First off let me say hello - first post on this forum.
I have been lurking since July and have learned and used a lot of the info found here to fix all of the usual things wrong with a 90 - really don't use the manual much with this site just a keyboard away!!!!!

On to the problem:

The driver side tension cable on my 90 convert top is broken - it is still in place but not attached to the front of the roof frame anymore. I have purchased a new one but have not found any pics or literature on how to instal it, mainly on how to attach it to the front of the top without going after the material with some kind of sharp weapon :jester to get at the anchor point.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

I don't have a clue as to what you are talking about.
BUT, let me be the first to welcome you to the forum. :flag

 

Sorry I can't help, but I'm curious so I'll bring the thread to the top. Welcome to the forum. :)

 

Thanks for looking.
To clarify, there are two tension cables in a convert top. They attach at the front of the roof frame running above the window glass on each side and attaching at the rear of the roof frame by a spring. Their purpose is to stretch the top material down tight against the frame when the top is up. My driver side is not attached at the front and creates some really nice wind noise. :mad . A better stereo has helped this but not fixed it.

 

Welcome!

I know what you mean, as both of mine are broken :crazy:
I am not much help as to exactly where they connect, seems like I saw a screw with a broken loop on it once though. I will be able to check later today if you don't get anymore info.



[Modified by 87SAM, 12:48 PM 12/21/2002]

 

Both are broken on my '90 and I also have lots of wind noise. There is nothing in the manual that I have found. I hope someone knows.

 

If i understand your problem, i believe i know where the cable attaches. The front end of the cable should just have a hook on it. It will attach by hooking through a small hole in the 1 bow (the front rail which attaches to your windshield header with the two header levers). The rear of the cable (where the spring is) will attach to the rear rail assembly near the pivot bracket assembly, via i believe a 5/16th screw which screws right in to the side of the rear rail. To get the new cable assembly in place through the top cover, just hook a stiff wire to it and pull it through using the wire. You will probably have to take the retainer screws out of the rear of your headliner and maybe even the valance too to accomplish this but it should be easily done. You will need to have your top assembly folded about half way back with the 1 bow pointing almost straight up or slightly to the rear of the car when you hook the front hook end of the cable to the 1 bow. Attach the spring end to the rear rail first, then pull it through and hook the front end. You may have to also take loose the front headliner retainer and drop the headlier down in front in order to see where it hooks, but i can't remember.
Hope this helps.
good luck---------and welcome to the forum!!!!!
Lightfoot





[Modified by Lightfoot, 6:26 PM 12/21/2002]

 

Thanks Lightfoot I was wondering about that one. :thumbs:

 

Lightfoot - Your description was correct. I discovered the hook last night and was able to remove it with a pair of needle nose pliers and carefully pulling out on the fabric. Getting the repaired one back in may need removal of headliner as you described.
I guess my initial confusion was due to the new cable I bought from GM. It has a lug with a hole in it instead of the hook so I fugured it must be attached with a screw or placed over a stud. Called GM again this morning with the part number on the package and they claim the number is good from 86 on up. :confused:
I will try to repair my old one first, the cable has slipped out of the lug that crimps the cable and the hook together. I well expand the lug, epoxy the cable in, and re-crimp.
We'll see.

 

Good Luck G-R. Give me a yell if ya need any more info. I spent 15 years with the company which built that top. I dont know it all by any means but will gladly share what i do know.
have a great holiday!
Lightfoot

 

Thanks - I will take you up on the offer if things get bumpy. Hope to have it in before anyone gets up on X-mas morning - thats a present to myself :D

Happy Holidays to all. :cheers:

 

I followed the instruction by Lightfoot and replaced both cable quite quickly - 1/2 hour for the first one, 10 min for the second. Zip products sells the cables for a good price A couple of comments: While pushing the stiff wire through and when pulling the new cable, the top should be straightened out. To insert the hook at the front, you need to pull the cable out of the top a little and have the hook approach the hole in a side to side direction rather than for and aft.

 

I am new to the forum and this is my first post. Forgive me if this is a bit clumsy. I joined the forum because I am beginning to see the first signs of age on my 2006 convertible I purchased five years ago. I hope I can help others with some of my experiences and gain more knowledge on the maintenance and care of my Vette from more seasoned owners.

I have recently noticed the tension cable on the drivers side of the convertible top is separated from the top. The passenger side is still in tack but on the driver side the bottom layer of fabric seems to have disintegrated at the stitching at the outside of the top that apparently holds the tension cable in place. Does anybody know a fix for this short of a new top?

Is there a way to get this request out as a new post and not a "reply"?