Rag top question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: El Paso Texas
Rag top question
I can't seem to be able to put the rag top up and latched. Once I have it out of the compartment and latched to the windshield,, I can't stretch it enough to latch it to the deck lid. The rear bows just won't drop far enough to latch-up. The owners manual and the servicing book talk about "unhooking the snap fastners, allowing the rear bow to drop", but there is nothing attached to the snap buttons and i'm getting frustated. Please help,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Ernie
P.S. pictures would be great,,,,thanks.
P.S. pictures would be great,,,,thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
How close are you to getting the rear bow down to the deck lid?
On my 62, the only way I can latch my top is to first latch the rear to the decklid, then press down on the front to latch it.
On the 62 there are straps that hold the rear bow "up" in preparation for putting the top all the way down. When the rear bow is in the up position held by those straps, the rear bow is almost verticle to the deck lid. If your rear bow was stuck "up" due to straps it would be very obvious.
On my 62, the only way I can latch my top is to first latch the rear to the decklid, then press down on the front to latch it.
On the 62 there are straps that hold the rear bow "up" in preparation for putting the top all the way down. When the rear bow is in the up position held by those straps, the rear bow is almost verticle to the deck lid. If your rear bow was stuck "up" due to straps it would be very obvious.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 608
Likes: 4
From: houston, texas usa tx
Put that car out in the hot sun with the top up and unlatched or at least latched to the windshield. After a couple of hours of baking the top will expand and stretch enough to latch front and back.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,808
Likes: 24
From: Westport CT
I would agree and combine both of the good advice above - top will be more plyable in warm sun, and secure it on the rear deck lid first, then use the clamping force of the windshield latches to bring it home. Rear first and then front latches is the only way to get it done right (and get the rear to cinch down and stay there), for my top on my 65 . . .
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Lewistown MT
I usually hook the front clamps, (but I don't "cam over" the levers). They're just hooked to hold the alignment. Since the front is not clamped yet, I have plenty of slack to lower the rear bow and push it into place. Once the rear is down snug I finish by clamping down the front...
(Still leaks like an S.O.B. but at least it looks good)
(Still leaks like an S.O.B. but at least it looks good)
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Originally Posted by aztlanco
I can't seem to be able to put the rag top up and latched. Once I have it out of the compartment and latched to the windshield,, I can't stretch it enough to latch it to the deck lid. The rear bows just won't drop far enough to latch-up. The owners manual and the servicing book talk about "unhooking the snap fastners, allowing the rear bow to drop", but there is nothing attached to the snap buttons and i'm getting frustated. Please help,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Ernie
P.S. pictures would be great,,,,thanks.
P.S. pictures would be great,,,,thanks.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: El Paso Texas
Thanks
Thanks to all,,, for a while I was thinking I had a car with the wrong size top. The top has been in the compartment for a long time (9 mos.).
I will try your advise out real soon because the weather is starting to get hot already here in way out Texas. Thanks again,,,,,,,,,Ernie
I will try your advise out real soon because the weather is starting to get hot already here in way out Texas. Thanks again,,,,,,,,,Ernie
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Originally Posted by aztlanco
The top has been in the compartment for a long time (9 mos.).
Thanks again,,,,,,,,,Ernie
Why? I think you're finding out.
Chuck
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 635
Likes: 1
From: cincinnati oh
something else to do
used to live in houston and had a black ragtop mustang. a good garage there suggested once a year to get a big tub of vaseline and liberally put in on top let it set for a while then wipe off excess. you will get some goop in areas after it gets hot, but gotta say. the top looked great all the time we had it. looked new even. i would suggest this to anyone. white may be a problem, but other colors it worked great. and i remember those houston summers, holy moly it was hot.
