91 Convertible Side Tension Cable Question

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Scott C

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Nov 1, 2016

#1

• Nov 1, 2016

• #1

In process of installing new canvas top and need some info on side tension cables. Old top, both cables were broken so I don't have a reference as to how much tension on cables with top latched down. When I put the new cables on and latched the top there is no tension on the cables, which seems odd to me. I put the broken cables together to measure before ordering new cables so I know they are the correct ones. Can someone tell me if the springs should be stretched somewhat when top is latched down. Picture shows tension spring when top is latched no tension on cable at all.

 

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RaggedGT

Been here over a DECADE and still no CT

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#2

• Nov 1, 2016

• #2

No idea......


But I know a guy who might..
@90sickfox

 

90sickfox

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#3

• Nov 1, 2016

• #3

The cables should be tight. They shouldn't be loose.

Those cables keep the side of the top from coming up above the frame....that's really it. They shouldn't have a lot of tension on the spring but they should be snug. Can you show a pic of how you routed them through the vinyl ?

 

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Scott C

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Nov 2, 2016

#4

• Nov 2, 2016

• #4

Thanks, just didn't seem right being so loose. I have attached picture of front routing and will get one of the back tomorrow AM.

 

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Scott C

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Nov 3, 2016

#5

• Nov 3, 2016

• #5

Pictures of cable routing for back of top. I noticed there is a hole with a plastic insert at the top of rear post which looks as though the cables should run through. The new top has a small flap at rear of cable tunnel which heads down and would not work if I tried running cable through the holes on post. Think it would help just to move the spring down to put tension on cable? Don't like to change original setup but not sure what else

 

90sickfox

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#6

• Nov 3, 2016

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Cable should be a little tighter than that. You could try a shorter spring from a hardware store to keep from making new holes. When the top is closed the cables should hold the sides tight above the windows. How is the padding ? The new top usually comes with a piece of thin foam and vinyl cover for the top padding. I usually strip the old mass back padding out of the old one and use the foam and new wrap. Makes the top a little tighter...but I think you're beyond that now.

Bringing the spring down lower won't hurt anything.

 

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Scott C

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#7

• Nov 3, 2016

• #7

Ok, so routing looks fine, just need to tighten up on cables using new springs or move current springs down. Thanks again for taking the time to help me out. Getting back on this install over the weekend, will let you know how it goes.

 

FourEyed

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#8

• Nov 4, 2016

• #8

The springs in my 86 vert are about half the size of those on your car, I replaced them along with the cables and everything else when I did the top a couple of years back from cjponyparts. I think it was.

Even with the added tension of new springs and cables the sides still not perfect by the window area, but I have a bad case of ocd.
I'll dig up some pics and post them up.

 

Last edited: Nov 4, 2016

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FourEyed

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#9

• Nov 4, 2016

• #9

Also, iirc there are different size cables for different years, you might want to double check which ones you got.

 

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Scott C

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Nov 9, 2016

#10

• Nov 9, 2016

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Finally got top on and cable tension corrected. I moved springs down about an inch at first but that was too much, when closed the small back flap holding cables would extend well below top. Ended up about a half inch lower and seems to fit well. Only waiting for top to stretch as now windows are hitting top frame were it folds down. Thanks for the help.

 

90sickfox

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Scott C said:

Finally got top on and cable tension corrected. I moved springs down about an inch at first but that was too much, when closed the small back flap holding cables would extend well below top. Ended up about a half inch lower and seems to fit well. Only waiting for top to stretch as now windows are hitting top frame were it folds down. Thanks for the help.

Click to expand...

The quarter windows or door windows ?

 

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Scott C

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Nov 9, 2016

#12

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The door windows. The front and rear of the door windows are correct but it dips down in the middle where the top hinges.

 

90sickfox

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#13

• Nov 9, 2016

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I know exactly what you're talking about. Time should work it out. Do you have pics ?

 

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Scott C

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Nov 9, 2016

#14

• Nov 9, 2016

• #14

I'll take a few in the AM.

 

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Scott C

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Nov 10, 2016

#15

• Nov 10, 2016

• #15

here's pictures of each side. Not sure of any adjustment I could try to bring the center hinged area up any.