If you watch your top during the retract and extend operation you will notice that the fabric is stretched over the ribs when going up and released when the top goes down. This has the fabric moving slightly over the ribs during these motion operations. The next time y'all put your tops down, stop the movement with the top about half way down and feel along the top of the first rib from the front. You should feel the weld seam and if you own an '07 or later you should also see and feel the tape the factory installed on that rib.

BB
Semper Fi

 

Thanks for the tip. I was at an upholstery shop last week to get some custom work done and the owner told me he's doing a lot of s197 tops for Ford. He says he's doing from 3-5 cars a month.

 

Have my car at the dealer, waiting for a new top and they said Ford only allows up to $350 for changing out the top (covering/fabric) and so far only found a shop that quoted them $900.

Anyone know how long it takes to do the swap? TSB allows 4.4 hours, but I would think it to take longer to make sure it's done right.

Are cloth tops easier to work with than the vinyl?

 

It takes much more time than that to do it. I had the entire top assembly switched out on mine -that's the frame with the fabric already installed on it - and it took more time than that. For your job they need to remove the entire assembly, remove and replace the fabric, then reinstall the assembly back in to the car. It shouldn't matter what shops are charging them to do the job. If it's under warranty, someone will pay, either the dealer or Ford, but you shouldn't be out any money.

 

anyone have any pics so i know what to look for on my girls car?

thanks

 

scroll back to the first post. Pics there. BTW- my car was built 10/16.. 5 days after Ford says they fixed this. I do not have the issue on mine.. and I have a cloth top

 

I had my cloth top and frame replaced under warranty. I don't know how much the upholstery shop charged but the dealer send the total cost was $6K.

 

Why would the framework need to be replaced?

It's my understanding that the problem areas on the framework, specifically areas on the #1 and #4 bows were to be covered with a mylar(?) tape and the new top covering installed to solve the problem.

 

I discover mine "pinching" by the fourth bow and I did not think too much about it until my wife noticed a hole forming. Took it to the dealer and its getting replaced on Thurday. I had TSB 06-19-5 and through this link found TSB 06-22-16. I'll take it with me.