Question for convertible owners

[ChiroCop]

Today I noticed a small gap (about one inch diameter) where the convertible top meets the window on the passenger side/small rear window by the door. It doesn't have the gap on the driver's side in the same place. I don't remember ever seeing that before, and it looks as though water could get in. I tried to see if I could pull the fabric into place to cover it, but it's pretty tight. Any others with this "problem"?

[Kenn157]

I'd bring it back to the dealer and have them check it.

[ek64]

I dont have that gap on my convertible! Better get it checked. Are your rear windows up, maybe they are out of alignment, since my 2002 they mive togehter as one unit.

[ChiroCop]

Yeah, the rear windows are up and move together fine. The gap is where it appears as the canvas is pulling out of the channel. I called the dealer and was told to bring her in. They said they'll probably have to send her to a convertible top shop. It's probably a quick fix...I hope. If not, that's what warranties are for.

[Guest]

Chirocop, I don't have the gaps you describe, However, I get a flapping noise from the roof when i'm on the highway or on windy days. I am a little apprehensive to let anybody fix this! I wonder if anybody else might have this and know what to do about it?

[ChiroCop]

I don't get the flapping noise, but it does get a little loud in the car, especially on windy days when traveling in certain directions (I guess against the wind). This is my first convertible, so I wasn't sure if the noise was normal or not. It almost sounds as if a window is open. There are times when it sounds as quiet as a Lexus. But other times it is pretty loud. When I bring it in for service next week I'll ask them about that too. I'm sure the answer will be "it's a convertible; you're gonna hear the wind".

[ek64]

Road noise is normal for a convertible. My top makes noise around 50mph but goes away. Due to the pressure differences inside the car and air moving over the top, the top moves in and out as you change speed.

However, if you have flapping and large movements anytime, that is unusual.

[Guest]

How much road noise and flapping do other ragtop owners get? My car didn't start doing this until the top was opened a few times! It bums me out, because I don't want to let someone who dosen't know the first thing about rags working on this.

[Guest]

Chirocop what did the dealer say about the noisy top you described? I am a little apprehensive to let them monkey with the top.

[DavPak]

i work for a dealership and one of the last things that we like to do is to tweak convertible tops. we don't even try anymore, we send them to upholstery/auto top shops. we've got a pretty good one in my area that we trust with problems like that.
most likely, your dealer will send it to just such a place, fear not!

[ChiroCop]

I've been away, so I haven't had the opportunity to drop off my car at the dealership. As stated above, I'm sure they'll farm it out to a top/upholstery shop. I'll let you know the results when it's done.

[ChiroCop]

It's been a while, problems due to scheduling and all, but I have an update for convertible owners. As it turns out, the "gap" I have is reportedly due to the fact that the top shrunk (from heat???), and pulled from the gasket that holds it in place by the passenger side/rear window. A new top has been ordered (under warranty) and I'll have the new top installed in a few days. I've never heard of this, but this is my first convertible, and the service manager seemed pretty sure. So there it is. Live and learn.