69 Conv top
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4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 4
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69 Conv top
Do the convertible tops shrink at all with age? My 69 was restored a few years ago and the top fit fine and always stored inside. If I put the top in the rear deck lid first it will not close over the windshield, same if I put it in the front first it seems a litle off and won't latch in the back. I had one guy tell me they shrink? Is their an adjustment, the top is brand new and the shrinking part doesn't make any sense to me.
Thanks
Thanks
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 532
Likes: 104
From: Chicago, IL
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Texas
There is also some play with the rear pins into the deck and the three latches at the windshield. They all have screw adjustments which can make them longer or shorter depending. Once my center pin was closed over the windshield, it was so tight I needed a hammer to pull the handle down. Then I just screwed the head down (that has the rubber protector on it) and it gave me the ability to pull the handle down when stowing the top.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,449
Likes: 910
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Do you leave it up or down when you aren't driving it? I have always put it back up and latched it when I am done driving to keep it stretched out.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: Austin, Texas
Well until this week I had a pretty rough and torn top that I didn't care about so never put it up unless the heat and sun were too intense. I just had a correct dated top from Al Knoch installed so after the one-week recommended period of it stretching in the up position in the sun, I will return it to the up position and latch it when done driving. And down here in southwest FL, it's a hot ride with a black interior when it's down so it will get a lot of time in the up position.
