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Author
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Topic: Convertible Top Adjustments
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swiss
Gearhead Posts: 236
From: Duluth, Ga
Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 01-12-2005 11:32 PM
 
I normally have the top down but was taking the wife out for a dinner with the top up, and she commented why do I have a 1/4" gap between my top seal and the upper windshield support. Tell you the truth I have never noticed. Anyway it seems the whole top assembly needs to move forward to allow the seal on the front to come down and meet up with the windshield frame. The outside of the top is tight but the top seems to sit back to far on the windshield frame for a tight fit inside with the seal. Looking at the manual it seems I need to move the complete top forward with the main mounting bolts to the frame near the rear seat. The problem it seems is that the back of the top is tight and I do not think I will have any room to stretch the top assembly forward. I have not removed the rear molding yet to see how the top is mounted. I bet mellowyellow has an answer? Thanks for the help Steve
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 8198
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 01-13-2005 12:18 AM
Don't remove the outer mouldings-not nec! Are the windows adjusted and does the top w/strip line up with the rear window? The rear of the top is attached to the tack strips that are in the drain gutter and bolted in. Out of curiosity, what year is your car? The bolts that you mention will move it. Did you buy the car with the top on? Sounds like a lot of adjustment is in order if the windows do not line up well. When installing, there are measurements to follow such as the distance from the rear bow to the rear moulding. The best way to do a top is to line up the bows, have the windows adjusted and a trial fit of the top w/stripping to fit it to the windows. The man who has done a couple tops for me insists on this. When doing this on a 68 cv, found that I had a bad frame on one side. Had to change an entire side from a parts top. Try the bolts and see if the top will come forward. The shop manual, I have a 66 one, shows adjustments. One is the side rail adjustment allowing the weatherstrips to move. This may be nec to allow foward seal and for the frame to come up to the w/shield for better seal. Suggest that you get the shop manual as it is illustrated and will help. The w/strip adjustment may require readjusting the windows. Hoping this is not too garbled, am ready for bed. Everything has to be in sync to get a good seal.
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swiss
Gearhead Posts: 236
From: Duluth, Ga
Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 01-13-2005 08:31 AM
Pete, no your message was not garbled. It confirmed what I suspected regarding the number of variables in getting the top aligned properly. The car is a 65, the previous owner had put the top on and as with many other items, he was close but not right. I drove in this morning and between lane changes studied the mechanics after reading the shop manual again last night. Curious enough the windows actually align well with the top except for a small gap on the drivers side. I think after review again of the instructions I can shift the main assembly enough to move forward. As with any of these repairs and tasks, you can read the manuals all you want but until you start loosing bolts and working on items it is all theory. It sounds like when installing a new top you should align all components before tacking down the back, that is what I was wondering. BTW, beautiful job on the rebuild of your new restoration. I went back and looked at the pictures for inspiration and patience. I feel bad as my 2 car garage seems cramped when working on the car and you had to be fighting space in a single car garage. Steve
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 8198
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 01-13-2005 10:17 AM
Actually, after aligning the top, windows, test fitting the w/strips, you would start from the back. My guy lays the top on the car and get the part correct at the rear bow where it slopes down to bottom. On a 65/6, the window then goes in first, and then the top. The tacking strips are designed for the window to go in first. In 67, they reversed it, wisely so, and the window goes in after the top. There is a measurement from the body at the rear, to the rear bow that dictates the firt at the rear of top. Don't have the exact measurement at the moment. If this is on the money, one should be on the way to a good installation.
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