Windstop Repair

Quite a while ago I broke one of the windstop clips attached to the rollbar. No real idea how it happened and thankfully it was still under warranty. So on one of my visits to the dealer I had it repaired and remained blissfully ignorant of any cost involved. Fast forward to late 2005 and "snap!" there goes another one. The clips that attach to the windstop itself are fairly inexpensive and easy to replace - that's not the case with the retainer that attaches to the rollbar. As luck would have it that's the one that broke. Again.
	I checked with the dealer to see how much it was going to be to get it fixed as I already knew the repair kit was about $25 and I'd need to spend some money on a pop riveter as that's one tool I never got around to purchasing. The answer - $150. After getting that news I walked over to the parts counter and picked up one of the kits. Unfortunately it's not possible to buy just the part that's needed as it comes as a complete windstop installation kit.

Step 1. Remove the rollbar padding in order to completely expose the retaining clip. If it's been removed prior it will just pull off. If it's never been removed before then use a large flat-bladed object and pry it off taking care to protect the rollbar.	Step 2. After determining the correct size for the drill bit by comparing bits to the new pop rivets I wound up using a 1/8" bit.
Step 3. Complete the removal of the retaining clip. The whole process took about 10 seconds.	After the broken retaining clip was removed I noticed that the rollbar paint was worn through due to the design of the clip.
Step 4. Install the new retaining clip by placing the new clip in position and fastening with the pop riveter.	Step 5. Remove the 3 push-in retainers from the rollbar pad by unscrewing them. These go back into the rollbar.
Here the windstop retainer clip has been replaced and the rollbar push-in retainers inserted back into the rollbar.	Step 6. Reseat the rollbar padding by lining up the studs on the padding and the push-in retaining clips and pound with your hand.
	Good as new for under $50! The repair kit was about $25 and the pop riveter cost me under $15. I really don't have a use for the pop riveter so I guess one could "borrow" one from a friend or Home Depot
The entire repair process only took about 5 minutes once everything was lined up and ready to go. I did use a towel to catch the filings generated by drilling out the old rivet, though that probably wasn't necessary.