Convertible Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 472
From: Newark Delaware
Convertible Question
I have a '99 convertible. The flap of fabric attached to the top that covers the tonneau cover when the top is up was annoying me - it would flap around when I was driving with the top up but the windows down. I also didn't like that it covered up a nice splash of color in the cockpit so I removed it. The straps were anchored with screws so that removal was easy. However it was riveted to the back edge bottom of the top. I went all in and drilled out the rivets.
I did this several months ago and much prefer it. Anyone else out there done anything similar? Also, I wonder if that cloth served as any sort of protection for the top or the glass when folded. Thoughts?
I did this several months ago and much prefer it. Anyone else out there done anything similar? Also, I wonder if that cloth served as any sort of protection for the top or the glass when folded. Thoughts?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 46
From: Springfield IL.
Oldtimer
I've been thinking about doing that too. Could it be put back in if you wanted to? I looked at mine briefly, and saw that the elastic straps aren't elastic anymore. Thought about trying to install some new elastic pieces to keep it tight. I've been wondering what the purpose of it was too.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thats exactly what it does; it protects the back window from scratches when it's lowered. I have a trunk partition which also protects the top but I've never considered removing the cover. Come to think of it, I never drive top up/windows down. If it's not raining the top comes down even when it's cold.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 472
From: Newark Delaware
I've been thinking about doing that too. Could it be put back in if you wanted to? I looked at mine briefly, and saw that the elastic straps aren't elastic anymore. Thought about trying to install some new elastic pieces to keep it tight. I've been wondering what the purpose of it was too.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,520
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From: Long Island NY
I hate driving with the top up. When I have to I usually don't have the windows all the way down so the flapping isn't an issue for me. Deegee is right, the cover is meant to prevent the window from scratching when the top is down and I believe also to reduce sun glare off the paint reflecting off the glass when looking in your rearview with the top up.
Last edited by Vettmann17; Aug 27, 2011 at 01:20 PM.
