Cabrio windscreen install solution

[2mutch]

I originally ordered this through the dealer before the car arrived (along with a couple other accessories I wanted). I knew it was designed for the European/Canadian models but figured I could modify it for use with my US cabrio. Here's the install notes and photo step-by-step.

* smart part number 451 860 00 74
* 2 ea., 12" tarp bungee ties (available many places...I found 'em at Home Depot...had to buy a "jar" of 12 for $5.00 to get two)

[2mutch]

The bottom corner attachment tabs are built-in to the US cars:


Slip the bottom 'hooks' over each side tab keeping it as tight as possible up over the top of the roll bar (I used a couple pieces of blue painter's tape to temporarily hold it in place. A friend to help you works too! )

[2mutch]

...from the rear side and down to the same attachment tabs. These bungee cords slip neatly in the narrow space between the ends of the roll bar hard plastic cover and the interior trim 'wall.'


Closeup of the end of the bungee tie slipped over the attachment tab. The little ball-end on these works great to stretch and cord and locate the tab. There's plenty of tension to keep the whole screen secured to the tabs - as if it was designed to be installed this way!

[2mutch]

This REALLY cuts down on the turbulence with the cabrio top all the way back. It does have enough 'see through' properties to keep it in place all the time IMO (yes, the view in the rearview mirror is 'darkened' some...but not enough for me to worry about. You'll have to decide how you want to use it.)

It looks nice once installed and adds a kinda' finished cabiro look to the car. Once again, that's a 'smart' smart.



- FRED "2 MUTCH"
Is it a car? Is it a mind set? It's BOTH!

[rrrucke]

2 Mutch - I F'n love you MAN!!!! OH MY GODDDDDD!!!! I believe I was one of the first people to buy the windscreen from Germany but as you know the US cabrio dosen't have the piece on top of the roll bar to attach it. DAMN....I LOVE YOU for thinking of a solution!! My eyes are moist and my heart is warm knowing that this mod is going to happen!! So did the ball come attached to all the bungie cords or did you add that yourself? Thanks again, Regina

[2mutch]

Originally Posted by rrrucke

2 Mutch - I F'n love you MAN!!!! OH MY GODDDDDD!!!! I believe I was one of the first people to buy the windscreen from Germany but as you know the US cabrio dosen't have the piece on top of the roll bar to attach it. DAMN....I LOVE YOU for thinking of a solution!! My eyes are moist and my heart is warm knowing that this mod is going to happen!! So did the ball come attached to all the bungie cords or did you add that yourself? Thanks again, Regina

Hi Regina,

Thanks for the kudos. I pondered over this for a couple days and tried a couple homemade ideas first (think 'elastic strapping stitched to itself, etc...not pretty ).

Anyway, as I was perusing the various bungee cords and tie-downs at Home Depot, I spied this little jar of these tarp ties and BINGO! They are the perfect length and made well too. Yes, the little orange ball (only color available) is attached - they're all ready to go.

PM me for more info - and I can send you a couple of 'left over' cords to boot for the cost of mailing 'em! The best solutions are always the simplest!

- FRED "2 MUTCH"
Is it a car? Is it a mind set? It's BOTH!

[eskargo]

simply love ur MacGyver-ism. can't wait to give this a try.

[2mutch]

Originally Posted by eskargo

simply love ur MacGyver-ism. can't wait to give this a try.

eskargo,

PM me if possible before you start...I have a couple extra of these bungee ties that you may find handy.

[BTW...Richard Dean Anderson, aka MacGyver, is from MN here and I've followed his career for over 25 years now.]

- FRED "2 MUTCH"
Is it a car? Is it a mind set? It's BOTH!

[rrrucke]

Originally Posted by 2mutch

Hi Regina,

Thanks for the kudos. I pondered over this for a couple days and tried a couple homemade ideas first (think 'elastic strapping stitched to itself, etc...not pretty ).

Anyway, as I was perusing the various bungee cords and tie-downs at Home Depot, I spied this little jar of these tarp ties and BINGO! They are the perfect length and made well too. Yes, the little orange ball (only color available) is attached - they're all ready to go.

PM me for more info - and I can send you a couple of 'left over' cords to boot for the cost of mailing 'em! The best solutions are always the simplest!

- FRED "2 MUTCH"
Is it a car? Is it a mind set? It's BOTH!

I PM'd you after receiving your PM. Did you get my address? Thanks, Regina

[2mutch]

Originally Posted by rrrucke

I PM'd you after receiving your PM. Did you get my address? Thanks, Regina

Oops...I guess I need to actually CHECK those PMs.

Yes, I got the address and I'll pop a set in the mail to you right away. Let me know if you have any questions with the install.

It's been a difficult week to use the 'cab' here in MN - we got 7" of snow on Monday - but this weekend should bring temps in the 50s and that means 'open top season' for sure!


- FRED "2 MUTCH"
Is it a car? Is it a mind set? It's BOTH!