Subject: Convertible Tension strap alternative for $6 Author: bimmernut2 : member since January, 2006 : 305 posts Posted on: 2008-08-24 16:54:32

Just tried an alternative to help the weak tension strap on the wifes '99 328ic and though I'd share with you. I took (2) 36" long x 2" wide CargoLoc Stretch Straps that I bought at Wally world.

These have (2) coated steel J hooks on each end. I took my Dremel tool & cut the J hook off on each end, but leaving enough on the angled part and put into a vise & bent the open ends to where they were almost flat to make like a belt loop but with a slot space left open in the middle.

You now have a flat elastic strap that is about 29" long from loop to loop. Leave (1) of the steel cut off J hooks in the loop & remove the other. The last picture shows how the strap looks after you would assemble it in the top, but shown assembled out side the top.

Now install on each side, driver & passenger, around Bow #3 over to Bow #4 & around Bow#4, then around Bow #5. Now pull the ends together and install the open loop end into the open end of the steel holder, which now secures both end of the strap and covers all but the outer bends of the steel loop. Now adjust the lengths by pulling on the areas of the strap between 3-4 & 4-5. I have just done this & have used it several weeks & the top opens & closes very smooth. Time will tell how long it will last. This was done on the full auto top. I have also done this on our other '94 convertible that is semi-automatic and found that we only needed (1) strap, which I put on the passenger side. The pictures do not show putting the strap on the top but didn't take pictures of that. Let me know if anyone needs add'l help on this.













Richard V
BMW CCA Tarheel chapter
'92 535i 5 speed 145k
'92 535i 5 speed 78k black(current project)
'95 740i 154k
'91 325ia now sons
'94 325ic 62k daughters
'96 Chevy Z71 extcab 50k mine
'99 328ic 55k her's too
'04 Trailblazer EXT her's

• Convertible Tension strap alternative for $6 (pic) - bimmernut2 2008-08-24 16:54:32 (210 views)