Convertible Top Tension Adjustment
By: Blitzo 

Is your convertible top starting to leak after the newness has worn off your one or two year old Spyder?  Maybe the convertible top latches just need to be tightened a tiny bit.  Here's where the adjustments are and how to adjust the tension of the convertible top. 

The weather stripping on the top of the windshield that meet with the convertible top will compress with age.  This will reduce the tension of the top against the windshield and may allow the top to squeak against the windshield and windows as it ages.  If you have such a problem with your top squeaking, this little maintenance tip may stop the squeaking.  The working length of the convertible top latches are adjustable and may be shortened without any tools at all.

 
The slide that keeps the adjusting nut stationary.
First, undo the latches for the top, but do not lower the top.  You will be able to see the hex adjusting nut and will be able to see the slide that keeps the nut from turning.  Once you locate the slide, rotate the top end towards the front of the car so it is no longer in the way.  See the picture to the right to see the slide half-way disengaged.

 
Once you move the slide, you may adjust the nut.

Once the slide is out of the way, you may adjust the nut.  Rotate it   Turn the nut so the surface towards you is moving to the left.  You will have to turn in exact 1/6 turn increments so the slide will be able to slide back on.  Only turn 1-2 faces at a time so you do not make the latch too tight.  Having the latch too tight will only accelerate further compression of the weather stripping.  You will have to put the slide back in place to test the fit.

 

Hopefully, that will help you eliminate squeaks in the top and avert potential leaking problems around the windshield.