I recently got my 2014 GTC Speed ( in addition to my 08 Flying Spur). 40k miles in very well maintained condition. Yet I see two holes forming in the convertible top rear side. I noticed those same holes on many other GT Convertibles in sales pictures. After reading up about everything about broken straps, bent bows and broken brackets I did a torough inspection. Everything looks in perfect condition. But what I did find is a zip tie integrated into the wire harness going to the rear window. I am certain that is a factory part as it was wrapped into the fabric wrapper of the harness. Sure enough. When closing the top, that zip tie is thightly squeezed in between the fabric fold and hinge. EXACTLY on the spot where the holes are forming. I found this problem only on the right rear.

Solution: Remove zip tie asap. In my case I added a self adhesive fabric patch to the inside of the top over the holes. I replaced the zip tie with a loosely (Allow movement on the structure) placed fabric tape. (The same as the fabric "electrical" tape used for harnesses.) I hope this prevents further damage.
All this advanced engineering.....one poorly placed cable tie.....wow.


Zip tie causing holes forming when top open (retracted)

 

You may have just saved me a lot of work. Just bought 2014 GTC with 39,000 miles and same Issue. Was it easy to get the top to stop half way to work on fix or were you operating it mechanically?

Thanks!
Revman

 

I don't have a convertible, but what an awesome post! Thanks for sharing!

 

Any chance you have a photo of the zip tie and harness from BEFORE you replaced it?
There are so many moving parts when the top is retracting I am not sure I would know what and where to look on my 2013 GTC.

 

the top will simply stop whenever you take your finger off the switch.

 

Please a photo from farther away of the spot where you found the plastic tie.

 

He stated the precise position of the zip tie directly where the marks are on the top cover.

 

Yeah, but I don't have any marks yet to look at on my 2013.

 

My top has the same two holes only a little worse than Gears500. Mine definitely pinches when the top folds. Seems like the hinges hit. The passenger side is not like this. I just bought the car. When I looked for the zip tie, I saw the broken on in the picture below hanging there. I assume this zip tie was the one in question, but who knows. I wonder if the "tab" on the zip tie is supposed to add protection between the hinges.

 

That's very helpful. Anyway you could highlight on the bottom photo where the zip tie is/was?

 

Received this more rugged straps from cabrio supplier in Holland
My plan is to watch for a strap to break and then promptly replace with this tougher straps

 

This thread just saved me. Same thing happening. The zip tie broke and punctured my 2017 GTC Speed.

 

With the zip tie broken what actually does the puncture?

 

The frequent mention of this problem makes me wonder if anyone with a Gen 2 GTC has had their car for a long time without the problem.
I am the second owner of a 2013 GTC with less than 20,000 miles on it. So far so good, but I wonder if it's inevitable to puncture or whether
there is some randomness to the problem.

 

I believe its simply down to operator error. Operate the top outside of the manufacturer's recommendations such as on a steep decline or incline or even a strong camber when parked on the road and you'll over stress the mechanism. Those little rivets will let go under the pure weight of the roof angle. Keep within the parameters and it'll last a very long time.