I'm curious is anyone else has seen this:

While washing the top on my 'vert today, (2005 w/ vinyl top) I noticed a tiny knick/tear in the top fabric about 1/8" long. It's located about 1" up from the driver's side window, and 1" back from where the hardshell part of the top ends (sorry I don't have a pic (yet) It runs a bit diaginal (lower toward the front)

What's really scaring me is that i walked around to the other side, only to find an IDENTICAL knick in the material at the exact corresponding locale on that side......

That is way too much for coincidence on a car with an otherwise perfect top. I'm thinking that something in the way the top folds is overstressing the material at that point.

Has anyone else noticed this on their cars?

 

None here... pix?

 

Newer Ford tech bulletin on this.....

 

Thank you! Off to the dealership with TSB in hand...

 

First time I see that TSB, it wasn't in the list of TSB's.

Any more details on the proposed re-work, I would like to check mine and maybe add the tape as a precaution ?

 

I took it to the nearest Ford dealer today, showed them the TSB. They took a quick look and ordered me a new top (unfortunately backordered at the moment tho')

 

Any chance you could pay the difference and get the cloth? Would it fit? Would you even want to?

 

I'm not sure, because it sounds like the TSB kit includes a revised top bow, as well as the top itself.

Honestly, being in New England, I like the vinyl. It's cool/damp here in the Spring and Fall, and I keep my car covered. I'd be concerned about the cloth getting moldy with the car cover on top of it.

Also, the slight sheen of a well conditioned vinyl top looks better to me than the dead flat black of the cloth one anyway. I've only seen one S197 so far with the cloth top raised, and that one looked pretty wrinkled/loose to me.

One weird thing: The TSB says this issue can occur with the vinyl OR cloth top, but they only provide two part #'s for the revision kits (black and camel)

 

You should post a pic of where the knick was, I will be watching minew carefully !!! and at first sign,, up to the dealer...................

 

I'll snap some photos to post as soon as I get a chance

 

Does anyone know if there are specific VIN #s that this TSB applies to? I've got a very early build '07 with the cloth top option. While I haven't noticed any problems yet, I wonder if my car, which was built on June 15th, has the new design top (I'd guess it probably doesn't).

 

Hey Bob.....you and me both!!

 

Hey Paul, have you had a chance to get some Pics ?

Would be interested to check this one out !

 

Sorry guys, I was never able to get clear pics before the top was replaced. Just check the area just behind the hard shell portion of the roof, and just above the side windows (1-2" in each direction). If they're present, you'll see them.