Convertible Top Hold Down Cables.
Convertible Top and Convertible Top Parts

This is an informational page. Cables are listed with each
car that they are sold with.

Installation Supplies

Installation Supplies

Arrow T-50 Stainless Staples, 1/4", 300 Count

 

$4.95
Arrow T-50 Stainless-Steel Staples 3/8", 300 Count

 

$4.95
Arrow T-50 Stainless-Steel Staples, 3/8", 1000 Count

 

$13.95
Arrow T-50 Stainless-Steel Staples, 1/4", 1000 Count
$13.95
Trimmer Contact Cement: 4-Oz. Brush Top Can. Strong, Waterproof, Flexible Bond for Vinyl-coated and Vinyl-laminated Fabrics.
$14.95
Trimmer Contact Cement: 8-Oz. Brush Top Can. Strong, Waterproof, Flexible Bond for Vinyl-coated and Vinyl-laminated Fabrics.
$20.95


Cleaning & Protectant

Cleaning & Protectant

A PACKAGE SPECIAL:
A Combination Pack of RAGGTOPP Brand Canvas Cleaner & Protectant.
  • Plus:
  • Raggtopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner and Protectant Kit.
  • The Natural Horsehair Convertible Top Cleaning Brush
$79.95
A Combination Pack of RAGGTOPP Brand Canvas Cleaner & Protectant

About RAGGTOPP products
$39.95
A PACKAGE SPECIAL:
A Combination Pack of the RAGGTOPP Brand Vinyl Cleaner and Protectant.
  • Plus:
  • Raggtopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner and Protectant Kit.
  • The Natural Horsehair Convertible Top Cleaning Brush
$79.95
A Combination Pack of the RAGGTOPP Brand Vinyl Cleaner and Protectant Together

About RAGGTOPP products
$38.95
Raggtopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner and Protectant Kit

Contains:

  • Bottle Window Cleaner
  • Bottle Window Protectant
  • Sponge, Applicator Pad
  • Microfiber Towel

About RAGGTOPP products
$32.95
Natural Horsehair Convertible Top Cleaning Brush

About Natural Horsehair Brush
$14.95


Cables

Cables

Side Tension (Hold Down) Cables for Convertible Top, Pair
These cables must be replaced
when doing a new top. These
are attached to the original springs
if the springs are still good.
We also list the cables with attached new springs.

VW Beetle and VW Super Beetle convertibles, all
VW Rabbits and Cabriolets 1979-1994
VW Karmann Ghia convertibles, all

$13.95
Side Tension (Hold Down) Cables with Attached Springs for Convertible Top, Pair

VW Beetle and VW Super Beetle convertibles, all
VW Karmann Ghia convertibles, all
VW Rabbit Convertibles and Cabriolets 79-94

$25.00
VW Side Tension Cable Springs,Pair.
Attach to the side hold down cables with crimp cups provided with our cables.
Note: we also provide cables with springs already attached.

VW Beetle and VW Super Beetle convertibles, all
VW Rabbit and Cabriolet convertibles 1979-1994
VW Karmann Ghia convertibles, all

$10.95


Important Information

Convertible tops are most often held to the top frame with special hold down cables.There are three main hold down cable types:

Side Cables: These are used in most tops. The top has a pocket on each side through which a cable is threaded. The cable attaches to the side of the frame at front and rear. As the top is raised and closed, the cable extends to its full length and tensions the sides of the top (besides holding the top to the frame.)

Rear Flap Cables: Many tops have cables that secure the top to the frame along its vertical flap. These cables install in pockets, which are more vertical, behind the back side window. Example of cars with rear flap cables are some Chevy Cavaliers, Pontiac Sunbirds, Mercury Capris and others.

Rear Attachment Cables: Just a few cars, mostly European, have the rear base attachment cable. Volkswagen convertibles, from the Beetles, through the 1994 VW Cabriolet have rear attachment cables. These cables, as they are tightened at their ends, are used to pull the back welting of the top tightly to the body of the car.

Cables, especially the generally shorter and less constrained rear flap cables, can often be used through two tops. Some, like most European side cables (Fiats, Alfas, VWs) should be replaced with each top. Cables are best analyzed when the old top is removed. But this can hold up a restoration.

If this is the third top on the car, or if the top has been raised and lowered frequently, you should consider replacing the side cables. Try to save the rear flap cables, as they have experienced much less stress during their use. Rear attachment cables should probably be replaced with each top.

CONVERTIBLE TOP FABRICS
Almost all manufacturers use Haartz fabrics. They may specify "heaviest weight" or "original replacement" in ways that seem reassuring. But they do not really tell the whole story. Please bear in mind that two things dominate, by far, the quality issue: (a) the manufacturing quality control in the factory that makes the top and (b) the care and thoroughness of the installation. There is a trade-off in weight: heavier is better for resisting tear through, but lighter is better for flexibility and abrasion from within that may arise from movement. Almost all our tops are a flexible medium density (36 oz.) fabric. Heavier is not better in most cases. Where it is, because of the top design, we will say so and the top will be made of the heavier vinyl.
Warranties outlined here are only applicable for products installed by a professional trim shop or professional upholstery shop. For Convertible Tops, and related products, the manufacturer will void the warranty for any product that is not professionally installed; manufacturer defects are covered by the warranty in such cases. The manufacturer is not responsible for damage due to improper installation.