There are few things more glamorous than cruising down Main Street in a nice convertible with the top down, only six or seven kilometers so everybody can see you. Of course, this requires the right type of weather and, depending on where you live, you might only have three months a year where this is an option. But that’s the great thing about a convertible: The top can be up or down.

This glamour and versatility come at a cost, though. First, a convertible sports car costs more than most other vehicles. But the initial outlay is only one concern; collision repair can also be more complex with a convertible. So, if you’ve recently purchased, or are considering purchasing, a convertible vehicle, what should you know about auto repair?

The convertible

To make sure everyone’s on the same page, let’s quickly define the convertible first. It’s a type of car you can drive with or without the roof in place. Different models have different methods for retracting and storing the roof, and these have changed over time. Typically, the roof comprises hard cloth or a similar fabric and there’s a mechanism for folding it and storing it at the back. However, retractable and detachable hardtop designs also exist.

The first convertibles date all the way back to the late 19th century. The very first automobiles didn’t have any roof at all, so automakers eventually devised folding textiles and leather roofs. Those early convertibles, much like all early automobiles, weren’t very aerodynamic. Auto designs have changed dramatically over 125 years, and modern convertibles are much more aerodynamic today. However, there can be issues with structural rigidity. No matter how well designed a convertible is, there are vulnerabilities to impacts and collisions.

Convertibles and auto repair

Every model has its own idiosyncrasies that can complicate auto body repair. Here are some key issues when it comes to convertible vehicles and collision repair.

Not damaging the top

The most obvious challenge is preserving the quality of the roof of a convertible. This is an issue for a big full-body repair, but it can also be an issue if the technicians are just hammering out a dent for a small accident repair. If the top is made of fabric, then it’s easy to tear, rip, or otherwise damage. Auto repair technicians must be very careful.

But it’s not as though hard-top convertibles don’t present their own challenges. Every model of convertible has numerous wires and sensors that auto repair technicians can easily damage or knock out of place if they’re not careful. These wires and sensors are often hidden in the layers of fabric or in flexible conduits. If a collision or collision repair technician damages any sensors or wires, the top won’t work until they’re repaired or reinstalled in their proper position.

Minding the automotive glass

Convertible vehicles are more exposed to the elements, such as wind, rain, and debris. This can lead to increased vibrations and stress on the automotive glass and the convertible top. Replacing or repairing the windshield or other glass on a convertible requires careful evaluation; auto repair technicians must ensure they securely integrate the glass with the frame, limiting the risk of leaks, rattling, and potential structural issues.

Leaks are a particular problem because it’s obviously more challenging to weatherproof a vehicle with a soft, removable top than one with a fixed roof. Auto body repair technicians must consider how any work they do may affect the seals and waterproofing elements of the top. Correct installation is necessary to avoid leaks and keep the interior dry.

Electrical issues

The core components of the convertible top are usually electric. Modern convertible models employ sensors to monitor when the top is unlatched and what position its in. A control module tracks the top’s movement and other factors, such as the outside temperature and the car’s speed. This is key to how the vehicle operates.

If a collision or accident repair damages one of these electric components, the convertible mechanism may not function. This may be because it is damaged or because it’s locked in place due to other damage and the system won’t allow the top to lower. Some convertibles require special procedures and scan tools to diagnose issues. For example, an auto repair technician may have to undertake an initialization process to determine what stage the top is stuck in.

Hydraulic issues

A hydraulic or an electric motor drive system works with different sensors and the vehicle’s onboard computer to move the top up and down. There might be numerous cylinders, lines, and motors to execute each step of the roof’s movement. Some convertible models have as many as 32 hydraulic lines, and they all use one pump or motor to drive the cylinders. Furthermore, some auto manufacturers require a special fluid when refilling or servicing the hydraulic system. Auto repair technicians must pay attention to the details here, because adding other types of fluid could damage the system.

Check the trunk

During a collision repair for a convertible that has suffered a rear end impact, it’s critical for the auto body repair technicians to ensure the trunk is properly aligned and to reconnect various sensors and switches. Trunk damage is a frequent cause of convertible problems because the trunk compartment can be critical to the raising or lowering of the roof. The trunk often stores the roof, so there’s commonly limited space for storing items in a way that won’t damage the top when it’s down.

Trust your convertible to expert auto repair technicians

Whether you need a full-body repair or small accident repair, it’s prudent to trust your convertible to experts who have the knowledge and tools to repair convertibles properly. To get the best convertible auto repair, you need the right auto body shop.