Quick Fix for weak tension straps
There was a discussion on the e30ic group about a weak tension strap fix that e36 owners were using. Brian had just performed this fix on his e36 and offered to test it on his e30.
A new set of tension straps seems to run about $200.
Velstretch straps on the Lowes website.
Here's his description, with pictures.
This is my procedure for installing the "Velstretch" Elastic bungie straps in my E30 Convertible. I wanted to help the small hinged pivoting bow move back as the top went up and I also wanted the bow just forward of the bow above the rear window to move forward to facilitate folding up of the rear section of the top. Both Velstretch straps start from the same bow with one going forward to the pivoting bow and the other going back to the bow ahead of the bow that is fixed above the rear window.
Take a moment and study the pictures and you will see that it is more or less self explanatory. Since the forward strap is a bit more visible by virtue of its location, I installed that strap immediately next to and outboard of the existing elastic strap. The rear most strap was then installed out board of that strap....actually along the side of the top.
I did the procedure on both sides (total cost of straps was $10) and find that now the only extra movement in folding the top is to tuck the old stiff elastic straps into the stack as it folds...and this does require that I walk to the passenger side to tuck the one loop of elastic strap in.
I'm thinking that the old elastic straps could quite possible be completely cut away...at least in these two areas if not completely.....but I am NOT willing to start cutting.
(Perhaps someone who is getting ready to replace their top and is considering replacing their elastic straps,....could cut their original elastic straps away and do the Velstretch mod,....with their old top still in place....and report back to the forum on how it worked out)
Brian
(click image to see full size)
