Convertible Top: Bow: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the sunvisors, rotate the driver's and passenger's sunvisor down before lowering or raising the convertible top.

Lower all windows.
Unlatch top and raise top midway.
Remove headliner. (Refer to BODY/CONVERTIBLE TOP/HEADLINER - REMOVAL) .
Disconnect the outer straps from the top cover.
To replace bow number 1 and/or 2, drill out the three screws attaching top cover to bow. See Fig 1. The screws have thread lock on the screws threads and are difficult to remove. See Fig 2.

Fig 1: Bows
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - BOW 1

2 - BOW 2

3 - BOW 3

Fig 2: Drilling Screw Out
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - DRILL MOTOR

2 - SCREWS HEAD
Disconnect both stay pads from number 1 and/or 2 bow(s).
Remove four screws attaching bow.
Remove bow by sliding bow from the top cover. Using a pair locking pliers grasp the bow and pull free of the top cover. See Fig 3. Glass cleaner can be used as a lubricate to ease removal of the bow.

Fig 3: Removing Bow
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - BOW

2 - LOCKING PLIERS
To replace bow number 3, cut the curved end off bow on the opposite side, to be make it easier to remove the bow. See Fig 4.

Fig 4: Bow 3
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CUT LINE
Disconnect both stay pads from number 3 bow.
Remove four screws attaching bow.
Remove bow by sliding bow from the top cover. Using a pair locking pliers grasp the bow and pull free of the top cover. See Fig 3. Glass cleaner can be used as a lubricate to ease the removal of the bow.