HIGH EFFORT TO LATCH SOFT TOP REAR BOW (MODIFY 1/4 HINGE)

SUBJECT: SOFT TOP REAR BOW REQUIRES HIGHER EFFORT TO LATCH IN UPRIGHT STOWAGE POSITION (MODIFY QUARTER GLASS HINGES)

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1987-1992 CADILLAC ALLANTE

The soft top rear bow (#5 bow) on some 1987-1992 Allantes may require a higher effort to latch in the upright stowage position due to the quarter glass hinges binding. These hinges allow the quarter glass to pivot inward as the rear bow is raised upward. A binding hinge adds resistance to glass movement which results in a higher operating effort. The quarter glass hinges can be modified to eliminate a binding condition using the following procedure:

1. Remove the left quarter glass hinge close out panel by pulling upward on the panel. Remove the spring clip retainers from the hinge assembly. Refer to Figure 1.

2. Remove the screws retaining the left seat belt retractor cover and remove the retractor cover.

3. Using needle nose pliers, remove the snap ring and washer from each end of the lower hinge pin. Be careful not to drop the washers during snap ring removal. Refer to Figure 1.

4. Using a long and narrow punch, push the lower hinge pin rearward and remove it from the hinge assembly.

5. Mark on the hinge assembly the location of the two nuts retaining the hinge assembly to the quarter glass. The hinge is slotted for glass adjustment and marking the nut positions will allow proper positioning of the hinge during reassembly. Refer to Figure 1.

6. Remove the hinge assembly from the quarter glass by removing the two attachment nuts. Be careful not to lose the star washer and flat washer under each nut.

7. Remove the snap ring and washer from each end of the remaining hinge pin. Remove the pin to separate the two hinge pieces.

8. Grind 2mm off the glass-side hinge piece as shown in Figure 2. File down any sharp edges and paint exposed metal.

9. Reassemble the hinge assembly and install on the car making sure to align the attachment nuts with the positioning marks made earlier. Repeat the procedure for the right side hinge.

For vehicles repaired under warranty use: 1.0 hour.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.