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Model specific boards => Golf mk1 => Topic started by: rzacasperof on 21 August 2006, 23:13

Title: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: rzacasperof on 21 August 2006, 23:13
Any one had any experience doing this?  Roof on my CAB bows up in the middle so I guess the tension cables need replacing.  Do you need to remove the roof to replace them?  Is it a difficult job?
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: gibby on 22 August 2006, 13:38
When I had my roof fitted last year the side bits were flapping about so I took it back to the guy who fit it and he tightened the tension cables at the C pillar side. I think he took the roof down about half way and then unstuck the roof from the roof frame to get into the cables, he then tightened them up and stuck it back down. Did the trick anyway. As for difficulty ? He knew what he was doing and it was easy, I wouldn't have known what to do.
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: rzacasperof on 22 August 2006, 14:21
Thanks mate.  Gonna get the cables hopefuly next week and thenk have a crack at it.  Fingers crossed it won't be to difficult :)
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: gibby on 22 August 2006, 15:08
oops, I appear to have answered your question wrong as I answered "How do you tighten up the tension cables" !  :embarassed:  :laugh:
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: rubjonny on 23 August 2006, 14:56
they hook up on the rear down by the C pillar, if you put the roof half up you can see the cables running along the hood frame.  Check both sides see if either have snapped, common fault for ones that are getting on a bit!
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: rzacasperof on 24 August 2006, 13:05
so it's possible to replace them without removing the roof?
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: rubjonny on 24 August 2006, 13:12
yes :)
I think you just have to take the rubber seals off the C pillars and above the front doors to get to em.  We certanly didn't have the roof off when we replaced them on our cabby!
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: rzacasperof on 25 August 2006, 11:37
Cool, thanks mate :)

Will attempt it soon then and if all goes well take some pics and do a 'how to' as i've not seen one anywhere.

Thanks again for the help :)
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: rubjonny on 25 August 2006, 11:42
no problem, giz a shout if you get stuck, I have the hood fitting instructions in the garage somewhere  :grin:
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: blgdave on 27 August 2006, 10:08
Going to do a roof swap myself in a few weeks. Dont suppose you have a copy of them instructions scanned do you mate?

Also how much do these cables cost and is it a dealer part only? Could they not be made up from any wire cable?

CheeRS
Dave...
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: rzacasperof on 27 August 2006, 11:43
Local dealer quoted me £7 each for the cables forget how much the springs were.  There are 2 different kinds I think, difference between early and late models :)
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: rubjonny on 28 August 2006, 09:59
I've only got paper ones, and theres lots of paper!
For tension cables you really need the proper ones as any old metal cable will rust away in no time at all.

We got our hood and a set of tension cables from this seller, who also included complete instructions:
http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZeurotopQ5fdeQQssPageNameZADMEQ3aBQ3aEOIBSAQ3aUKQ3a46

He can even do headlining and the heat insulation that goes under the hood as well!
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: blgdave on 29 August 2006, 09:11
Thanks for that.
I was thinking of using plastic coated cable but if they are just £7 a pop its not worth me being my usual Mr Fix-it and spending twice as much to make to make my own!

I already have a replcement roof sorted for my car and by the look of the current sagging on the near side, I would say I am going to need cables a minimum...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/BigDave/Mk1%20Cab/Before/GTiCAB022.jpg)

CheeRS
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: rzacasperof on 31 August 2006, 14:10
Nightmare, just got the cables, fitted one and.........  it's 4" to long :(

Looks like wrong part listed in ETKA for my chasis #.

Dealers getting the other (shorter cables in tomorrow).  On the plus side it's quite an easy job to do :)  took about 10 mins to do one.  I'll take a few photos and knock a quick how to up tomorrow.
Title: Re: Fitting side tension cables
Post by: gibby on 31 August 2006, 14:25
Good man. A quick how to with photo's would be cool and then one of the mods can put it in the mk1 maintenance section. :afro: