Convertible top issues !! - Fixed

Been doing quite a bit of research on this topic lately and this problem is to say the least a common one and especially with the 05-06 model years. Problematic parts have since been revised and when you order new ones you now get the revised version. Issue is that when these let go they usually bend stuff around in there, (no shit), and finding someone that can fix this stuff appears to be quite a challenge and this even in the states. Also read that the tension cables are defective in many cases and can affect the function of the roof but cannot really find anything explaining exactly what would be affected if they were to break so now wondering if mine didn't let go causing stress on that bracket that ended up breaking. Anyways Convertibles are a real blast and extremely fun to have and enjoy on those nice sunny days but they are one hell of a headache when things go wrong with them !!
 
So far so good with the previous generation.First the 99 and now the 02 without any trouble.
 

Attachments

  • photo1755.jpg
    photo1755.jpg
    5.6 KB · Views: 0
Interesting Trevor, do you know if this fella is also able to remove the top itself in order to access the frame?? So far I have connected with some that can do the roof part but not the frame work and others the opposite. Would be nice to get someone that can do both?? I'll be ordering the broken side rail as soon as I get a chance so that part of it should be up to pare but for the rest I have no idea??
 
Update: Stored the car not fixed but new bracket is sitting on the back seat and will order the other side as well during the winter just to make sure that I do not have to go through this crap a second time, will fix both sides at same time. Been looking for a specialist for well over a month now from locally to quebec to N.S. and found no one that really works on the structure of a convertible roof, found many that can change the canvas but no one does the frame work..... Did find one local body shop that is willing to tackle it but took over two weeks for them to get back to me and they are booked solid for awhile yet so too late it's in storage now. The other guy from Tracadie that sounded promising hasn't gotten back to me yet so I'll just have to get back to contacting people in the spring. Tried to keep it as close to home as possible but I can feel that I'll have to take it away in order to get it done ?? I didn't contact the fella in Dartmouth as I felt it was getting to close to storage time but will try contacting him in the spring along with the others. Believe me it is not an easy fix !! Talked to at least 8-10 guys and no one will touch this stuff !!
 
Yeh have an appointment set up for beginning of May with a local body shop as the owner previously worked at local Chev dealer and was their convertible guy. He says probably no issue in doing the job but he also has someone he knows that he can refer me to if he runs into problems. Hopefully things work out as I hate these types of situations where there is a lot of unknown. Will also order a new part for the other side as well as the cables so hopefully will only do the job once ???
 
Glad to hear your lined up for spring repair. Hopefully all goes well and you
will be rolling as soon as weather allows.
 
Well my fears that this guy would not be able to fix my issues just came to reality. Just left work and met with him at his shop and he says to me: Ouf took that apart and no way am I touching this thing, I have no idea what to do with that stuff. Ah mmmm didn't you tell me last year you knew about this stuff ?? :mad::mad::mad: and why did you keep the car for over a week and a half telling me nothing ??
So now on to option # 2.......................
But if this doesn't work I may have to look at you guys for suggestions again ????
By the way the "Fixed" on the headliner here only means that the problems I was having with this thread were fixed last year but not the roof issues.....they are still very much alive !!!:(:(:(
 
that really sucks, nothing worse than a guy who says ya no problem.
but really doesn't have a clue. Sounds like he was hoping easy fix and
he was hoping he could figure it out.

Hopefully option 2 works out better.
 
Yeah he pretty much led me on since last fall that he was up to it. I spoke to him many times in the fall and again this spring, could have just told me then so I could have planned something else...
Marc (67 again) is checking things out on his end for me now as option 2, so will know more tomorrow night, does sound promising though...I'll tell you that Ford does not hesitate to sell convertibles but man they pretty much have no one to fix them or even point you to someone who can !! scary !!
 
That is happening more and more with manufacturers
and dealers. Most young mechanics today, don't fix anything.
they replace it.
 
Well that Sucks Roger, I'm pretty sure 67 again will be able to steer you in the right direction.

So did the last guy take it apart and leave you with a box of parts, or is the roof up and locked ?
 
I will check around here for you too Roger. I'll ask the Upholstery Shop I deal with if they could recommend anyone. They have replaced a lot of convertible tops.
 
I just PM'd you a name and number Roger. You can Text her photos of affected area and will pass them on to guy who may be able to fix it. We'll keep our fingers crossed.
 
Thanks for the help there Fred. Like I mentioned to you earlier it is the same place I first went to last year and they had done all they could to help me out but ended up a no go. They do excellent upholstery work but are not able to do any frame work. If option 2 fails I'll still give them a shout to see if they lined up someone to do their structural work for them ??
 
Dropped car of a dealership in Madawaska this morning, sounds promising.......now fingers crossed.

And thanks Marc (67 again) for hooking me up, appreciate it buddy !!!
 
Back
Top