vettekazy

I am refurbishing my 1969 convertible. The car sat for years and the vinyl convertible top is now too small for the bow to latch. Otherwise the top is fine. Is there any remedy to stretch the top to fit? There are conditioners but I'm not sure they will do what I need. Thankful for any help.

62corvette

Putting it out under a bright warm sun might help. Black has better chance than white. As it warms, gently work on progressively clamping it more and more.

bj1k

Maybe try steaming it . The vinyl is probably dried out. If you can get it to latch after you steam it , leave it latched at least overnight . Might not be a permanent cure but should be able to use it some more.

68/70Vette

I had my 68 factory original top replaced by Al Knoch. I bought his video on how to do it yourself. I was tempted to do it myself. However, I had Al Knoch's employees replace the top. I was impressed. I could not never do the job they did, they were just so experienced.

My recommendation is not to fuss with the old top. Replace it.

Easy Mike

Let it warm up. Lock rear bow first, then the front.

LAddams

Outside in the hot sun on a hot day. 2 people , sitting in car pull down with one hand and latch with other. it happens if you leave the car sitting unlatched for a while, as little as a month on some cars.More so in cold weather.

pws69

When I was getting mine ready for storage a week ago, I ran into the same thing - had the top down all summer!! Nice warm days are pretty much gone - at least warm enough to help with the top.

Here is how I got it to latch.

I put the top up and latched the three front latches. Windows up, and the bow down as far as I could push it.

I set up a small "Ceramic Heater" balancing, pointing upward on the center console - resting the front of the heater on the PB Handle.

Within an hour, I was able to latch the bow. I left the heater running for a bit to get it nice and toasty inside, feeling the top every now and then until it was a little warm.

Done and fits nicely. Drove it to storage without issue.

vettekazy

Thanks to everyone for your input. I can't get it into the sunlight because I have pulled the engine and transmission. The block is on the way to the machine shop. I bought two 5 1/2" bolts, 2 large washers, and 2 nuts. I replaced the rear bow hold down studs with the bolts to put tension on the top. Every few weeks I'll turn the nuts to put more tension on the top. I also apply a conditioner from time to time. I'll also try the heater. Hopefully that will stretch the top enough. If not I'll have to replace it.

Paul L

If not I'll have to replace it.

If yes, consider StayFast cloth. It doesn't shrink.