| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Coachescrew | Just bought my first prowler! 2000 w/ 9000+ miles and KONI shocks. I want to thank everyone on this board for all of their insight with a special thanks to John and Rick who have been terrific!!! I have so many questions, but one is regarding the Convertible top. Do I simply push those metal stubs into the hole then connect the front or do the front first? |
| alrtg | I typically latch the top at the windshield first and then latch the bottom into the deck lid last. Just keep in mind when putting the top down to make sure the top material is not anywhere near where the latch is or you could end up with a hole in the top material. IF you do not have a 2000 owners manual, I have an extra one available that you can have. Plan on showing up to the East Coast Posse's annual maintenance session for assistance, input, support, fellowship, and of course cruising and fun. Look in the Events Discussion section for more information, also think about attending the Chrysler's at Carlisle event this summer. Congratulations on pulling the trigger! |
| VinceM | Putting the top up I was told latch the front clips first and then rear latches. Here is one of many posts that explain it. Usually doing a Seach first on this site you will get answers to most of your questions. If you don't there are many experienced owners that can help. http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/001062.html |
| idive | The owners manual says to latch the back of the top first, then latch the front of the top. |
| garysss | Congrats, I also do the front clips first. Where did you end up getting it from? How much? How do you like it so far? if you need Service manuals, I have them and I'm in Maryland also. |
| phil2237 | Make sure you also strap down the top with the 2 straps, If you don't , it can rub marks into the material. |
| Tennessee Cat | I lay a small towel over the center of the top when down to make sure that the latch does rub against the top. That is one expensive mistake if you let it rub. |
| Coachescrew | I bought it in Virginia for 31.5k It was a GREAT drive home. I was worried with the Run Flats it was going to be a terrible drive. In fact, the guys on Barrett-Jackson auction the other night commented that long drives were very uncomfortable, but I think he was wrong. Yes, the Run Flats are somewhat bumpy, but not the way they made it sound. The seats are Very thick and seam to compensate for alot of it. |
| attyedhall | congrats on the purchase...let the enjoyment begin... |
| padroo | Enjoy your new ride! It is truly an adult toy! It is a good decision to join POA, everyone is helpful with questions you may have. Welcome. |
| prowlerFreek | What color is the Prowler? There was a silver one for sale about a mile down the road from me that sounds similar to what your figures were. It was at Ron Rosner Steve
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| WINDY CITY PROWLER | Congrats on your prowler. As for the Run Flats you won't know the difference unles you get rid of them or take a ride in a prowler with non run flats the drive is much smoother. |
| CJ | Congratulations on your new cat and welcome to POA! You've got a lot of smiles ahead of you!!!  ------------------
CJ - The One and Only
1999 Black - PPROWLR
2002 Deep Candy Red - CJPROWLN
2002 Black California Kid Prowler - CAL KID The Prowler makes you smile. Why? Because it's focused. It has a plot, a reason for being, a passion. It evokes the hot rod. It evokes the American Dream. This car is the human psyche.  |
| BeWare | Congrats on the new Prowler. Looks like I secure the top somewhat different than many others. I loosly latch the front windshield clips first and then latch the back. The I tighten the front latches. I have done it this way since day one in April 1999. Securing the top in the trunk with the straps is a must and using a rag as suggested is also a very good idea. |
| Hairarchitect | fun congrats and remember yellow is fastest lol,many safe motoring miles |
| WINDY CITY PROWLER | But not if you have a lime green stripe. |
| DES | quote:
Originally posted by WINDY CITY PROWLER:
But not if you have a lime green stripe.
yeh I think i read that lime green stripe is like an anchor |
| DES | The rules are you need to post photos of it immediately after purchase quote:
Originally posted by Coachescrew:
Just bought my first prowler! 2000 w/ 9000+ miles and KONI shocks.I want to thank everyone on this board for all of their insight with a special thanks to John and Rick who have been terrific!!! I have so many questions, but one is regarding the Convertible top. Do I simply push those metal stubs into the hole then connect the front or do the front first?
|
| StingRay | quote:
Originally posted by BeWare:
Congrats on the new Prowler. Looks like I secure the top somewhat different than many others. I loosly latch the front windshield clips first and then latch the back. The I tighten the front latches. I have done it this way since day one in April 1999. Securing the top in the trunk with the straps is a must and using a rag as suggested is also a very good idea.
Like Beware, I have placed the pins into the trunk first, as I was told at an early CAAP visit that the aluminum trunk would fair better by doing it this way. Guess by the responses here, Rich and I are in the minority  |
| ed monahan | When you put the pins in the trunk first, and then pull the front tight, it pulls the pins in the trunk, in my opinion. I prefer to hook the front and then push the rear pins STRAIGHT into the trunk.
I guess you can do it whichever way you prefer. I do it the same way with the hardtop and I no longer had problems with the pins coming loose in the back. |
| CJ | I always latched the top at the windshield first and then push the pins into the deck lid. Works for me, not had any problems!!! |
| EssexExport | Windsheild clamps first, trunk second. Ed has a valid point there. |
| beachcat | I would think if the "J" hooks are going to break, they would if they were latched last. For that reason, I latch them first. |
| BeWare | Our Kat is 13 years old and has 40K miles so probably more of putting the top up and down than many. Still have the original J hooks (knock on wood) and have never had any other issues. Linda is unable to lock in the rear posts if the top is latched tight at the windshield. I have a different theory than ED. With the front J hooks LOOSELY in place but not locked down, there is no pressure on the rear latch posts. Therefore the posts easily fit the holes and lock into place on the deck lid with no pressure. Since the windshield latches are 90 degrees from the rear posts, when you lock them tight there is little to no upward pressure on the deck lid the gradual forward pressure is absorbed by the top material and the top frame assembly. Additionally I also think that if the front latches are locked in first, then there is more pressure placed on them when you force the rear pins into the deck lid with a sudden and forceful motion, as opposed to have the rear pins locked in first and smoothly and gradually locking down the front clips. I think this is why I may have never had a broken clip. (again knocking on wood) Now a hardtop might be a complete other story. I have no experience with them. JMO This message has been edited by BeWare on 04-10-2012 at 10:38 AM |
| JeraneW | Front hooks are "fragile" and can break easily. Lower top onto windshield carefully so as not to break plastic. As others have said, "Front first, then back." Other solution, never put top up. LOL |
