I'm getting ready to get back to work on the convertible tomorrow. Was wondering if anyone knows how to strengthen the cable bracket. Looks weak and it will open again. Was planning on using metal zip ties or something..any suggestions

 

When you pull on the cable from the bracket end, is it hard to move the pivot? I agree the bracket looks/is weak, but if your system is working properly, the pull strength needed isn't very high.

If it bent (like mine did) that is an indication something isn't right.

 

If I remember right, you need to wrap the cable around the "Meaty" end of the bracket, that way the hooks don't pull open and the "pull pressure" from the cable can be supported. I think the cable goes counter clockwise, but it could go clockwise. Try both ways and see which one works. It has been a long time since I fixed mine, but this is what I think you need to do. If the picture doesn't make sense, feel free to ask any questions.

 

Check upper control arm balljoint. On mine, the boots were not torn (or maybe torn a little) but it was making clunking noise and steering wheel is not stable when hitting bumps.

 

I'm not too worried about that cable. I didn't mess with it. Just saw it that way with the bracket a little open. I will try to way you recommend it. I did close the gap. I got the other side carpet out with the emergency trunk release. But didn't do much else. As for another loose cable. Maybe some ideas here? When I tighten the bracket evenly. It still has play and looks weak. And falls out pretty easily. When I push the bracket in to hold the cable cylinder head more tightly, it wobbles out with a few jiggle. Not sure how i can get this secure from falling out the bracket again. I was thinking of putting 2 washers between the space in the bracket and something to hold it. Here's a video. Doesn't look like it's gonna fall out but it does. Of course when I'm recording it doesn't fall out as easily.

 

I think if you route the cable like I had mentioned, it will tighten up the cable. The extra twist around the pivot will cause the slack to disappear. I know I sound obsessed with the pivot, but I had the same problems as you and the solution all came down to how I wrapped the cable around the pivot.

If you think there is still too much slack in your cable, trace the cable sheath from the back to the front.

You are looking for some kind of indention on the sheath to indicate the the sheath was secured to the hinge.

I have no idea of this is true, but my second thought is the cable sheath isn't following the OEM route and it is causing too much slack in the cable. My first thought, of course, is the pivot wrap.

 

the cable was routed the correct way. Sorry i disconnected the other end cable so that's why you see slack in the video. i was able to get the top down. turns out it was the cable bracket, however before putting the trunk carpet back in is there a way to secure the cable to bracket. it's very soft at this point and i think it will bend out of place again. I was thinking of 2 brackets sandwiched with 2 screws.

 

 

Thank you for the help Bob. And everyone else here. I have other problems (suspension, radiator leak) to deal with, but at least this is one less. How would you suggest using the tension pin. I have a few of those laying around.

 

 

Yeah that's not going to work. There's barely any room around there, unless I remove the whole assembly.