97 covertible top question
11-08-2004, 10:34 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 43
97 covertible top question
My 97 convertible has a musty smell in it and I am trying to locate it. When I am in the back seat and look into the convertible top stowage area, I can't get behind the vinyl piece that hides that area. Is there any way to remove that piece of loosely hanging vinyl to see if there is water or moisture in that well area? Is there a special bit for a screwdriver that will allow me to partially disassembly that piece?
Any help is appreciated. This is a car that spent the last two years in Phoenix, got a new top from an independent shop and now resides in Pittsburgh, PA. With the cold weather approaching I want to store this car. First, the moisture must be found.
Gary
Any help is appreciated. This is a car that spent the last two years in Phoenix, got a new top from an independent shop and now resides in Pittsburgh, PA. With the cold weather approaching I want to store this car. First, the moisture must be found.
Gary
11-09-2004, 10:38 AM
#2
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location:
Posts: 81
RE: 97 covertible top question
I do not know about the 97 I have a older model and I have two ways in. the truck panals can be removed to give access to the tops hydrolics the other way is to remove screws that attach the top to the side back seat panels but can only be done with the top up.
11-11-2004, 10:01 PM
#4
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,555
RE: 97 covertible top question
go into your trunk, and take out the three little christmas tree plug things that are holding the top trunk panel in, and that will let you right into the undersde of that vinyl and to the motors and stuff for the top
11-12-2004, 10:22 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 43
RE: 97 covertible top question
Did you used to be the technical writer for FMC? 
Seriously, "the three little christmas tree plug"? OK, when I get home, I will look in the trunk for these dohickeys. I shudder at the idea of having to go through the conv. top well and remove all of the screws to get past the vinyl cover.
Thanks,
Gary
Seriously, "the three little christmas tree plug"? OK, when I get home, I will look in the trunk for these dohickeys. I shudder at the idea of having to go through the conv. top well and remove all of the screws to get past the vinyl cover. Thanks,
Gary
11-13-2004, 12:01 PM
#6
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 43
RE: 97 covertible top question
Well, I checked out the trunk and looked for Christmas tree things. Not seeing any, I tried to figure what the three things could be. I finally found the black plastic retainers that hold the sound deadner in. Once I got those out and removed the rear seat, I found my musty smell. Somehow, the convertible top leaked and water accumulated under the rear seat in the insulation. I have it all out and drying. Hopefully it will clear up my musty smell.
Thanks for the help.
Gary
Thanks for the help.
Gary
11-14-2004, 10:17 PM
#7
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,555
RE: 97 covertible top question
i think that the black plastic retainers were the christmas tree plugs that i was talking about. when they are new, they kinda look like a little christmas tree, but they get kinda deformed when you pull them back out. we are in the process of replacing my top right now, so we have had all that crap out.
11-15-2004, 02:40 AM
#8
I ♥ Acer
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 990
RE: 97 covertible top question
ORIGINAL: GaryS
My 97 convertible has a musty smell in it and I am trying to locate it. When I am in the back seat and look into the convertible top stowage area, I can't get behind the vinyl piece that hides that area. Is there any way to remove that piece of loosely hanging vinyl to see if there is water or moisture in that well area? Is there a special bit for a screwdriver that will allow me to partially disassembly that piece?
Any help is appreciated. This is a car that spent the last two years in Phoenix, got a new top from an independent shop and now resides in Pittsburgh, PA. With the cold weather approaching I want to store this car. First, the moisture must be found.
Gary
My 97 convertible has a musty smell in it and I am trying to locate it. When I am in the back seat and look into the convertible top stowage area, I can't get behind the vinyl piece that hides that area. Is there any way to remove that piece of loosely hanging vinyl to see if there is water or moisture in that well area? Is there a special bit for a screwdriver that will allow me to partially disassembly that piece?
Any help is appreciated. This is a car that spent the last two years in Phoenix, got a new top from an independent shop and now resides in Pittsburgh, PA. With the cold weather approaching I want to store this car. First, the moisture must be found.
Gary
11-15-2004, 08:59 AM
#9
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GA
Posts: 440
RE: 97 covertible top question
I bought my car used too! I did a carfax on it and everything came back fine. Mine was purchased from an auction as well from Atlanta and before than it was in North Carolina. Some stuff can be gathered from the carfax but not much.
How did you find out the history on yours? Your story is kinda morbid and interesting at the same time!
How did you find out the history on yours? Your story is kinda morbid and interesting at the same time!
11-15-2004, 09:33 PM
#10
I ♥ Acer
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 990
RE: 97 covertible top question
ORIGINAL: Leadfoot
I bought my car used too! I did a carfax on it and everything came back fine. Mine was purchased from an auction as well from Atlanta and before than it was in North Carolina. Some stuff can be gathered from the carfax but not much.
How did you find out the history on yours? Your story is kinda morbid and interesting at the same time!
I bought my car used too! I did a carfax on it and everything came back fine. Mine was purchased from an auction as well from Atlanta and before than it was in North Carolina. Some stuff can be gathered from the carfax but not much.
How did you find out the history on yours? Your story is kinda morbid and interesting at the same time!