Gen1 & Gen2 Soft Top

[Peter K.]

As some may know from my 1st thread, I have 2 soft tops with my 92. Both in the 92 material. Both frames are damaged. I'm thinking of trying to make one from 2 with the help of a welder.

However, is the difference between the Gen1 and 2 top just the front handles (pins on the gen1 and squares on the 2) and the shape of the swingarm (not sure if there is a specific name for those)? Everything else appear the same.

Because I can interchange my front handles.

[PatrickB]

Paging Granger73 - if he sees this thread, he will know..

[Peter K.]

lol, ok, I'm happy to wait.

[Peter K.]

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I must be the luckiest SOB around. Yesterday, went to dealer to ask about soft tops and soft top parts and other things. After being told NLA. Someone outside walked up to me and said he had a Gen1 top sitting around. I was puzzled. After a minute of questioning him, I told him to meet me today. He did and immediately apologized and say it was a Gen2. After a couple of hundred dollars, I walked away with it.
I returned home tonight to take measurements and a study it in comparison with both of my Gen1 tops. After a couple of soft fits, I decided to slowly press it in place and slowly turn the latches. It seams to fit quite easily. How does it look? Anything unusual?

Is it correct for the car? No.
Will it work? Yes.
Will it get me by until I figure out what to do with the original 92 tops? You betcha.

[Peter K.]

Here is the difference.....the windshield.

[Granger73]

The GEN2 top is designed to work with the roll up windows. It does not provide the seal you need for the GEN1 window fitment. They first changed the swing arms in 96 to work with the new sliding Windows. The 97 and up uses yet another swing arm design as well as a redesigned header and rear latchbar.
Doing any repair work is really tough, since it is hard to remove the header or latchbar without damaging the canvas. I have yet to see a repaired latchbar that didn't break again with use. If you can get a good latchbar, (92-96 will work) you might have a chance to make the repair. I wouldn't attempt it by myself, but would consult with a convertible top shop. They are extremely hard to find, as that is the part that breaks 90% of the time. I do have an NOS 92 soft top, but the price is absolutely obscene.
Take what you have to a convertible shop and see what he says.
Good luck.