ZZ42Fast

iTrader: (2)

So I thought it would be good to get together collectively and discuss the little problems we face by driving our cars with cloth tops. The idea here is to get everyones problems and potential fixes. I will start us off-

Scuttle Shake.

This is where, because we don't have a big metal roof anymore, we lose a lot of structural rigidity. The factory put in braces as per the t-top cars but still. On the highway it feels like an unbalanced wheel sometimes.

I have installed Alston subframe connectors and this has helped a bit. I need to get my BMR strut brace back on to really tighten it up and help this problem.

Rattles & Sqeeks.


Plenty of these on our Verts. There are a few key ones that can be sorted and I recommend just visually looking at parts of the frame when someone else is driving your car to see which bits rub together and then putting in some duc tape or similar to avoid metal on metal or plastic. Mine still rattles but I tend to try and drive with the top down.

With the top down, a new squeek appears. I think this is the door striker on the passenger side but it does actually appear like it comes from the passenger seat! I will try greasing and tightening the little silver square on the door recess as I believe it may be that.

Leaks

Been raining a lot here recently, so I have got used to this. Really it comes down to seals- I know for example if I go over 60mph, rain enters at the top of the windows, doue to the amount of water and the channeling towards the top of the windows. I have a new hood, so it is time to get some new seals. I hear Metro are pretty good?

Thats about it for me for now! Any shared experience, pointers or advise?

Thanks,
felix

Midwest Muscle

I've only had my 3rd gen Vert (pics in Sig) for a couple of weeks, and touch wood I've not seen these issues other than leaks. I don't have rattles or squeaks, and yes I do realize that's NOT the norm for a 3rd Gen since I've owned several.

My car (even at above posted speeds on the highway) tracks as smoothly and shake-free as any Viper or Z06 Corvette that I've owned. True, it doesn't handle or perform like that, but in terms of smoothness it would be hard to beat.

I got caught in the rain on a freeway, and the only spot it leaked was the same spot it leaks when I wash it; right behind the front glass, lower, both sides. I can see through that opening, so probably just need some new weatherstripping for that section.

Mike
http://youmarketing.net/92z28.html

yankeecarman

iTrader: (9)

One thing I do to protect the vinyl window is to put a towel where the vinyl window fold down into the tonneau. Prevents rubbing.

ZZ42Fast

iTrader: (2)

Got another one..

Anyone found a solution to the rear of the top that curls up. The bottom of the top where it meets the trunk. My top is new and its started doing it! Somebody must have found a cure!

RagRoc

I agree the curling top corners lool like crap. I found this is from the corners getting pulled up when the top is down. My solution that takes two people is to hold the corners down just before the top is completely stowed. One person can do it, but it becomes a Chinese fire drill.

ZZ42Fast

iTrader: (2)

Got another one for you! The twisted seatbelt saga and the fact they don't retract easily. Any fixes?

musclecar70sfan

iTrader: (1)

I gotta get me those sub frame connectors, especially since my vert is my DD throughout the year except winter. And I'm not sure if this is a common problem but this has happened to me:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...top-broke.html

After the fix, that bar still isn't perfect, I'll have to find a way to properly tweak it back into place.

Midwest Muscle

Now that you mention, the driver's side lower part of my top (between the bottom frame below the window and the flip-up valance bodywork) does seem to not be glued down as well as the middle. I can see that working lose eventually. I too had the twisted seatbelt thing on mine, but I fixed that when I removed the assemblies for carpet installation.

Mike

Mitch91Z28

How do you guys combat the constant fading of the roof fabric from black to sun faded gray?

yankeecarman

iTrader: (9)

buy a tan top

JWKbride

Go to http://www.303products.com/ and check out the 303 UV protectant


Also check out the Convertible top kits which include the protectant and cleaner...good stuff. Also works great for fabrics (like tops of back seats) that cook under the rear windows


You can find this stuff in their store on the 303products.com site.

JWKbride

My issue is the small back speaker opening...I would love to have better and bigger speakers in the back like most cars do.

Iroctopless

If you have a roof that curls up where the roof meets the tonneau cover, specifically on the driver's (left) side, that's a fault of design. When the roof is down and sitting flat on the shelf under the tonneau cover, the left side will develop that curl thank's to the shelf not being flat. There is a hump there that corrosponds to the curl on the roof.

Mitch91Z28

My rear sails came off ebay($165) and they were rough so i had prob trimming them for a different speaker

Mitch91Z28

EEW! Lol jk