Soft top Frame Adjustment
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Naples FL
Soft top Frame Adjustment
I have a 67'. I had the frame for the top refurbished prior to installing a new vinyl cover. The refurbished top fits fine on the passenger side however the aft securing pin on the drivers side is about an inch short of the hole. Does anyone have expertise adjusting the frame.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 478
Likes: 5
From: Redlands CA
You may have to bend the back bow to get it to fit. Check and see if the frame is symmetrical. Also, as I recall the pins are left and right, so check the pins. I assume the top fit before the rebuild. Also loosen the mount screws on the B-pillar and see if it tips back.
On another note;
I have been studying this leaking top problem for a while and have come to the conclusion that they leak because the canvas is installed to tight and the header bow lifts and allows water to seep across the top of the windshield. The other thing that must be done right is the round trim in the leading edge of the top must be positioned to be the first line of defense against the wind and rain. It must lay down and deflect the bulk of wind and water. The secondary seals are just that.
On another note;
I have been studying this leaking top problem for a while and have come to the conclusion that they leak because the canvas is installed to tight and the header bow lifts and allows water to seep across the top of the windshield. The other thing that must be done right is the round trim in the leading edge of the top must be positioned to be the first line of defense against the wind and rain. It must lay down and deflect the bulk of wind and water. The secondary seals are just that.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
I have a 67'. I had the frame for the top refurbished prior to installing a new vinyl cover. The refurbished top fits fine on the passenger side however the aft securing pin on the drivers side is about an inch short of the hole. Does anyone have expertise adjusting the frame.
By "an inch short" do you mean the top bow won't go down far enough to engage the pin in the ferrule, or do you mean the pin is an inch short (fore-aft) of aligning with the hole in the ferrule?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 561
From: Macedonia Ohio
I agree with John Z. The alignment has to be done b/4 installing the canvas. There are a lot of adjustments. the header itself is adjustable fore and aft. If it is that far off then the only thing you can try is to loosen the pin and move it as far forward as it will go. That is not much.
If you have any gap behind the rear window then you can try to move the frame forward by loosening the two bolts that mount it to the frame. This will result in adjusting the rear latch receiver forward. If this does not work then your only choice is to remove the staples on the top header and loosen the material. This may result in creases showing where it went over the header. You could try steaming to remove this. Otherwise the only choice is to install a new top.
If you have any gap behind the rear window then you can try to move the frame forward by loosening the two bolts that mount it to the frame. This will result in adjusting the rear latch receiver forward. If this does not work then your only choice is to remove the staples on the top header and loosen the material. This may result in creases showing where it went over the header. You could try steaming to remove this. Otherwise the only choice is to install a new top.
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