Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Convertible Top Front Panel: Removal
Procedure views are with the convertible top in the fully closed position showing tension on the convertible top material, actual position should be approximately 25-50 percent open allowing slack in the convertible top material and other components for serviceability.
- Release the convertible top.
- Lower the convertible top latch handle.
- Twist the convertible top latch handle clockwise to release the convertible top.
- Open the convertible top approximately 25 percent.
- Remove the convertible top latch handle.
- Remove the convertible top front panel trim.
- Remove the convertible top front panel trim retainers on the front of the trim.
- Release the clips under the back of the convertible top front panel trim and remove the trim.
- Remove the headliner push pin retainers along the back of the convertible top front panel.
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NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar.
The headliner tension brackets can remain on the convertible top headliner. On both sides. Remove the headliner tension bracket retainers and brackets from the convertible top front panel.
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NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.
If any shims are present, note the position for installation. On both sides. Remove the convertible top front panel side weatherstrip and bracket assembly.
- Mark the convertible top front panel side weatherstrip bracket assembly at the retainers for installation reference.
- Remove the convertible top front panel side weatherstrip and bracket assembly retainers and remove the weatherstrip/bracket assembly.
- Remove the convertible top material push pin retainers at the back of the convertible top front panel.
- Disconnect the convertible top material from the front underside of the convertible top front panel.
- Across the front, pull the convertible top material backward and down to release from the convertible top front panel clips.
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NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.
On both sides, pull the convertible top material from the double sided tape securing the material to the convertible top front panel.
- Roll the convertible top material forward and up over the convertible top front panel.
- Fold the front of the convertible top material back to the first crossbow to expose the convertible top tension cable end and stay pad rivets.
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NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.
On both sides. Disconnect the convertible top tension cable from the convertible top front panel.
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NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.
On both sides. Disconnect the stay pad from the convertible top front panel.
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NOTE: All rivet shavings must be removed from the vehicle and convertible top assembly.
Drill the stay pad rivets from the convertible top front panel. Use the General Equipment: Electric Drill
- Slide the stay pad to the center of the convertible top front panel to disconnect the stay pad.
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NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar.
On both sides. Remove the convertible top front panel.
- With the help of an assistant. Remove the frame to convertible top front panel retainers.
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NOTE: If equipped, retain the shims for installation on both sides.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.