I tried yesterday for the first time to install the convertible top cover on my new 04. The instructions in the manual say to first attach the snaps to the pins on the roll bar. I can’t get the cover down far enough behind the roll bar to attach the snaps to the pins. Even if I could get the cover down far enough, there doesn’t seem to be enough room for me to get my hand behind the cover to fasten it. Meanwhile, while I’m trying to attach the cover, the side straps are hitting my paint. Any tips for installing this? Thanks!

 

Never read the directions so I always put the strap on first and then work my way around for the 4 snaps and then the last strap. It takes a little practice to put the cover on but once you have used it for awhile it will go on easily. Mine stays on for weeks at a time.

 

it really is easy once you learn how to do the install...
mine goes on and off once a week or so-

i put detailers towels under the back (part that sits on the paint) while i am installing... drop the front part down first (make sure it clears the little posts)- i often just let it hook its self to the posts, and check to make sure they are on.
then attach rear part and finally straps.
probably a 2 minute project (first time was more like 5 to 10 minutes!)

a thought- find another owner in your area who has done this several times to show you how he or she does it.
when i detail my car, i always have someone else doing theirs too... great opportunity to share experiences, solve problems, etc.

 

I have an 04 with the same problem. It seems the biggest issue is the glass rear window in the newer cars. It ends up jammed against the roll bar with no room for the convertable cover or snaps. I managed to get it mostly on one time, only to find it even harder to get off becuase there is no room to get your hands in to pull the release pins on the snaps. I gave up on the whole thing and went for a drive.