Convertible Top - New Style Boot
Models 1991-92 M30 ConvertibleSection Body/Frame
Classification BF93-004
Bulletin No. IT993-008
Date February 11, 1993
M30 CONVERTIBLE TOP BOOT FIT (NEW STYLE TOP BOOT)
APPLIED MODELS/PRODUCTION DATE:
1991-92 M30 Convertibles converted by ASC, prior to December 2, 1991.
APPLIED RANGE:
All Convertibles with "old style" top boot.
RELATED INFORMATION:
ITB91-017A (BF91-001A) - M30 Convertible Field Service Action
ITB93-009 (BF93-005) - M30 Convertible Product Improvement Summary ITB92-053 (GI92-004) - Infiniti M30 Convertible System Service Responsibilities
ITD93-007 (BF93-003) - Header Reveal Molding Field Service Action
SERVICE INFORMATION:
Some M30 Convertible customers may comment about the fit and appearance of their vehicle's top boot. Infiniti has developed a new style boot which may improve the fit and appearance on some M30 Convertibles. The new style boot [as used on later production vehicles] has a flat plastic retainer sewn into the perimeter of the boot. The retainer has tabs that slide under the quarter and back belt moldings. Some customers may prefer this new-style boot. Because the top stack height varies among M30 Convertibles, this new top boot may not resolve customer concerns about fit and appearance in all cases. When determining the course of action necessary to resolve customer concerns. Dealers should consider the suitability of using this new boot.
Most vehicles can be easily retrofitted with the new-style boot; however, on some vehicles, it is necessary to remove the back belt molding so that adhesive-backed spacers can be installed. The spacers allow the boot tabs to slide between the back belt molding and the top cover.
OTHER SERVICE NEEDS:
Should other repairs be necessary, consumers must be advised of the total estimated time to inspect and repair, and give their approval to proceed. The M30 Convertible Product Improvement Summary Bulletin (ITB93-009;BF93-005) provides detailed symptoms, causes, countermeasures, and countermeasure parts information. Also provided is information on how to identify each vehicle build configuration.
I. NEW STYLE TOP BOOT INSTALLATION
NOTE 1
Before installing the "new style" M30 Convertible Top Boot, it is first necessary to inspect the height of the top stack - in its lowered position.
NOTE 2
Disregard Top Boot instruction sheet supplied by ASC in the package with the new Top Boot.
1. With the convertible top in a clean and dry condition, lower the top stack assembly.
2. To ensure that the convertible top is completely lowered, turn on the ignition and, momentarily, press the "TOP DOWN" switch. This will ensure a more accurate inspection of die height of the top stack with respect to the boot cover.
NOTE
Do not push down on the top stack, instead of using the "TOP DOWN" switch, as this will not give a true representation of the height relationship.
3. Place the boot over the lowered top.
4. Starting at the back belt, tuck the outer lip of the boot under the quarter and back belt trim moldings.
5. Secure the boot snaps to the quarter trim panels (Figure 1).
6. Attach the boot's velcro strip to the mating strip on the plastic shock tower cover (Figure 2).
7. If the boot cover fits properly over the pull down pins, but the boot cover tabs do not slide under the molding, adhesive-backed spacers will have to be installed under the back belt molding. (See III. ATTACHMENT OF BACK BELT MOLDING")
NOTE
The amount of contact between the boot cover and the pull-down pins is dependent on how low the top stack drops in its full-down position. If the boot cover will not remain in position due to excessive contact with the pull-down pins, observe the following:
^ On vehicles identified to have the "Socket-Set Screw Style Center Rail" (Figure 3a), install improved Control and Balance Links (NOTE: first cheek vehicle history to verify that links have not already been replaced), proceed to Section II. LINK REPLACEMENT.
^ Vehicles equipped with the # 1 Bow Wedge (Figure 3b) already have the improved links; replacement is not required. Refer to the M30 Product Improvement Summary (ITB93- 009;BF93-005) to determine if there are additional top stack components out of adjustment [Symptoms 5, 7, and 13].
II. LINK REPLACEMENT
PARTS KIT FOR REPLACING CONTROL AND BALANCE LINKS: You will need Infiniti P/N K8570-9X121 and K8571-9X121 (Figure 4).
NOTES
1. Refer to the detailed information on assembly hardware.
2. Discard the four black plastic bushings (20 mm o.d.]; 10 mm [i.d.]) which are in the kit.
NECESSARY HARDWARE
Removal
1. Set top into a half-raised position - the door window seals should be perpendicular to the vehicle body.
2. Remove both quarter trim panels (see page 6-3 of the 1991, M30 Convertible Service Manual Supplement [July 1991 edition]).
3. Remove the attachment bolt for the lower end of the balance link to the main pivot bracket. Before removal, note the order of assembly: bolt, bushing, balance link, washer, then, main pivot bracket (Figure 5).
4. Remove the bolt attaching the lower end of the control link to the rear rail (Figure 6).
NOTE
The balance link can remain attached to the control link, as the assembly will be discarded along with the old attaching hardware.
5. Remove the bolt attaching the upper end of the control link to the center rail (Figure 7).
Installation
1. Install the upper end of the new control link to the rear end of the center rail. Make sure that you use the new fasteners supplied in the kit. Observe the proper re-assembly order: washer, control link, bushing and bolt. Torque: 26 N-m [19 ft.lb.] (Figure 8)
2. Install the lower end of the new control link to die rear rail. Make sure you use the new fasteners supplied in the kit Observe the proper re-assembly order: # K3857 washer; control link; bushing, and bolt. Torque: 26 N-m [19 ft.lb.] (Figure 9)
3. Instill the upper end of the new balance link to the mid-point of the control link. Make sure that you use the new fasteners supplied in the kit. Observe proper re-assembly order: washer, control link, bushing, and bolt. Torque: 28 N-m [21 ft.lb.] (Figure 10)
4. Install the lower end of the new balance link to the main pivot bracket. Make sure you use the new fasteners supplied in the kit. Observe the proper re-assembly order: washer, balance link, bushing, and bolt. Torque: 28 N-m 121 ft.lb.] (Figure 11).
5. Check for rear rail clearance [5 mml to ensure proper functioning of the rear rail proximity switches (L & R). (See page 24-5 in the M30 Convertible Service Manual Supplement [July 1991 edition]).
6. Re-install both quarter trim panels (see page 6-6 of the 1991 M30 Convertible Service Manual Supplement [July 1991 edition]).
NOTE 1:
Refit Top Boot. It is acceptable if there is some, slight contact between the pulldown pins and the Top Boot.
NOTE 2:
Additional hook and loop fastening tape (Velcro@ type) for securing the headliner material to the new balance link can be obtained through a 3M Supplier [Scotchmate Hook and Loop Fastening System, P/N 051131-06480]. A 9" strip or the material should be applied to each balance link to match the existing loop material attached to the headliner.
III. ATTACHMENT OF BACK BELT MOLDING:
1. If adequate clearance does not exist to install the new boot cover tabs, both types of rear back belt molding spacers [3=3/16" thick; 3=3/32" thick] must be fitted. These spacers are provided with the new boot cover.
2. Raise the convertible top to the windshield header.
3. Open the deck lid.
4. Remove the five (5) back belt attaching screws (Figure 12).
5. Carefully disengage and remove the back belt molding from the quarter belt moldings.
6. Place the molding, face down, on a clean, covered work surface.
7. Using a mild detergent soap and a soft cotton cloth, clean the inside of the molding. Rinse the molding with clean fresh water. Dry the molding with a dry, soft, cotton cloth.
NOTE
Do not allow any soap residue to dry on the molding. Otherwise, spotting may occur.
8. Use a pencil to mark the inside of the molding for three (3) bottom-mounted 3/16" spacers, as shown below (Figure 13).
9. Using a cotton swab moistened with rubbing alcohol, clean the area below the reference marks, large enough to accept the adhesive-backed spacers.
10. Peel the protective backing off the three (3) 3/16" spacers. Position and center each spacer with respect to the reference mark. Align the spacer to the rolled edge of the molding and press the spacer firmly to the molding. (Figure 14)
11. Using alcohol, clean the top of the applied spacers; then, peel the backing off the three (3) 3/32" spacers and attach each one to the top of a 3/16" spacer.
CAUTION
Make sure that there is sufficient clearance between the deck lid and the back belt molding. It may be necessary to adjust the trunk lid (see M30 Convertible Service Manual Supplement [July, 1991 edition]), page 21-2.
12. Engage and align the back belt molding to the quarter belt moldings.
13. Install the five (5) molding attachment screws.
14. Close the deck lid.
PARTS INFORMATION:
WARRANTY INFORMATION: