i hear this drastically reduces cowl shake on verts. hope this helps! i dont have a vert so i havn't got a clue on the other questions...

http://www.genuinesaab.com/catalog/...uct_info.php?cPath=56_28&products_id=35&osCsid=d26580d9f9159a5d0c8d0df046fba47f

 

I dont get a shake really at all with my vert, Maybe I drive to slow!!!! Ha, yea right.
As far as storage.....zip,nada,zelch, shoulda got a hatch. I havent gotten any coolers into my car. I think that there is about 11 inches to work with back there with the top down and my subs take up all that space!!!

for the CC....I have always wondered that too and never got a good answer so Im right there with you. I have no idea why it always turns on right away when the car starts up, Ive gotten into such a routine of turning it off I barely notice it, sometimes I press it more than once without knowing and then wonder why its still on. But Id like to hear more on this if anyone else knows.

 

I'm loving the idea of the 6-point brace (thank you to whoever recommended that brace), do we have any user experience with this brace?

Are there any gotchas having to do with jacking the convertible up on one side (example: changing a flat tire) given it's rather flexible structure?

6 point brace is good; had one on my 900 [a 1998 - almost a 9-3 by now] for over a year.

As for stiffness; you are confusing an issue with the subframe to bulkhead to steering rack design feature with over shell strength. With the roof up I have jacked 1 croner so high [at the front] the the corresponding rear wheel on that side left the ground and the door would still open and close - now that's strength; it would have been a different story with roof down, I bet - a lot of load passes through that assembly once up.

 

I'm new to the SAAB world, and convertibles in general, so I'm interested in your advice and tips. I have spent some time reading and searching through the forums using the "convertible" key word, but I still have questions. Maybe if we're lucky this thread can become a kind of 9-3 convertible FAQ.

The way I see it, we're presented with a few obstacles that the rest of the 9-3 world doesn't have to deal with; lack of storage space, cowl shake, somewhat strange handling, bipolar open top climate control settings, etc.

I need to apply some sort of fabric protector to my convertible top. What's the SaabCentral consensus here on a favorite product? I see that SC.com recommends Renovo, but I was leaning towards 303.

What's your favorite tip in regards to trunk storage? Do you use any kind of organizer? Have you found a cooler that fits in the trunk with the top down?! That's really important!

What's up with climate control settings of 0 - 10? I assume that's a heat level, along the lines of a manual control setting. Is there any way to make the CC default to 'OFF' when starting the car? It's a little annoying during the summer months to have to continually shut off the CC when I'll be opening the top anyway.

I'm loving the idea of the 6-point brace (thank you to whoever recommended that brace), do we have any user experience with this brace?

Are there any gotchas having to do with jacking the convertible up on one side (example: changing a flat tire) given it's rather flexible structure?

My car currently has 24k miles on it, a relative baby, can I expect even more cowl shake as the car ages?

Are there any tips or advice that you can share that's not asked for here?

Hi Sean I'm the one who recommended the 6 point brace and would recommend this trunk organizer too :cheesy:

http://www.stateofnine.com/page/stateofnine/PROD/OrganizerBag

the 6 point brace is great for a convertible but you need to get the thicker rear sway bar and the steering brace for handling as well.

 

It's actually pretty important that you buy all these suspension and chassis upgrades, as verts are much less sturdy than coups.

 

It's actually pretty important that you buy all these suspension and chassis upgrades, as verts are much less sturdy than coups.

Are you speaking to the performance of the car or body integrity?

 

I'm new to the SAAB world, and convertibles in general, so I'm interested in your advice and tips. I have spent some time reading and searching through the forums using the "convertible" key word, but I still have questions. Maybe if we're lucky this thread can become a kind of 9-3 convertible FAQ.

The way I see it, we're presented with a few obstacles that the rest of the 9-3 world doesn't have to deal with; lack of storage space, cowl shake, somewhat strange handling, bipolar open top climate control settings, etc.

I need to apply some sort of fabric protector to my convertible top. What's the SaabCentral consensus here on a favorite product? I see that SC.com recommends Renovo, but I was leaning towards 303. Renovo is great. Ragg Top Protectant is also very good.

What's your favorite tip in regards to trunk storage? Do you use any kind of organizer? Have you found a cooler that fits in the trunk with the top down?! That's really important! I use a cardboard box to keep upright those things needing to be kept upright. I have alarge Coleman cooler that just fits in the trunk with the top down. It will hold approximately 24 twelve ounce cold adult beverages, with ice. If a larger cooler is required, follow this procedure: Lower top if not already down; fold one seat forward; place a ery large beach towel on rear bench seat; place one very large cooler on bench seat and re-recline front seat. Drive away. Voila.

What's up with climate control settings of 0 - 10? I assume that's a heat level, along the lines of a manual control setting. Is there any way to make the CC default to 'OFF' when starting the car? It's a little annoying during the summer months to have to continually shut off the CC when I'll be opening the top anyway. ACC on NG's allow one to program "off" as the default setting on start-up.

I'm loving the idea of the 6-point brace (thank you to whoever recommended that brace), do we have any user experience with this brace? The brace is a minor miracle in that it really does help abate the cowl shake and it thereby (somewhat falsely) contributes to a greater sense of overall torsional rigidity of the overall monocoque structure which already is possessed of decently high polar moment of inertia. Installation was straightforward and took a little over an hour.

Are there any gotchas having to do with jacking the convertible up on one side (example: changing a flat tire) given it's rather flexible structure? The rules to jacking safety apply to the convertible equally as they do to any other vehicle. One quirk is that you may notice some increased difficulty or resistance to opening and shutting doors once the car has been elevated at one corner, most especially if the top is down.

My car currently has 24k miles on it, a relative baby, can I expect even more cowl shake as the car ages? Yes. But the six-point brace will prevent a lot of that.

Are there any tips or advice that you can share that's not asked for here?
Use great gobs of leather conditioner often if you park with your top down. Sun is a lethally efficient killer of your leather. At the least, upgrade your speakers using highly efficient units (to make the most of the stock electronics). This improves sound so that you can hear it while driving with the top down. If you are more ambitious, you can upgrade some electronics as well. Rear anti-roll bar (22 mm) is a must, hardtop or vert. It will get rid of the wallowing around corners that the rolling rear causes. Try to avoid looking smugly superior when driving with the top down. Others dislike this. (You will still be superior, but will simply appear to be unaware of it and thusly you will not be rubbing anyone's nose in it).

Note: Not a 9-3 here but NG 900 is substantially similar in many regards.

 

Great post! Thanks Saaboheme.

 

I'm not sure if the 9-3 is different than the 900 in this regard but, in order to program your ACC, turn the key to the on position but don't start the car, select whatever settings you want when you start up, then simultaneously press the ECON button and the fan speed UP button. The ACC will flash once and you're good to go.

I apologize in advance if the ACCs are different.

 

I'm not sure if the 9-3 is different than the 900 in this regard but, in order to program your ACC, turn the key to the on position but don't start the car, select whatever settings you want when you start up, then simultaneously press the ECON button and the fan speed UP button. The ACC will flash once and you're good to go.

I apologize in advance if the ACCs are different.

That's right. The full explanation is in the owner's manual, so if you've got that, read it! I did it on my 9-3 cv, but for some reason it doesn't always work... I read somewhere that the 9-3 on startup senses the outside temperature and even if you have set the start up, may adjust itself regardless. I assume that's why mine starts with AC on half the time.

Also, I use Ragg Top products for protectant, and they have done a good job.

Also Also, I have the steering rack/brace, 6pt subframe, 25mm ARB, and all new brakes and brake lines, which IMHO are absolutley necessary for the top experience in the CV.

Also also also, I have upgraded the entire sound system and am quite happy with it now. I can clearly hear the music above road noise. Plus, the wind blocker is ridiculously expensive, but I find it invaluable on the highway.

Also also also, anything that increases speed.

I have spent something like $10,000 on this pile already, and still am going strong.

Now gotta start on my RS6. :cheesy:

 

Also, I use Ragg Top products for protectant, and they have done a good job.

Plus, the wind blocker is ridiculously expensive, but I find it invaluable on the highway.

I purchased an '03 'Vert in April. Love it to death, but the first thing I changed or added was a wind blocker. Don't buy one that says Saab on it....get the aftermarket ones that show up on eBay from time to time. I think with shipping it was $75. HUGE improvement in top-down comfort, and also top-up windows down. I can drop the top, put up the windows, and wind hardly ruffles my hair. No problem hearing the stereo, even listen to the birds as I drive!

I've used the Ragg Top products, and the sealant spray especially helps with water repellancy. Good investment!

I have an issue with the latches on the top rattling. The left latch especially rattles when I hit a bump (I live on a dirt road, so that's often!). Does anyone know of a fix or adjustment I can make to the latches or the anchors?

 

Actually, I did read through the entire owner's manual (can you sense my excitement over the vert?) in a single sitting, but it doesn't mention anything about defaulting the CC to 'OFF'. I believe it's page 245, btw. :cheesy:

 

I can default to off by driving the car and while driving it, turning the ACC to off and then holding down the two correct buttons. When I shut it down and then get back into it the next day, the ACC is off.

 

One more vote for the Raggtopp products. I've tried them all, and I like Raggtopp the best. It's also the easiest to clean off of paint.

303 is great stuff, and I use it on my boat canvas, but I was told not to use it on a convertible top. (By a guy who does boat canvas and auto upholstery, and sells both Raggtopp and 303 products.) I can't remember what the reason was, but it sounded good at the time. The guy has done a lot of work for me, and never steered me wrong.

 

I can confirm the 'OFF' setting! Thank you!

I set the ignition to ON, set the CC to 'OFF', held both the ECON and fan speed increase button, the CC display flashed. I removed the key to be sure, then started the car... IT WORKS!

 

Are you speaking to the performance of the car or body integrity?

Just the performance, granted the vert body's are slightly less sturdy than solid body's, but you shouldn't have to worry about the structural integrity of your car.

 

Possibly against the advice of the SC crowd, I went and purchased a 303 Convertible Top Kit. The kit will be here on the 10th, I'll be sure to describe my experience with the products.

 

For cleaning/protection of the top I HIGHLY recommend 303. I'll use the fabric cleaner on any sort of stain, then treat with the fabric guard. I'd also do the carpets.

Their Aerospace Protectant is an OUTSTANDING product. I use it on my RX-8 (plastic trim, vinyl, dash, rubber trim, rubber hoses..etc.) and gave my new (to me) '96 900SE vert a good once over. The once ragged looking rubber trim on the front and rear bumper, and the plastic trim along the body look brand new. Its a little pricey, but a bottle will last you forever, and it UV protects everything unlike products like Armorall which eventually dry and crack such surfaces. If your ride is in excellent shape, these products will definitely keep it that way.

Ragg Top is also a great product for the top. I just like the versatility of the 303 products.

 

just tried the 303 on my top after renovo for a year. it took an entire bottle to sufficiently soak the old canvas, but it works great! i've noticed now that even if some water does soak into the top in the rain that most water still runs off, meaning the rails don't will up with water and dump it on me when i start moving.

i also treat all the seals twice a year just to make sure they're soft and doing their job. i'm still looking to see if the joints could or should be lubricated, but last i knew they don't need to be.

 

Hey, I've got a convertible question for everyone: What sort of cloth do you use on your top while cleaning it? Anytime I buy a "lint-free" cloth my top picks up a ton of lint, and it bugs the crap out of me. Any brand recommendations?

 

Hey, I've got a convertible question for everyone: What sort of cloth do you use on your top while cleaning it?

i often used my synthetic chamois to soak up water from the top. microfiber towels work well without leaving lint too, but my cotton towels still leave lint. my chamois was from griot's but i finally threw it out since it smelled of mold. my towels are just the ones from target.

 

I use the 303 on my top and it seems to work well (use it here cuz it always treated my mastercraft well!) For the interior plastic I use meguiars nxt protectant (you can control the shine and it lasts) and for the seats I use zymoil leather conditioner, definately do this often cuz sun does kill the dark leather. As for the rattles in the top I had one in the bow right behind my head and packed a bit of strip caulk in the joint that was rattling and it helped ALOT. I tried everything before I did this to and it's the only thing that has lasted. Dont use alot of it or you'll just make a mess. As for cleaning the top I just use dish soap and a soft scrub brush.

 

Reviving the thread since I found it useful. Thanks guys for the info and feedback.

 

I've used Raggtopp products for the past 2 summers. The protectant increases water repellancy and wipes off of windows and paint easily. I wouldn't recommend the 303 as it's primarily for plastic or non-porous surfaces. I use it on the tonneau cover and rubber seals, but not the top. I've found it important to clean the top often to get the dust out of the fibers...it really works into the material.

I don't wipe down the top after a wash, just the body. I use old bathroom towels for drying and for wax removal. They don't make that much lint, and clean up quickly.

I'm liking the idea of the 6-point support. I live on a dirt road and the body & scuttle shaking drives me crazy. When the road gets washboardy I park the 'vert until it's graded.

I'm trying to wait patiently for spring, when I can pull the silver bullet out of the cave (barn). I put it up on blocks this winter, since last year the tires developed flat spots...had to replace all 4!

 

You have to be careful with 303 Aerospace products. There are two that have similar names: 303 Aerospace Protectant is like Armorall & 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is for fabric tops. I buy the High Tech Fabric Guard by the gallon for the Sunbrella fabric on my Sea Ray and it works pretty well, but don't spray the Protectant on fabric as it will stain.

Checkout their site for more information:
http://www.303products.com

... Ron

 

You have to be careful with 303 Aerospace products.

Thanks for the clarification! ;ol; I use the Protectant, but hadn't heard of the Fabric Guard before now.

As for storage, I find there's plenty of room in the trunk. I can put 2 suitcases, my guitar, and a few other small items in the trunk, and there's plenty of extra space in the back seat. With the windscreen back there nothing will blow around (or out!).

Has anyone had issues with rattles at the front hooks, where the top hooks to the windshield? Driver side hook acts like it's mis-aligned it clunks and rattles so much. It seems like maybe it's not tight enough when it's engaged. Is there an adjustment to tighten the catch or hook?

Thanks all. Just thinking about driving with the top down is making the mid-winter blues more bearable.

 

The six point brace, talieferro transmission mount and rear brace top my wish list.

 

I don't know what the rear brace would be, but I have the steering rack brace and the rear sway bar. Both have brought significant improvement for little money, but my car isn't a convertible.