Are your original ones plastic also
Cabrio Roof Repair.
As some of you know I've struggled with my roof ever since buying the car last year. Wind noise, difficulty closing and then leaking (mostly my fault). I've embarked on replacing the front part of the roof and I've discovered that it isn't as easy as it looked.
I decided to ditch the headliner because it's filthy. (haters welcome)
I found missing and broken pieces and would seek your advice on the best way to handle it.
Case in point: I'm sure you recognize this assembly at the front roof line where it clamps to the windshield:
![Camera accessory Bicycle part Auto part Font Machine]()
I hi-lighted the broken guide. (see below)
![Wood Gadget Audio equipment Cable Wire]()
I found on ebay something they call a repair kit which consists of two guides (each side):
![Trigger Air gun Gun barrel Gun accessory Auto part]()
With shipping the repair kit costs ~$70, versus ~$285 for the full replacement latches.
Here's the question: has anyone used this solution? Buying the part is cheaper than buying the complete assembly but is it a matter of good money after poor results?
Here's the ebay link:
I decided to ditch the headliner because it's filthy. (haters welcome)
I found missing and broken pieces and would seek your advice on the best way to handle it.
Case in point: I'm sure you recognize this assembly at the front roof line where it clamps to the windshield:
I hi-lighted the broken guide. (see below)
I found on ebay something they call a repair kit which consists of two guides (each side):
With shipping the repair kit costs ~$70, versus ~$285 for the full replacement latches.
Here's the question: has anyone used this solution? Buying the part is cheaper than buying the complete assembly but is it a matter of good money after poor results?
Here's the ebay link:
Kit Repairing Guide Front Right and Left Hood smart 451 (2007-2014) | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Kit Repairing Guide Front Right and Left Hood smart 451 (2007-2014) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
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On a related issue (the next big problem), can anyone explain to me how the drive(?) cable attaches to these guides and how exactly the motor works at the other end. I've looked everywhere for an explanation and can only find glancing references to how it works.
There is a great description of the 450 cabrio top in evilution but I think the 451 is different.
www.evilution.co.uk
![Automotive lighting Automotive design Motor vehicle Automotive exterior Bumper]()
I just found "den458" 's post from Jan 2022. using duckduckgo. Strange how I have better search results with a generic search engine than I have with this forum's search feature.
All ranting aside, this led to quite a bit of useful info. Thanks den458.
There is a great description of the 450 cabrio top in evilution but I think the 451 is different.
450 Cabrio Roof Fix | Evilution
www.evilution.co.uk
I just found "den458" 's post from Jan 2022. using duckduckgo. Strange how I have better search results with a generic search engine than I have with this forum's search feature.
All ranting aside, this led to quite a bit of useful info. Thanks den458.
Finished up some details today and tested the open/close function.
1. I suck at snap connectors used in the interior panels. I break them, lose them, shoot them across the room and basically end up with a rattling panel.
2. The top wouldn't snap shut and I had to adjust the tensioning straps. This meant taking the spoiler off again (my least favorite job). These screws are smeared with waterproofing goop and I wonder if this is also on new cars or is it a fix-all done by a PO.
3. Notice the little bulge in the center of the spoiler. I think I missed the screw holes so it's not over until it's over.
![Flower Plant Building Automotive tire Road surface]()
Otherwise I'm pleased with the results.
![Car Land vehicle Automotive tail & brake light Vehicle Grille]()
![Automotive parking light Vehicle Grille Hood Automotive tire]()
1. I suck at snap connectors used in the interior panels. I break them, lose them, shoot them across the room and basically end up with a rattling panel.
2. The top wouldn't snap shut and I had to adjust the tensioning straps. This meant taking the spoiler off again (my least favorite job). These screws are smeared with waterproofing goop and I wonder if this is also on new cars or is it a fix-all done by a PO.
3. Notice the little bulge in the center of the spoiler. I think I missed the screw holes so it's not over until it's over.
Otherwise I'm pleased with the results.
Well I'm 99.9% finished with the roof swap. You may recall I was going to scrap the headliner but decided to dye/paint is instead and go for a custom install.. The problem was I had wrapped the rails with the replacement top and left no room for the rubber strips that hold the headliner in place. You can see how I would wrap the rails with the cloth sewn into the seams where the rails go. (Cornell89's picture)
![Hood Wood Automotive exterior Bumper Automotive design]()
Well here's a very poor picture of my almost finished project headliner (ran out of snaps) The snaps are screwed in to the gap in the rails - through the wrapping - fit perfectly. I may get some black snap caps to hide the silver snaps.
![Automotive design Automotive exterior Tints and shades Personal luxury car Auto part]()
Well here's a very poor picture of my almost finished project headliner (ran out of snaps) The snaps are screwed in to the gap in the rails - through the wrapping - fit perfectly. I may get some black snap caps to hide the silver snaps.
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