Hidden Beneath Your Top
Top up or down—either way, it’s worth a look
What’s Under Your Top?
In this guide, we’ll strip down the key components of your convertible top, giving you a peek under the surface. From Bow pads to hydraulic lines, we’ll uncover the parts and placements that keep everything running smoothly.
Because let’s be honest — going topless should always be by choice, not by surprise.
1. Bow pads are cushions that sit between the metal bows and the fabric of your convertible top, helping to maintain its shape. Often referred to as the “spine” of the convertible top, they run along each side, and some convertibles require four pads in total. They keep the bows aligned and moving together smoothly when raising or lowering the top. If you’re replacing your convertible top fabric, you might wonder if the bow pads also need to be changed. The answer depends on their condition—a quick inspection will tell you if they’re worn, flattened, or damaged. If so, replacing them ensures a better fit and better fitting top. But if they’re still in good shape, you can leave them as-is and focus on installing the new fabric
2. The metal bows are the backbone of your convertible top, giving it shape, structure, and the seamless motion you expect. Usually seen in this order: Header Bow, Second bow, Third Bow and Rear bow. Designed to work in perfect harmony, these sturdy supports keep the fabric secure when the top is up and, more importantly, ensure a smooth, controlled fold when the top drops. Without this precision engineering, the top could collapse unevenly, putting unnecessary strain on both the fabric and the frame—turning a smooth drop into a hot mess.
3. Check your Tacking Strips—Tack strips are essential for keeping the convertible top securely fastened to the frame. They are placed along key points in the bows, securing the top at the front header underside, the top sides, the second bow, the rear bow and the rear body tack strip bars. On older classics (1950’s-1970’s) they would use compressed cardboard as tack strips and over time these would absorb water, break up and fall apart causing your top to loosen up and or seperate.
4. Side Tension Cables — Side tension cables for convertibles maintain the tension of the convertible top, ensuring it stays securely in place and tightly fitted along the sides.
5. And let’s not forget the Bushings and Pivot Points — Checking the bushings and pivot points on a convertible top is crucial to ensure smooth operation, prevent excessive wear, and avoid potential damage to the top’s mechanism. If you notice one side is clunky and or going up and down wonky, a good indicator to check your pivot points and look for missing bushings or incorrect bolts and fixes that may have occurred over its lifetime.
6. Convertible Top Weather Seals — The seals and weatherstripping around your convertible top play a crucial role in keeping water and wind out of your car. Over time, these can deteriorate, leading to leaks and increased cabin noise.
7. The Convertible Top Motor, Cylinders & Hoses are commonly found behind the rear seat in the center, with hydraulic hoses extending from the motor to the convertible top Cylinders, which are located in the side corners beneath the rear quarter windows to control the top’s movement.
