Anyone ever have problems with the convertible top not closing correctly? The GST has had problems with the top not closing or opening all the way, I finally got around to looking at it. There are two bars that look like they are bent, but I don't know if they are supposed to be like that. This is the hinge that we are looking at, before showing the close up:
Close up of passenger side:
Driver's side:
They have a 90 degree bend in them. There is paint flaking off where the bend is, indicating the joint has been bent, but my dad says he tried to bend them straight before, so the paint may be caused by him stressing the joint in that way. (ruined my forensic analysis!) Anyone can confirm what these bars are supposed to look like, are they straight on your car? Ever replace them? TIA!
2gnt: '99 RS-T, killed by a toyota, pending rebuild... Daily: Volt Daily #2: '99 EVG ebike- STOLEN by PEDRO
#99001, "RE: bent brackets in spyder top (pics)" In response to Reply # 0 May-21-07 06:13 PM by eclipsekaiser
The same shit happend to the Red one we had. End up taking it to the delearship and got it fixed for $500. Afterward we never drop the top.
I think there is a Vfaq on that somewhere. I believe part of the problem is when you open the top while there is a breeze, the top acts like a parachute and deforms that joint in one diretion. So when you try to close it up, it bends in the opposite direction, and as a reuslt the FUBARed bracket. In addition, that bracket is meant to pivot when you open the top, but imagine the motion and the angular torque placed on it... Personally it is a dumb ass design.
I would just close it while carefully bending the bracket back, and never open it again..
#99009, "RE: bent brackets in spyder top (pics)" In response to Reply # 1 May-22-07 07:49 PM by xTheGame77x
Dude...
The exact same thing happened to my car, however mine seems to be in way worse shape than yours. My drivers side bracket actually broke off so my roof was only being supported by the passenger side bracket. To open the top I had to give it some guidance and to sort of force it down. I've talked to a few guys around here and they said that its common with these tops and that once they bend, they are pretty much toast because they will still be extremely weak when put straight again.
I took it to a shop and they told me they are able to fabricate new brackets for me if I was able to find a Spyder with a functioning top. However I was unable someone who was willing to drop their car off there for a few hours.. kinda sucks.
Two days ago the passenger side bracket got all screwed up along with the elastics. I just got fed up with it and ordered a new top which was $400 US.
#99218, "RE: bent brackets in spyder top (pics)" In response to Reply # 2
My Spyder's brackets were bent like that when I bought it. Mitsu replaced them under warranty before I picked it up. I have put on over 180k miles now in the last 6 years or so with the top up and down several times a week in the summer and never had that problem again.
Like a previous poster said, do not put it up or down when it's windy. If it is windy, guide it while closing. Make sure the fabric folds well. Spray the fabric with water protectant at least twice a year(there are great products out there for boats that work well). That will keep the fabric soft and folding easier. Also, try some lubricant around the connections of the braket to make sure that they move freely.
_________________________________________ 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T 1995 Eagle Talon Esi 1990 Eagle Talon TSi AWD 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
#99229, "RE: bent brackets in spyder top (pics)" In response to Reply # 3
Warranty on those brackets? You're kidding. I've been to 3 dealerships here asking that question and they all told me they weren't because they came weak from the factory.
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