C1 Top Problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 13
From: Lookout Mountain Tennessee
C1 Top Problem
Hi, I was hoping someone might be able to give me some direction/advice regarding a major issue I have recently had with installation on my 1958. I had this top installed by a reputable installer and immediately found, after installation, that the two window posts which hold the front windscreen in had been pulled back which caused the windscreen to shift at the corners. The windscreen rubber now has gaps in areas that were not apparent before. I was told by the installer that damaged tabs was the cause of this issue and they could be repaired and replaced. I was advised to leave the top up for several days to allow it to cure and did not attempt to lower the top until roughly two weeks after the installation (due to lousy weather). Last week, I made an appointment to have the windscreen posts looked at and attempted to put the top down for the drive to the shop. When I attempted to do so, I found that I was unable to lower the top due to the front bow not being able to clear the latch on the fiberglass lid. Any advice as to what might be the cause of one or both of these issues would be greatly appreciated as I am at a loss, at present, on how to proceed.
thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,468
Likes: 1,548
From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
I think you have some binding on the hinges in the top frame, keeping it from tucking in and down properly. It should just sort of collapse into its storage well.
Doug
Doug
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 118
From: Glendale AZ
"...two window posts..had been pulled back..."; "...windscreen rubber now has gaps that were not apparent before."; and the installer blames "damaged tabs" - correct?
Others have far more expertise than I, but if "damaged tabs" means that he thinks he broke the base of the windshield posts, thus pulling the top header away from the windshield, it strikes me that the top frame was totally misaligned on the car before the top was ever installed. Wait for replies from convertible top installers, etc., but I think you need to consult with another installer.
Others have far more expertise than I, but if "damaged tabs" means that he thinks he broke the base of the windshield posts, thus pulling the top header away from the windshield, it strikes me that the top frame was totally misaligned on the car before the top was ever installed. Wait for replies from convertible top installers, etc., but I think you need to consult with another installer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
That adjustment has to be made before the convertible top is installed and is sometimes difficult to do but necessary for the top to fold down correctly without hitting the rear lid. It looks like they installed the top too tight and forced the latches to close causing the tabs to break . It looks like you are in for an expensive fix and it shouldn't be your expense. Go back and demand that he fix it.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 1,293
From: minneola fl
Your top is installed too tight, and was not adjusted correctly BEFORE the fabric was installed. There should be NO backward pull on the windshield header.......only DOWN. If the posts are broken, then it makes the job a little more sensitive, but can still be installed (I wouldn't recommend it). Look at the pads underneath the top that extend from the header to the #1 bow. My guess is that the pad is sagging.
On the contact with the rear deck latch, the attenuation arms were not correctly adjusted (these are the inboard arms, next to the pivot arms). Pulling DOWN on these arms, before the top is installed adjust the UP position of the top, over the side windows, and pulling DOWN, adjusts the fold, and how much clearance there is between the latch and the top as it folds down. Most shops don't have a clue.
On the contact with the rear deck latch, the attenuation arms were not correctly adjusted (these are the inboard arms, next to the pivot arms). Pulling DOWN on these arms, before the top is installed adjust the UP position of the top, over the side windows, and pulling DOWN, adjusts the fold, and how much clearance there is between the latch and the top as it folds down. Most shops don't have a clue.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 561
From: Macedonia Ohio
Mike is correct, the top frame should be adjusted before the canvas is installed. However, there is an adjustment that can give you the clearance.
The attenuation arms have two bolts. Loosen the bottom bolt, on each side, just enough so the arm will pivot but not slip down. Then loosen the top bolts.
Now slowly put the top down. The attenuation arms will pivot and give you enough room to get by the latch pin.
The key hear is to NOT loosen the lower bolt to the point where it will slip down. If that happens you will have to readjust it. I would be a good idea to scribe where the arm is before starting.
As to the windshield pillar tabs. Many times they are broke before the top is installed and the customer doesn't realize it. I always have a conversation with the owner before beginning.
The attenuation arms have two bolts. Loosen the bottom bolt, on each side, just enough so the arm will pivot but not slip down. Then loosen the top bolts.
Now slowly put the top down. The attenuation arms will pivot and give you enough room to get by the latch pin.
The key hear is to NOT loosen the lower bolt to the point where it will slip down. If that happens you will have to readjust it. I would be a good idea to scribe where the arm is before starting.
As to the windshield pillar tabs. Many times they are broke before the top is installed and the customer doesn't realize it. I always have a conversation with the owner before beginning.
