Sagging Top

[mtmclaughlin]

I did a quick search for this and I didn't see any threads that directly address it.

My 1994's top has started sagging recently. So much that I am afraid to use it. I think some fat cat was sneaking into my garage and sleeping on the roof (it was, I have cat hair to prove it). I have since resolved the cat problem, but now the top is loose.

What I have noticed is that the smaller tabs on each of the folding members seem to have bent themselves open. So when I unfold them, the top is really loose instead of snug. The slider/locking pins don't really do their job now since there is so much play.

How do I fix this? I don't even know what the material is. Is it fiberglass, plastic, or metal? Alternatively, if this is a major job, is there a trustworthy member or shop in or around Baltimore that I could take it to? I really love the car and it's important to me that the top functions correctly.

 

[ViperJohn]

Mine will often tighten back up if I disassemble the top and leave it for a while. Not sure if 94 has same material as 2002. I know the 92's had a vinyl soft top, but not 100% sure when it changed.

Not sure what part of Baltimore you are in, but one of the guys with me at VOI will probably know some reputable shop in your area. I'll ask him tomorrow to see.

 

[mtmclaughlin]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

 

[Doug Supercharged Vipers]

I did a quick search for this and I didn't see any threads that directly address it.

My 1994's top has started sagging recently. So much that I am afraid to use it. I think some fat cat was sneaking into my garage and sleeping on the roof (it was, I have cat hair to prove it). I have since resolved the cat problem, but now the top is loose.

What I have noticed is that the smaller tabs on each of the folding members seem to have bent themselves open. So when I unfold them, the top is really loose instead of snug. The slider/locking pins don't really do their job now since there is so much play.

How do I fix this? I don't even know what the material is. Is it fiberglass, plastic, or metal? Alternatively, if this is a major job, is there a trustworthy member or shop in or around Baltimore that I could take it to? I really love the car and it's important to me that the top functions correctly.

Unfortunately, this is inherent of the Soft Tops back in 1994. The composite was too soft and the rails and other related components would bend or bow. They were NOT designed to stay on the car and must be removed and folded immediately after use.

Best regards,
Doug

 

[Doug Supercharged Vipers]

Mine will often tighten back up if I disassemble the top and leave it for a while. Not sure if 94 has same material as 2002. I know the 92's had a vinyl soft top, but not 100% sure when it changed.

Not sure what part of Baltimore you are in, but one of the guys with me at VOI will probably know some reputable shop in your area. I'll ask him tomorrow to see.

The '02 Soft Top is made of a better composite therefore you would not experience the same problem as the '94.

Regards

 

[mtmclaughlin]

Doug, thank you for the input. Is there a way that I can bend mine back into shape? It's not that bad yet, but I'm worried it might get worse. Will an '02 top fit my car without modification?

 

[GRANGER73]

The 97-2002 tops were designed for roll up windows, so they don't really mate up well with the GEN1 windows. 92 and early 93 tops were made from a canvas type material, and have a different style latch mechanism which utilizes a roll pin to secure the top to the windscreen surround.

 

[mtmclaughlin]

Alrighty, thank you too, Granger73. Further research will be needed to see if I can somehow reinforce or straighten my current one. I will use it only when needed in the mean time. I've got the hard top on there now so I'm good for a while.

 

[Doug Supercharged Vipers]

Alrighty, thank you too, Granger73. Further research will be needed to see if I can somehow reinforce or straighten my current one. I will use it only when needed in the mean time. I've got the hard top on there now so I'm good for a while.

Mr. mtmclaughlin,

Unfortunately, you cannot reinforce the older tops- it will bend at another area that has not been supported. I was already doing this 20+ years ago. You can however, straighten the warped top. We used to use a jig to perform this procedure by heating the warped top and cooling it. But you have to be really careful doing this- too much heat will break the top.

Remember, you can never leave the top on the car or unfolded. It must be folded immediately after use.

Best of Luck,
Doug

 

[mtmclaughlin]

Doug, thank you for the tip. I will go ahead and see if I can come up with a strategy for heating it and straightening it. I'll start slow!

What is the structure made of?

 

[Doug Supercharged Vipers]

Doug, thank you for the tip. I will go ahead and see if I can come up with a strategy for heating it and straightening it. I'll start slow!

What is the structure made of?

Not sure what type of composite but it needs to be heated quite a bit to soften it up to bend. Make sure you don't put any pressure on either end of the side rails... they will break.

You are very welcome and I wish you the best of luck!

Regards,
Doug

 

[GRANGER73]

Have you resolved the top issue?

 

[mtmclaughlin]

Not yet, Granger. It will likely be winter before I tackle this. I will report back with results though.