1970 Soft top install adjustment question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 573
Likes: 5
From: Georgetown Township MI
1970 Soft top install adjustment question
Hello,
I got the soft top in and the front hold down clamps aligned at the
windshield. My problem now is getting the rest of the soft top low
enough to engage to the rear deck. It's a good 2 inches from engaging.
Once I get the front in and try to push down and engage the rear pins,
they pop out. Any suggestions on how to adjust? I tried adjusting where
the (2) side brackets attach in the car - up and down but that didn't
seem to make a difference. Any ideas?
Thanks.
Joe
I got the soft top in and the front hold down clamps aligned at the
windshield. My problem now is getting the rest of the soft top low
enough to engage to the rear deck. It's a good 2 inches from engaging.
Once I get the front in and try to push down and engage the rear pins,
they pop out. Any suggestions on how to adjust? I tried adjusting where
the (2) side brackets attach in the car - up and down but that didn't
seem to make a difference. Any ideas?
Thanks.
Joe
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
No Cake walk!
I installed the top last summer and if I remeber correctly, the front final step should be done with the rear engaged, then mark the top at the front with a pencil where the top meets the front ridge. Then strech the top 1/4 inch beyond this point and staple under the the top to the front strip. Anything tigher that this may cause the top to be to tight.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 573
Likes: 5
From: Georgetown Township MI
I installed the top last summer and if I remeber correctly, the front final step should be done with the rear engaged, then mark the top at the front with a pencil where the top meets the front ridge. Then strech the top 1/4 inch beyond this point and staple under the the top to the front strip. Anything tigher that this may cause the top to be to tight.
I'm just reading your response, nearly 2 years later. :o
In my case, the top is the original, still on the metal frame.
How would I go about doing what you suggest? It sure would be
great to use the top. It's really in good condition as is the rear window.
I really can't afford to replace it at the present time.
Thanks.
Joe
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Park it in the sun. Raise the top and lock down the rear bow. Unfold the top toward the front header. Don't force it. Let the sun warm the old vinyl and it will begin to stretch a little.
If you replace the vinyl, fit/adjust the bare top irons to the car before installing the new vinyl top.
If you replace the vinyl, fit/adjust the bare top irons to the car before installing the new vinyl top.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
Park it in the sun. Raise the top and lock down the rear bow. Unfold the top toward the front header. Don't force it. Let the sun warm the old vinyl and it will begin to stretch a little.
If you replace the vinyl, fit/adjust the bare top irons to the car before installing the new vinyl top.
If you replace the vinyl, fit/adjust the bare top irons to the car before installing the new vinyl top.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 573
Likes: 5
From: Georgetown Township MI
Rudy, if the top is original something must have changed along the way to cause the bad fit. Shrinkage maybe, but I don't think you can do what I instructed unless your replacing the top, the original most likey does not have enough extra material under the front end to adjust the tension. To do a resto (DIY) the materials are about $500.
I totally agree with you. I did try to do what you have
suggested and after mounting the top, letting it bake in the sun,
engaging and adjusting the height of the rear pins and many
adjustments, both raising and lowering adjustment pins and latches,
the top would not stretch enough to engage.
It was in dry storage collapsed for over 22 years! I was just
looking for one last glimmer of hope so I wouldn't have to spend
the money that I don't have right now for a new top.
Thanks.
Rudy
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 573
Likes: 5
From: Georgetown Township MI
Greetings!
Well, It's been since my last visit before I have been ready to do
this again. Only this time, I've had the top resting on a piece of carpet
sitting on my patio fully opened up with a towel over the rear window,
in hopes that when I re-install on car, I will have better luck.
It's been outside for (2) days thus far and hope for at least a few more
before I mount it to the car. Does anyone have suggestions as how to
adjust the rear and front pins - Up/down and side to side.
Thanks again.
Rudy
Well, It's been since my last visit before I have been ready to do
this again. Only this time, I've had the top resting on a piece of carpet
sitting on my patio fully opened up with a towel over the rear window,
in hopes that when I re-install on car, I will have better luck.
It's been outside for (2) days thus far and hope for at least a few more
before I mount it to the car. Does anyone have suggestions as how to
adjust the rear and front pins - Up/down and side to side.
Thanks again.
Rudy
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