Convertible Top - Poor Fit at B Pillar
04/25/9776/06/97/NAS
SUBJECT
Defender Convertible Top "B" Pillar Stiffener Kit
MODEL
Defender
AFFECTED VEHICLES
LP
LH
LJ
LD 1994-1995
DETAIL
"BestTop" supplied Defender convertible soft tops may flex at the door stop "B" pillar area, causing a poor fit. Weather protection and appearance can be improved by the installation of stiffener rods in the fabric.
ACTION REQUIRED
When additional stiffness is required for proper fit at the "B" pillar, install reinforcement kit LRNA71710.
PARTS INFORMATION
LRNA7171O - Stiffener kit (Qty. 1)
Kit contains:
^ Stiffener rods (Qty 2)
^ Black snap buttons (Qty 6)
^ Snap sockets (Qty 6)
Snap Kit Tools:
- Die
- Punch
PROCEDURE
Preparation
CAUTION:
Protect top windows from scratches.
1. Remove the top from the vehicle and remove all attached glass.
2. Carefully spread top on clean hard surface (concrete floor) with backing side upward.
3. Identify left and right door stop "B" pillar panels. (Illustration)
Fabric Top Alterations
Prepare the fabric top for the insertion of stiffening rods as follows:
1. Remove 1-1/2 inch of stitching from along the outer curved edge of the door stop panel.
2. Remove 1-1/2 inch of stitching from the inner sewn seam directly down from the first removed stitching. (see figure 1)
3. Where the stitching has been removed, insert a screwdriver between the outer fabric layer and the plastic plate sewn to the interior layer.
4. Gently separate the layers and create an opening to insert the stiffening rod.
WARRANTY
Normal warranty procedures and policies apply
COMP. CODE
9E1G
SRO
76.61.89/27 - Time 1.40 hr.
Install reinforcement kit
Snap Assembly Installation
1. Determine and mark snap locations as follows:
^ Measure 2-1/4 inches from front edge of the panel and draw a short chalk line about 6 inches from the top and bottom edges of the panel.
^ Measure 6-1/4 inches from the top and bottom edges and mark a cross chalk line on the mark made in the step above.
NOTE:
To be able to drill the holes in the top fabric, a block of wood must be placed under the fabric at the marked locations to support it and to buffer the drill from the layout surface.
1. Using a # 18 drill (11/16"), drill a hole in each of the marked snap locations
2. Clean small remnants of fabric and plastic from the drilled holes.
3. Assemble the snap for final installation as follows:
^ Push the button-post side of the snap assembly through the drilled hole from the vinyl side of the top (outside to inside).
^ Place the die under the button-post head.
^ Place the snap side of the assembly over the button-post.
NOTE:
It is very important that the die is resting firmly on a hard immovable surface, such as a concrete floor, to ensure that the following operation will deform the button-post evenly.
4. Position the small nipple end of the punch tool into the center of the button-post.
5. Strike the punch firmly with a hammer to set the snap assembly
Stiffening Rod Installation
NOTE:
When the following installation is completed the stiffening rod should be located between the plastic fabric and the interior fabric. It should be between the front edge of the door stop panel and the newly installed snaps.
1. Slide 3/8 inch rods from the kit between the fabric layers using the opening created in the first section.
2. Use a screw driver or punch to push the rod down until it bottoms against the second stitch line on the door stop panel.
3. Move the rod with your fingers as close as possible to the leading edge of the panel.
4. For best results, apply fabric glue to the opening created for the rod insertion to seal the opening.