The kit I received was a rat’s nest of straps, cords, clips, pins, etc. with no instructions provided. I’m glad I didn’t need it!

 

Check out this document I just found about addressing this issue. It is a download and save for sure.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...34948-9999.pdf

 

This is interesting reading. How did you find this?

There are several different issues addressed in the bulletin, but at the beginning the point is made not to stop the roof closure routine before it completes.
It seems that it's OK to stop the routine when initiating the top down procedure, and I've done that uneventfully, but it sounds wise not to stop midway when
wanting to return the top to the top up position. This doesn't really have anything to do with the broken straps that most of us talk about.

There are numerous references to "bands" and rivets, which fits with a lot of the earlier postings. I go back to my earlier post asking whether the "repair kit" has
improved straps which would seem to be desirable and necessary to avoid repeating this nightmare. It's not clear that the huge number of parts would be necessary in the repair kit, which doesn't seem available anymore anyway.

I went to college and medical school, and I can barely understand the photos and copy in the bulletin. A nightmare.

Clearly a defective design and very disappointing in such an expensive car. Never had this problem with Mercedes or Audi convertibles.

In summary, I'd really like to know if "improved" straps are part of the fix if I catch the problem before I've got two holes in the top.

Anyone?

 

I found that document when I did a Google searched for that replacement kit (3W7898025). Pretty amazing it even exists. I printed it out and carefully read it and paid attention to all the picture references. I then went to my car and pretty quickly found my problem. One of my straps had failed. Actually it was the rivet that snapped. I removed the old remaining pieces of the rivet and popped a new one in. Too bad the last owner didn't address this, now I have to deal with the holes.

From the document, figure 2B shows the 2 straps, my bottom one was not connected.

Looking at all those straps and lines is overwhelming, but once you reference the document and understand what the lines need to do, it starts to make sense. Also, as you referenced, it is better to stop the top when opening instead if closing. I guess there is a lot more weight to stop when it is closing so things could get bent and stretched.

Hope this helps!

 

But won't the problem simply keep recurring? Where did you get the replacement strap or was it simply the rivet that you replaced?
I would think that a better strap material or more robust rivet would be desirable.

 

I think that the strap quality is fine if the top is functioning correctly. I will look for a stronger rivet than the one I used. It is what I had on hand.

 

Final question, did you replace the rivets on both sides or only the side where the rivet broke?
Sounds like the straps per se are ok.

 

I only replaced the rivet that had failed. Now I know the problems to look for. I will monitor the area closely.

 

Reply I received from Vagpro Leicester:

Hi Terry

It's not just the straps / rivets

The issue you have is the frame gets trapped with the fabric supports

Unless this is rectified the issue will keep happening

 

I've responded to Vagpro stating I don't have holes yet. I think he thought the damage had already occurred to the top.
At this point, after re reading all the comments, my conclusion is that as long as you don't have a snapped strap or
broken rivet, you'll be ok. If so, checking the top at half mast to inspect the straps/rivets periodically would seem the optimal preventative measure.

Would someone suggest whether I'm correct about this while awaiting Vagpro's explanation.

 

Any thoughts from the Forum would be appreciated. Latest reply from Vagpro:

From Vagpro:By all means replace the straps, Bentley claim that the new straps are better / revised etc etc but the main problem is that the roof frame has a design flaw, without modifying this the fabric supports get stuck in the Bows, straps break and then holes.



I would say replace straps, and keep an eye on it, as soon as a rivet shears, make sure to stop using the roof.



The kit is approx. £310 from memory, plus you will need the pop rivets as well. I think a pack from Bentley is £25. We would charge an £80 procurement charge for ordering, arranging shipping and packing.



Alternatively we could supply you our own straps which have more material outbound of the holes (to resist elongation) with rivets at £150.



Postage would be additonal

 

I believe I've run out of questions. Here's Vagpro most recent reply:

Hi Terry

Brilliant Question, the shorter straps are under more strain, if the frame gets stuck, they will be less forgiving than the longer ones

But again, even the longer or my modified design straps will not stand a chance if the frame gets stuck; it'll simply shear the rivets, only solution is to modify the frame (unfortunately I can't tell you how to as it's a trade secret)

If you need to, give me a call on WhatsApp

Regards, Khurrum, 07555041064, www.vagpro.co.uk, http://www.facebook.com/vprouk, http://www.instagram.com/vagprouk,

www.youtube.com/c/VagProCabrioletSpecialist

/VagProCabrioletSpecialist

 

From a Dutch non OEM replacement top seller in Holland:

The Bentley continental hood is to the exact specification as the OEM hood. It has all the fixings and pop rivets to complete installation. It also comes, at no additional cost, with the 2 straps to replace the originals, fixed between the hood frame bows that are usually the cause of holes in the rear quarter panel of the hood. It is highly recommended that the straps are replaced even if they seem in good condition as a precaution against potential future damage.

 

Another source for reinforced replacement straps:

Info | Cabrio Supply <info@cabriosupply.com>
To:
Mon, Sep 18 at 5:19 AMHello as well,



The straps are reinforced due to the known failures.

They are the same size as the originals.

 

These are the reinforced straps I just received from cabriosupply.com in Holland.



Bentley GTC reinforced straps from cabriosupply.com in Holland