[BOB968]

Can anyone tell me the exact length of the cables that run inside the cab top? Mine are broken  and i have a shop that can make them, but I need the precise length. Also, there are just 2 cables, correct? Can they be installed with the existing top in place? Thanks in advance for any help.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[MCL968]

If you mean the cables that drive the gearboxes to lift and lower the top, I think you will find that most of the forum members have their tops in "manual" mode, meaning they have disconnected the gearboxes from the frame so it can be raised and lowered by hand. It seems that the motors being out of synch contributes greatly to the problem of top bow breakage, and manual mode all but completely solves that problem.

You can disconnect the gearbox from the top by loosening the two large bolts located under the snap-off covers by the rear speakers. The bolt size is the same as the lug nut so you can use the lug wrench to do it in case the motors fail while on a drive. Those crafty Germans!

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

i cannot caution you strongly enough about taking extreme caution when messing with this top.  it is a very poor design, prone to failure.  this is not a project for someone who has not done it before.  using anything other than factory parts, installed by a qualified installer, can be fraught with peril.  failures have frequently resulted in broken bows and ripped tops.  they number over 100 in the 12 years i have been involved with this car.  many of us have gone manual on the top as a result of how frequent the failures occur.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[BOB968]

I guess I should have been clearer. The cables I am referring to are the plastic coated cables that run the front of the top to somewhere in the back inside the outer top mechanism. I am not referring to the cables that drive the power top mechanism itself. Thankis

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

doesn't really matter which cables.  because there are 2 motors, the post-stretched cable length of all cables is critical.  if that changes at all, things break.

 

use OEM parts installed by a qualified installer

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[94SilverCab]

doesn't really matter which cables.  because there are 2 motors, the post-stretched cable length of all cables is critical.  if that changes at all, things break.

 

use OEM parts installed by a qualified installer

 

BOB968, can I just please point out that Flash has vast experience with 968s and has done extensive development on the 968, and he refers the top work to others. I have no idea what your skill level is, but unless you are truly an expert on convertible tops, it could be wise to seek qualified help with this item.

 

YMMV,

 

Jay

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[BOB968]

Thanks to all for comments. I should have pointed out that I have an experienced shop to install a new top. But I need the cables--actually I understand now---tension rope

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.