Common Convertible Top Problem: My convertible top is getting increasingly difficult to close.  NO problem with it going up or down, but it doesn’t close and lock as it had before. The top when down and not locked sets crooked. The passenger or driver side sets up higher. The rear windows have to be operable in order for the top to close properly. If either or both are stuck in the up position the top will not close properly.

Solution and Part: Possible one or both of the rear quarter windows Regulator Flex Rack, aka, Track Tape Needs to be Replaced. JC Whitney / Item # ZX157873W (see above)

Contributor: Thurston Criggler / Owns a 1982 / Los Angeles, CA

Parts Wanted

Leather interior seat covers, NOS or equal type leather wanted. 

Has anyone found a good source for leather to redo the seating in our cars? I get asked this question on a regular basis. As most of you know the leather in our cars at some point will need a repair or most likely replaced. The 1982 and 1983 are a different color and pattern than the 1984 and 1985, so there are 2 different colors one being darker than the other. A good Upholstery shop can match the pattern if they can match the leather. I do not know why an aftermarket supplier has not picked this up yet but surely some Company will. There is a lot of business to be had in the 1979-1985 Riviera aftermarket, be it hardtop or convertible. With 370,000+ total cloth and leather interiors produced over the 7 year period, there are still a lot on the road and most need interiors. All of the Convertibles and most T-Types had a leather interior as did a large portion of the regular Riviera's. 

Please email me here at the web site and let me know if you have found a good match. lewis@rivieraconvertible.com 

Leather Hides!!

I have located a Company to purchase Leather Hides. These will have to be taken to an Upholstery Shop to be cut and fit to your interior. These are NOT precut seat covers, just the leather hides. They also can supply the Vinyl or if you prefer do the seats in Vinyl instead of leather a same a few bucks.

Al Schmidt, owner of a 1985 Turbo and a 1984 Convertible told me about this Company. I contacted them by phone and explained what we needed and that there are 2 different colors. One for the 82-83 and a darker one for the 84-85. Very nice folks, they sent me 2 different samples and they match nicely.

Thanks Al!

Contact info is;

SMS Auto Fabrics, 350 South Redwood Street, Canby, Oregon. 503-263-3535 or email www.smsautofabrics.com.

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I am in need of a parade boot for my 1983. Can someone help me with how to repair my top? It will no longer go down. 

Please contact: Rudy Glew at;  563-556-5172 / Dubuque, Iowa 52002

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I am in need of the weather striping that attaches to the rear quarter glass where it meets the front door side window glass. Does anyone know where these can be found for my 1982 Model? 

Please contact: Pat Rooney at; pat@trooney.com  or 410-746-7735

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I am in need of a parade boot for my 1982. This boot needs to be from a 1982 model only and should be in new or near new condition. I have tried one from a 1983 and they do not seem to fit correctly, does anyone know why?

Please contact: Jay Buttery at; Jerald_Buttery@aksteel.com 

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I am in need of Leather to reupholster the seats in my 1982. Has anyone found a source for the original type leather or a complete cover set for them?  I've checked with several local upholster shops and none can match the color and grain.

Please contact: Walt Schneider at; riv4evr@pa.net or 717-580-7781          

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I am looking for the U Jam rubber seal for the driver side rear window/door jam on my 1982 Convertible. Does anyone know where I can find this part?

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I am in need of Convertible top latch hardware for my 1983. Does anyone know where I can find these parts?  

Please contact: Rick Shore at; rickshore44@yahoo.com or 954-425-8684  

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Parts Suppliers

2. Steering Columns Galore, Brewster NY, 888-326-5866

(Thank you to Rick Shore, Deerfield FL for these suppliers)