 AM

Update - I put the top down for our Drive-In movie run on Saturday. Had the top down for several hours. When I went to put it back up, it was actually easier to put up than it was before. I think the first top was never really adjusted "quite right." The upholstery specialist really spent a lot of time making sure the new top was adjusted properly, so now I have a well-fitted, well-functioning top.

tazz · 08-25-2008, 02:14 PM

Hi Dengel, wife and I had a great time with you all sat, hope to do something with you guys in the future saw some nice parts of jersey on the run.

08 DEEP GXP