Convertible Warning...
funracer
01-25-2009, 09:29 PM
The wife and I bought a 93 Metro convertible a couple of weeks ago. The car was well worn but nothing not cured by some TLC. The best thing about it was the brand new convertible top.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b341/yellowLT1/Metro/CIMG0086.jpg
On the 10 hour drive home a near disaster. While going 65 mph on a very busy freeway, the convertible top blew open like a parachute:wtf: In an instant it flew all the way up in a verticle position and then slammed down into the cavity behind the seats. Through the unexpected noise and wind we slid the car over to the saftey lane on the side of the expressway.
When I got out, I at first thought all was OK. When I raised the top we saw that the rear window was shredded. Probably a good thing because if it had not given out the top may have left the vehicle entirely.
As it was 14 degrees outside and we still had 7 hours of driving ahead, we drove to the next offramp and bought a roll of clear package tape at the truckstop. The tape held the window together for the rest of the drive and was see through to boot.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b341/yellowLT1/Metro/CIMG0110.jpg
What caused this to happen? I was sure upon reflection that the header lock lever had been in the parallel and thus locked postion. The problem was in the lock tab button just to the right of the lever. I had noticed before we started that the button was pushed in. I have owned several convertibles over the years but I was not familiar with this type of locking lever and button system. I had pushed on the top front edge prior to leaving and the top seemed to be locked good and tight. Unfortunately we found out the hard way that it was not.
I currently have the car in storage until the weather warms up enough to refurbish it. First on the list is an engine rebuild and second will be a new top. I am also trying to figure out an additional safety tab/lever/bungee cord or whatever modification to help keep the lock lever in place no matter what.
Hope this helps others avoid a potentially dangerous situation. I have really enjoyed reading many of the posts here and will be reading them all again when the engine rebuild begins.
Regards
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b341/yellowLT1/Metro/CIMG0086.jpg
On the 10 hour drive home a near disaster. While going 65 mph on a very busy freeway, the convertible top blew open like a parachute:wtf: In an instant it flew all the way up in a verticle position and then slammed down into the cavity behind the seats. Through the unexpected noise and wind we slid the car over to the saftey lane on the side of the expressway.
When I got out, I at first thought all was OK. When I raised the top we saw that the rear window was shredded. Probably a good thing because if it had not given out the top may have left the vehicle entirely.
As it was 14 degrees outside and we still had 7 hours of driving ahead, we drove to the next offramp and bought a roll of clear package tape at the truckstop. The tape held the window together for the rest of the drive and was see through to boot.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b341/yellowLT1/Metro/CIMG0110.jpg
What caused this to happen? I was sure upon reflection that the header lock lever had been in the parallel and thus locked postion. The problem was in the lock tab button just to the right of the lever. I had noticed before we started that the button was pushed in. I have owned several convertibles over the years but I was not familiar with this type of locking lever and button system. I had pushed on the top front edge prior to leaving and the top seemed to be locked good and tight. Unfortunately we found out the hard way that it was not.
I currently have the car in storage until the weather warms up enough to refurbish it. First on the list is an engine rebuild and second will be a new top. I am also trying to figure out an additional safety tab/lever/bungee cord or whatever modification to help keep the lock lever in place no matter what.
Hope this helps others avoid a potentially dangerous situation. I have really enjoyed reading many of the posts here and will be reading them all again when the engine rebuild begins.
Regards
brivers
01-26-2009, 10:12 AM
What a bummer. I'll bet that really put a damper on things. But the car looks like its in great shape. Glad you did'nt loose the whole top. Good luck.
RossT
01-26-2009, 06:51 PM
The are a few on this forum that may know the answer to you question. If not another place to look is here: http://www.teamswift.net/
The section you want is the 7th one from the top.
The section you want is the 7th one from the top.
91 ragtop
01-26-2009, 11:42 PM
You'd better check the two plastic latches that the metal catches spin into when you turn the center lever. I've got one that is worn pretty bad and it doesn't pull down tight to seal the top down. You can feel the air getting under it at speed so that may be your problem too.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026