Convertible Top help please

[Sgaddis2]

Just bought this car 99 spyder gs-t, and discovered this piece, I THINK may be called a front rail, bent all out of shape. Mitsu wants $420 for this piece of metal. calling 15 junkyards have not helped. Any ideas where I can find this piece? Willing to pay within reason. THANKS

[SmalltownDSMer]

I might have that piece. Pm me. You can have it, Just pay for shipping.

Jayson

[Sgaddis2]

Thanks man. Please check your PM

[spyderdrifter]

If you want a new piece, go to JNZtuning.com
Here's the link: https://www.partswebsite.com/jnztuni...08&catid=30212

[Sgaddis2]

Thanks but they want $475 for a 8 inch piece of metal. Not blaming JNZ but come on, no moving parts,no computer chips JUST a piece of metal and it ain't even gold!

[spyderdrifter]

True. Lucky if I need some little pieces, I just build them at work in whatever spare time I can find. Unfortunately, there's no steel or titanium thinks enough for those parts. Got thick enough aluminum, but not strong enough.

[dsmTripp]

Those pieces are common to bend. I took those out after they bent on me. The only thing is you can fab one up yourself or find one for cheap from some one else. Also check ebay because there was a guy selling a kit to replaces those claiming to be stronger and it was only $40 something.

[rmvurtop]

EbAy has a nice set that help so they don't bend. I bought a set and they worked great. It's the bars that go from the 1st and second bows???

[AlaskanDsm]

Try a couple of the graveyard vendors on here. They tend to have some good deals!

[BK85]

Here you go.

1996-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse/Spyder convertible frame repair kit :: Convertible frame rebuild kits :: Convertible Top Specialists

BK85

[spyderdrifter]

^ good find. That helps me too.

[Tyeler18]

The eBay upgrade kit is awesome. Simple to make for someone with some basic machine tools. Installed them almost 2 years ago and they haven't so much as begun to flex. No longer need to push the middle bow back to prevent it from crunching on itself.

[Sgaddis2]

Thanks guys but this part IS NOT part of the repair kit. That repair kit is useless for my needs.

[tonyspyder]

hahaha i remember my 2nd gst spyder had the same bent too. one side will close slower than the other side. i shouldve knock the lights out of that little kid who climb on my top beside yelling at him. try it out and give us spyders some feedback.

[bryanwheat]

Originally Posted by Sgaddis2

Thanks guys but this part IS NOT part of the repair kit. That repair kit is useless for my needs.

The part in the link listed is exactly what is bent on your car. It just looks different number one because it doesn't have a piece of steel welded to it, number 2 because the connector that connects to the left to right rail is rigged up on yours.

[iugrad92turbo]

My buddy found his bad, and damaged parts online i forgot where.

[tonyspyder]

your best bet is to look for it at the junk yard. when i go to dismantler in cali around my area i alwase see spyders complete shell and top with no motor and tranny. the rest is just sitting there collecting dust. sucks that this wasnt posted a couple months back. a fellow dsmer send his spyder to the junk. just call and check at dismantlers im pretty sure they have some over there.

[BK85]

If you get the part from a junkyard you will end up with the same problem. The stock ones were just too weak. Any little sticking or gummy part and they will bend again.

The aftermarket kit has heaver metal, and the elastic band that gives the top bow a tug to get it started when going down is replaced by a steel cable in the kit.

That elastic band is the root of all the evil. It stretches over time and causes the top bow to bind instead of slide back than the stock links bend.

+1 on the above thread that this is the correct part for the OP. Somebody has welded a tube to the links trying to strengthen them. I was going to try this but now I see that won't work.

BK85

[SmalltownDSMer]

So I am guessing this is the part, but by the looks of it mine is bent too? Someone correct me if I am wrong..

Thanks, Jayson

[dsmTripp]

Smalltown you are correct... that is the weak link that always bends due to not being strong enough.

To the OP this is what is in your picture as has been stated from the beginning. Know what is wrong is half the battle. Now taking the advice of people here that have not only told you what it is but have also gave good suggestions of how to fix it is now on you to fix it.

[SmalltownDSMer]

Thanks for confirming this.

To the OP- Sorry man, Not much more I can do for you.

Jayson

[spyderdrifter]

This was kind of funny. I decided to clean my trunk out of all the crap that was in there, all the extra junk from when I bought it. Found one of these links mangled under the spare tire. Glad I already knew I needed new ones.

[bradselph]

Anyone else notice that's not welded its gorilla glued!?