Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

topper2

Do you guy even check out the links I posted?? It looks like the guy didn't even glue anything on the back window when he install his.

http://www.cepavw.org/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9566

dscotten

There is no weatherstripping around this window. There's what looks like seam tape attached (glued) to the inside of the rear window. The flange of this is glued to the inside of the convertible top. I WISH there was weatherstripping like what you show in your posted link.

ambrocked

Oh wow. I figured it wouldn't be cheap, but yikes! Good to know about the fuse. It's weird, because in the manual for the car there's one listed, but ON the car, where the fuses are listed, it's not there. That's what lead me to believe there was one, just maybe not where I was looking. So far, mom's just resorted to using the top manually. Can you tell me where to look for the fluid levels please? (I'm not even sure where the motor for the roof is located...) That's also an interesting idea to look into the emergency brake- I hadn't thought of that either, so thanks charO for the great idea! I really appreciate everyone's help here- you guys are wonderful!! =D

hallkane

Yeah, I'm still raising and lowering manually. I prefer automation, but I'm too cheap for an $800 part!

The fluids reservoir is in the trunk. For my year (1999), look on the drivers side for a bump "in" of the trunk. There are a few simple bolts holding down a black cover over that bump "in". Once you get that off, there's the motor. The fluid reservoir is part of the motor and very obvious once you get the cosmetic cover off. If your fluid is low, it will be obvious. I hope for your sake that you are. I think you need to buy the special fluid at a VW dealer. If you find you have a leak of fluids, there is also a special rebuild kit for leaks. Alas, my problem was neither of those. Enjoy the summer!
hallkanea

imissukelly

Hey Everyone,
I have been doing research on my 2000 Cabrio's power roof to see what my options are.
The roof motor is no longer working. VW has confirmed it is leaking fluid. They claim they have to replace the motor and the hydralics which has a price tag of $3300. This is a huge bill-about $2300 more than I expected. I have asked them if they can make it manual (answer is no) what my options are (answer is none) and I have had my car in the shop for the past week thinking about if I am going to spend this much for this repair.....I see that there are options here that VW has not made me aware of and I am pissed...I am printing off this forum and bringing it with me when I pick up my car today.....Has anyone else ever received a quote to fix that was this steep?

ambrocked

Yeah, it sounds like you definitely need to get a second opinion (with an honest mechanic)! And I thought $800 was bad... Sheesh! I'm guessing you've already looked thru the rest of this forum, but posts #38 and #40 are particularly helpful in figuring out the manual operation of the top. Good luck!

ambrocked

Excellent, thank you so much!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed! =D

maerschalk

My window has come loose also but I found a seamstres to fix it for me so to replace it isn't the only option. I reglued it then had it hand stitched and knotted between each stitch

hbullis

I haven't read the whole thread but, if the resevoir is low look for a leak. The hoses on my 99 dry rot and one came loose behind teh rear seat trim panel. If the motor runs it's probably a leak. I'm sure you read the emergency brake must be on.

bluefx

I've learned a lot from reading the blogs on the Cabrio and see that a lot of folks have the same issues I do with the Cabrio convertible I just purchased. The roof automatic motor stopped working (I have a button to raise and lower it on my dash) AND the factory glue just above the rear window where the roof bends started coming unglued and slowly but surely, it's coming apart all the way across. Not good since we just skidded by Hurricane Ike here in South Florida. The guy I bought the car from gave me an upholstery shop number in Ft. Lauderdale who wants $400 cash to remove my top, sew up the roof and replace it. He also told me he would look at the motor to see why it wasn't working , but I'm sure.

I saw some folks were buying glue for the seam. Anyone use glue and have success? In Florida?

Does anyone in Hialeah or South Florida know of other upholstery locations that will remove, sew and replace a Cabrio top? If the top looks brand new, is it better to repair than to replace???

Any other recommendations in terms of vendors/mechanics/upholstery shops in the South Florida area would be GREATLY APPRECIATED! Thanks.

bluefx

Hello. Can you tell me what you ended up doing with your Cabrio? I just posted a question and I have the exact same problem as you and I live in So. Florida.

Thanks!!!!

tirzah

I lived down in S. Florida and the stitching came undone on my top, I had it resewn a year ago. This year, the window became unglued from the canvas. I took it to several places, and my only option was to replace the top for about $1800. If it is stitching, you can have it sewn, I had mine done for around $300 in West Palm Beach at a little canvas shop off of Okeechobee, not far west of 95. Honestly, you are lucky that you found someone to do it that way, the dealership told me I had to replace it completely and I found the guy to stitch it on my own.

tirzah

My boyfriend wanted to drive my car and went to put the roof down without unlatching his side. Now the top won't go down. It bent the metal part attached to the front of the car. It didn't seem like he tried it for too long, so I can't see how it could have done mega damage. Is there a fuse I can check? Any suggestions? Thanks!

momjenni

I finally ordered a new top online (exactly the same as the original). It cost $675. I found someone in Orlando to install it for $350.00. I had been quoted a price of $1900 by a local auto upholsterer for purchase of top and installation. My car looks like brand new. Now I have to get the back seat reupholstered because after it rained in, the heat from the sun, shrunk and split the leather. IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING.

kinsaul

I've seen posts from people that due to issues with the automatic convertible top, they are using theirs manually...How on earth do you do this? Mine is low on hydraulic fluid, so I am afraid I might be looking at a leak. In the mean time, I'd love to know how to operate the top manually. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

hbullis

On my 1999 Cabrio in the left rear corner of the truck is a cover with a rubber plug about 2" in diameter. Take out the rubber hole plug and turn the "T" knob" counter-clockwise. This will relieve the pressure then you just raise the top by hand.

Herb

hbullis

oops, I forgot your's is a 2002. So it might be located behind the cd changer. I'm not sure but I've heard some are back there. I would guess your owners manual would talk about this since even a blown fuse on the pump would require you to do the same.

Herb

hbullis

Sorry, I just got up....

Check the fuse! On mine a hose broke. The 4 feet of hose is $300 to replace. I have not been able to find a hydraulic shop that has the right fittings to make one for $30.

If you need more help let me know.....ZZZzzzzZZZzzzz

blsmeister

My 2000 GLS Cabrio convertible top is wearing well on the outside (Poo Poo!),
but I noticed the black elastic straps that guide and hold the roof when retracted
need to be replaced. These elastic straps are located between the outside top and
the insulated header. Eight years of hot and freezing tempatures have severed
these elastic straps. I visited Asbuty Auto Tops in Asbury Park, NJ and the owner
can replace them at a minimal cost, but we can't figure out the Original Equipment
Manufactures origianl installation placement. My vehicle has 36,000 K on it and I intend on keeping itfor a while. I enjoy breaking it out in the spring and driving until autumn. If you can take the time to glance at your configuration of these elastics
and write back with their placement it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

blsmeister

Have you checked Automotix.com you may be able to locate a salvaged vehicle.

ambrocked

Hi! I just saw your message, and that makes a lot of sense about the hoses dry-rotting. I was wondering, do you know what kind of hydraulic fluid to use to refill it? And would you suggest filling it and then just watching the hoses for a leak? Thanks so much, I really appreciate your help!

charocfl

Hi, I also just found out from my mechanic that 3 of my 4 hose to my convertible pump are leaking & need to be replaced. I checked with a VW dealership parts department in Orlando & was told the part # 1oE871794A for the longer hoses (2ea) & for the shorter hose 1oE871793A (1ea) I need replaced are $342 each :sick: So I was wondering if any one knows an after market hoses I can use or am I forced with replacing with the VW hoses at $342 each?

Any suggestions for buying on line.

Thanks:
CharO
Merritt Island, FL

charocfl

Hey if you were quoted only $400 to r&r the convertible top I would jump on this since I to have the seam that was hot glued coming apart on my 99 Cabrio top that also looks like new other wise. I talke to several people who work on convertible tops, one lady who happens to live down the street from me actually repairs tops & said she would repair the damage for $50 if I could get the top off the car so she could use her sewing machine. the catch is that the top is rivited on so all the rivits will have to be r&r also. So much for a cheap fix. I did finally get a quote to replace the whole top for just over $1000.00 this included new canvas.

But for now I am going to try repairing the seam with "Mighty Mendit" which I just got in the mail the other day. I will post when I have a chance to see who this works other wise I am going to probably go with the complete top replacement.

CharO

ghoward06

Hey,
Have the same problem with my wifes' 2000 Cabrio. Did the "mighty mendit" work?
We don't pop the top all that often so I'm looking for an inexpensive and easy fix.

Thanks

charocfl

Hi, so far it is still holding although it has about 1/4" spider web look to the seam where I glued the sections together. This may be due to the fact I may not have had enough time to let the clips do their work since I had to hit the road on a trip from FL to INDY for Xmas.

So basically I left 70/80 temps to head to the mid 30s & the seams are still holding the together fine. So if you don't mind the cob web look this appears to be doing the trick. When I get back down to warmer weather in a few weeks I will see about posting photos of the process & relusts when I find the time.

Char

charocfl

One other thing, I have been checking out other VW convertibles & have noticed that this appears to be some what common for the seam just above the rear window to separate. Especially at the corner turn areas & I was just wondering how often this has happened to other VW convertible owners.

Please post if this has happened to you or some one you know. Also I would be curious how the problem was taken care of:
1 Nothing done to fix the separating glue seams at this time.
2. Used duct tape or some other similar temporary fix.
3. Had a shop repair the separated seams & cost to repair.
4. Replaced the old top with a new one & cost to replace.
5. Tried a new or unusual product to repair the damage & how it turned out plus cost & process.

Thanks:
CharO

ghoward06

Thanks for such a quick reply...I'm in NC so the temp ranges from the 20's to the 90's usually... not that many days in the 20's (hopefully).

motoxdale

I bought a new vinyl top for my 89 cabrio. Can anyone give me detailed directions/pictures on how to install?.

edval

What type of hydraulic fluid I can use for the roof power pump?

forbz

I was told to use VW Brake Fluid.

ptee

How do I remove the power top mechanism without damaging it? It works but I have de-presurized the unit and pulled the fuse on motor.. I like to manually raise and lower the top. Actually faster. But I want to remove the power unit and pump installed on left hand side of trunk. Anyone have experience doing this?. My car is a "New" 99 Cabrio GLS.

remission

Hi, I am wondering how you glued your seams back on your top....

I have a 2004 VW Cabrio..sooo many things are wrong with it.

The top hydrolic fluid is empty, I am assuming a leak, and the Electrical system is buggy.

Plus the seams on the back sides of the top are coming unglued, where the back window is on the outer edge. I want to try to re-glue them back, but I am not sure I understand how....

When I try to fold the seams back together to align them, I cant get to touch..its like it stretched when the top is down and now theres like a inch gap between the seams and Im not sure why. If I glue them together with teh top up, Im afraid it will pull apart when the top is down.

Also, someone broke into my car and cut 3 big gashes in my top.

I bought some iron on patches of the same color and silicon to try and fix it, because the guy at Midas said he did that to his car for a quick fix for a few months.

I'm so mad, because I still have a year or so to pay off on this car and it has so many things wrong with it. And the paint also looks horrible..it lost its shine so fast, now it is all dull black.

PLUS now the transmission is slipping.. and the Right window regulator is broke..same thing happened to the left, I paid 300 for a new regulator and now the right doesnt work anymore..Im just leaving it.

It has 136,000 miles on it and if I trade it in I wont get barely anything for it with so many things wrong, they will just scrap it at auction.

Its leaking water at the

This car is SUCH a lemon..I wonder I am able to sue or something..a car shouldn't have so many things wrong with it and not even be paid off yet. Ive had it for like 3 1/2 years

ghubert

Could tell me where you bought the top at and who installed it.
Thanks Jerry

kchesterman

I have read your post on replacement of a convertible top and want to say thank you for posting it. Wondering if this will work for a 95 - 96 Cabrio top? Also wondering in my 95/96 since the top is separating from the rear window if I can just re-staple it? And in doing so I would have to remove the window and window weather stripping correct? Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated and no I won't hold you responsible for my mess ups.

KChesterman

doublediamond2

could you furnish on what website they downloaded instructions for installing a new top on a Cabrio? Thanks

zabadava

can anyone help me to find guide how to replace the roof of Volkswagen Cabrio Highline1997? thank you in advance!

mag64

Our '96 Cabrio has a manual convertible top. It was in great shape until something inside between the layers of the top and liner broke. There is a rod that goes across the back window when the top is up. There is a small rod (on drivers side) that comes off of it, that forms a T. It now has a rough edge and seems like it had a fabric cover on it that came off. When the top was down and we put it back up (manually) the rough edge rod caught on the top and ripped it. So, the mechanical part needs to be repaired before the top can be repaired but we don't know what happened.

Has anyone ever had this happen? Can you tell me what the problem is? Thanks!

cjvw

I need to repair or get a new top for my 2001 Cabrio. Same story--the heat seal (glue) has separated between the top and rear window. Would love to know where the person got a new top for $675, and who installed it for $350 in Orlando. I'm in North Palm Beach, FL ...and desperate to get this fixed since it is hot, hot, hot and the rainy season. Thank so very, very much!!

momjenni

I bought the top online. It is the same exact top as was on the car new. I can't remember the name of the company but cabrioworld.com has them with the heated glass for a little more than I payed. It's called Sonnendecke, Stayfast. The price is listed as $789.00. I paid a local fellow to install it. If you call around some of the smaller auto upholstery/convertible top shops, you should be able to get it installed for around $400.00 or less. It's still much cheaper than having a larger auto upholstery shop do it all. I had a quote for $1900.00. I saved $900.00. Good Luck.

shelbsassy

The seams on my 97 Cabrio Co :sick: nvertible Top are also coming apart , well they are already apart on both sides and are racing towards the middle in the rear. Mine is doing iexactly what yours is, when I try and bring them together they don't seem to stretch far enough and I don't think glue will hold them, and then I am afraid if I ever do get them together, will I be able to get the top dopwn again without them breaking? Just wondering if you had any luck repairing your yours. I have a ton of problems with my car lately too, with the same amount of mileage, 2 flat tires in a week is the latest issue! I have replaced all 4 tires in the last 2 weeks, and cannot afford to buy a new top. Anything you have found out would be great, I share in your anxiety about everything!

ltiffany

It's a mineral based fluid and only available thru VW about $20 for a quart.

chryle1219

I just wanted to say thank you for posting the installatiom information. It is truley amazing the detail you used. I am a girl so most people think I can not do this. So i'll let you know.
Sincerely,
Cheryle

chryle1219

Hi, I was just wondering if the rivets you use are the regular aluminum type?

jlucaslamar

Cheryle

I just wanted to say thank you for posting the installatiom information.

Could you tell me where it's posted. I need it also.
Cheryl Lamar

mrmachine

Try these Links:

http://www.cepavw.org/phpbb3/index.php?sid=bcae20114ed2ecc9e7a6925c72391d4f

http://www.cepavw.org/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9566

I don,t really know how to use this forum but maybe you can copy & paste these links like I did. Got them from topper2, ThanX to him. I'm pretty sure that topper2 said in a later post that the installer should have glued the back window area.

mrmachine

Where are some good sites to find a quality replacement top for my 97 Cab, also are there any suppliers for adhesive, the inside of the top & the padding???
ThanX in Advance Steve.

topper2

This link is for removing the top on MKIII

http://www.cepavw.org/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9514

This link is for installing

http://www.cepavw.org/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9566

You can order the top from here

http://www.topsonline.com/

He mentioned that this place is about $60 less than cabrioworld.

mrmachine

ThanX, topper2. any recomendations for the best procedure & adhesive to re glue the seam without R&R the top?

cabriomy

Thank you so much to everyone who has posted information on this forum! I just came across your posts tonight and have read all 99. It's amazing that so many of us have had the same problems.

As a 99 Cabrio owner, it's been 11 years and I'm trying to hang in with a top that is no longer automatic (leaking hydraulics, then burned out motor, I think), leaky windows, and a splitting top on both sides, unfortunately compounded this week by someone with a knife.

But in deference to VW,over time, I've appreciated the strength of the car's frame and that fabric top. The six or so layers of fabric must have been a challenge for the person with the knife because despite cutting into the top in several places, including a large 3-sided box shape at the driver's side window, the knife was either not up to the task or not sharp enough. Result - it took too much effort or so much time that Lancealittle never made it all the way through to break in (assuming that was the ultimate goal).

Anway, obviously, the top has to be replaced, luckily, the splitting sides were already pretty bad. Amazingly I had just updated my insurance to include comprehensive with a $50 deductible. So, a question to you all: should I go thru Geico or foot the bill myself? I've been quoted $1250 by the shop that all the VW repair shops in the DC area recommend, including my mechanic. I'm up for attempting to replace the top myself, as well, so am not sure which way to go. Any thoughts?

NOTE on STOPPING the SPLITTING: There is a clear tape-like repair material for boats' canvas tops that works very well. The name, I believe, is Mend It, comes in a small box for $10 at a boat accessory store. NOTE 2: Duct Tape isn't a good idea - it would be a very temporary measure, for example, to stop the rain from getting inside your top. It will definitely leave white marks behind and doesn't last long at all, requiring frequent replacement, plus it just looks bad. So basically, unless you plan to replace the top in the near-distant future, the tape isn't a good solution.

By the way, I was told the frequency of the top's usage (especially when being openned) and weight of the window, coupled with poor manufacturing (gluing highest stress point but not stiching it!) is what promotes the splitting

Ladies, on closing the top manually - two additional tricks: when you are standing behind it - hold your stomach in to gather your core strength and help you push the top up and over. Also, try to bend your knees and power up with your legs to a full standing position as you push the top up and over. It may sound strange, but give either one or both, if you can, a shot and let me know what you think. I was always fairly proud once I learned to use more of my body because I knew how heavy the top was and yet people didn't see me struggle nearly like I had before. Basically, these two moves use the bigger, stronger muscles of your body, rather than just the strength in your arms. Good luck!

And if any of you have thoughts on the best path to take to get the happy back in my Cabrio, I'd really appreciate it!!

chryle1219

Hi, I originally got my replacement from California tops in Cal. etc. But the pad I received was cheep foam. I went throught them for the price etc. I ended up get a new synethtic horse hair pad from M&T Manf. they are in RI. Allot easier to deal with and very helpful. There instruction are better also. But I have been going through about 4 different instruction to do the job. I will try and write a more detailed version of the liner, padding and top install, so it won't be so frustrating for others to do. I have been basically doing it myself and have found a few tips that can be helpful. Also M&T have allot of other products available, if you are looking to do another project. I am going to do the carpet next I think?

But to answer your question, sorry for the novel, I believe that either company would be fine. If you do not mind the foam.

http://www.mtmfg.com/category/view/164