Curled Cable, Wind Noise, Window Problem

My 88 560SL has a real wind noise problem. The cable at the bottom of the convertible roof "curls" up... and there's a visible gap between the roof and the body of the car behind both seats.

I don't know if you can adjust the tension of the cable and force it to curl down... or do you have to buy a new top?

Also, the drivers side window doesn't fit the top correctly. The rear top corner stays on the "outside" of the roof... and I'm worried it might shatter. Can I adjust the placement of the window? Or does the top of the roof adjust?

Thanks for the help!!!

Michael 'B

[maheath]

I'm guessing that the "cable" you're talking about is the bottom seam on the soft top. I don't know of any way to adjust it to keep it down, but it's possible that a bad installation is the cause of the problem. If nobody here gives you a way to fix it, you should try going to an upholstry/convertible top shop.

The window can be adjusted and should be done with the soft top up. I can't seem to find the specific directions on the service CD for an electric window, but they do have the directions for a crank window. There's a whole bunch of different screw adjustments for me to go through it here. If you don't have a service manual, I'd highly recommend getting one.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[Doug41]

I've found that when I fold the roof down, I manually fold over the peice you are talking about, becuae if you don't, it hits something inside the well and is "trained" to be folded up.

[Tom McMenamin]

I have the same problem that you are experiencing!

I too would like to know of a fix for it. If you crack the drivers side window a tad it seems to lessen the noise. This is OK but when it rains my arm gets a little wet!

A fix would be welcome?

Anybody have any thoughts?

[Johnhazen]

I too had the apron around the back and sides of the soft top curl up. Probably was not folded properly when put into the boot. My fix was simply to roll the part that was flarring up and stuff it under the top (reversed to the way it was). In other words tuck the part flarring up the opposite way and push it up under the sides (and around the back if necessary). Picture it as a J where the bottom of the J is the part that is flarring up. Fold the skirt and tuck it under so that it forms a reversed J where the bottom of the J is now tucked under the sides of the top. Leave it that way for a day or to and it should be sufficient to reverse the flair and flatten it back to the way it should be.