help installing new softtop fabric
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Northern Virginia
help installing new softtop fabric
so i got most of the softtop installed but i have a gap behind the side windows at the vertical section of the frame, how does that section attach? there is the seam(which seems to be about .5-1" short) and then about 3-4 inches of extra material to extend from the seam. im looking at pictures online and cant figure it out.- Bob
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 631
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From: Northern Virginia
that seems to make sense, too bad i bought the softtop 3 years ago..... think al knoch will still take it back?
would the same thing be done on the top of the windows? i noticed a few pieces that look like they could have the same thing done to them(be held in witht he weather stripping)
and whats the best way to get that rear bow weather stripping in? man tahts a pain in the ***
would the same thing be done on the top of the windows? i noticed a few pieces that look like they could have the same thing done to them(be held in witht he weather stripping)
and whats the best way to get that rear bow weather stripping in? man tahts a pain in the ***
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
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New England Events Coordinator
the extra fabric along the sides should be glued to the frame and the weather strip tightened over it to hold it in place (it may help to have another person apply heat to soften the fabric to allow you to stretch it and get a tight fit.
Last edited by phclub; Mar 20, 2009 at 02:00 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
As far as your fabric, I seem to be on permanent brain cramp this week because what I am picturing in my mind doesn't seem possible unless you got the top for a different model car, and if you got a top for a different model car, how did you get the front and rear pieces to fit? This is my long winded way of saying "Can you post some pictures?"
For full disclosure: I have replaced a soft top on a convertible Corvette exactly once in my life. I would describe the finished job as "good", but not "perfect".
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
What you have is a VERY common problem to ALL convertible tops from any supplier....it's just 
what you maybe have to do is heat the top with a hair dryer, very carefully so as not melt the vinyl, and pull it around with your fingertips....but you have to do that on the entire wrap around the bow....but make sure you keep the same centerline to the top as you marked it....
just did one on wife's Miata, and it's a 2 day battle there, your job should be easier....maybe...IF...
:cra zy:
I see no reason for it, vinyl shrinks not stretches, so they should make it bigger, not tighter than Dick's hatband....dumb bastards....
what you maybe have to do is heat the top with a hair dryer, very carefully so as not melt the vinyl, and pull it around with your fingertips....but you have to do that on the entire wrap around the bow....but make sure you keep the same centerline to the top as you marked it....just did one on wife's Miata, and it's a 2 day battle there, your job should be easier....maybe...IF...
:cra zy:I see no reason for it, vinyl shrinks not stretches, so they should make it bigger, not tighter than Dick's hatband....dumb bastards....
