Cali top Brethren,
I am in the midst of renewing a pair of late model Cali tops and motors for my 98 Cali Sport.
I am awaiting a new frame seal to arrive from Germany before I install my first verified working top, so I have a few weeks to address any other problem areas before I pop it in.
I have come across 4 different motor configurations and 2 top types. As I get to 2 solid tops, I wondered what various issues folks have had with their tops.
So far, I have seen:
- Motors with the top plastic gear broken on the motor
- Tops with broken bows
- Frames with broken corners or drains
- Tops that have retract drive issues on the drivers side
- Loose tension straps that cause the top to not lie down completely flat
- Dried out or clogged drain outlets
- Shrunken, cracked or leaking frame seals
- Wind noise at excessively high speeds

So, three questions for you then:
- How has yours broken or been an issue?
- What did you do to fix or retrofit it?
- How much and how long to repair it?
I have read as much on the Cali Tops or Faltdachs as I could find. Hopefully, this can be a consolidated reference thread on diagnosis, repair, renewal and maintenance of these cool tops. I have read a number of good separate threads out there, so when I or if you have a moment, we can link them here.
I'll add to this thread as I discover any useful items.
Regards, Rich