T-top fit
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From: statesville nc
T-top fit
When I started my 73 project, the driver's side T-top was crooked. It almost touched in one corner and had 1/2" gap on the other. I could not adjust it out with the already screwed up brackets.
I bought some like new tops that I hope will work.
I took measurements at the top corner of the windshield post, from the post back to the rear bow.
The right side is 22 1/4" and the left side is 22 3/4".
Is this something I need to adjust, if so how?
What other dimensions should I check?
Sam
I bought some like new tops that I hope will work.
I took measurements at the top corner of the windshield post, from the post back to the rear bow.
The right side is 22 1/4" and the left side is 22 3/4".
Is this something I need to adjust, if so how?
What other dimensions should I check?
Sam
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,350
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From: Seattle Area WA
At first sight I would say your windshield frame is bent inward at the right side. Do you have rust at the base of the right side window frame or the left for that matter? How do the door windows fit to the windshield pillars?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Sam,
This is really Catch 22.... I'd say the measurement needs to be very close on each side; but you won't be able to tell which side is correct, (or if either is correct), until you trial fit the roof panels; and you can't trial fit the roof panels until the outer windshield header corner trim pieces, the rear outer adjustment wedges, and the 4 guides along the center bar are in place.
I think you have to go through this effort because just putting the loose panels in place and trying to figure out what's wrong won't really tell you anything concrete at this point.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
This is really Catch 22.... I'd say the measurement needs to be very close on each side; but you won't be able to tell which side is correct, (or if either is correct), until you trial fit the roof panels; and you can't trial fit the roof panels until the outer windshield header corner trim pieces, the rear outer adjustment wedges, and the 4 guides along the center bar are in place.
I think you have to go through this effort because just putting the loose panels in place and trying to figure out what's wrong won't really tell you anything concrete at this point.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,038
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From: myrtle beach sc
Army
sjmcdowell, You can gently tap the bare windshield frame with a hammer and a piece of wood and make them the same, if you can figure which side is correct. Maybe the AIM might have a dimension. Lou.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,020
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From: North tonawanda NY
Mine also fit badly. I have the aftermarket glass "moon" t tops and thought that was the issue so I bought another set of factory tops correct for my 74.... they still don't fit right... my "birdcage" seems solid from what I can tell but its been repainted twice.... think I may check things out with a magnet...
I read that fit and finish wasn't the best to begin with so not sure what to expect.
I read that fit and finish wasn't the best to begin with so not sure what to expect.
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Team Owner
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Sam,
I just took some measurements on my 71.
The dimension from the fiberglass face of the halo straight forward to the center/line of the round nylon receiver in the front corner casting is 23 3/16" on the left side and 23 1/8" on the right side.... so only 1/16" difference.
What are your measurements at those 2 points?
In the picture you posted of the roof panel... is the wedge in place? Is the wedge receiver in the top panel in place? Has the wedge been tightened top allow that corner of the top to move back?
Is the pin in the front corner of the top panel loose to allow the top panel to move back?
Regards,
Alan
I just took some measurements on my 71.
The dimension from the fiberglass face of the halo straight forward to the center/line of the round nylon receiver in the front corner casting is 23 3/16" on the left side and 23 1/8" on the right side.... so only 1/16" difference.
What are your measurements at those 2 points?
In the picture you posted of the roof panel... is the wedge in place? Is the wedge receiver in the top panel in place? Has the wedge been tightened top allow that corner of the top to move back?
Is the pin in the front corner of the top panel loose to allow the top panel to move back?
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,226
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Ad,
The fit and alignment of the roof panels was typically very good originally.
Unless the windshield posts and header has been moved or repaired there's really no reason a very good alignment can't be achieved now.
All 4 alignment points need to be loosened to begin with so the top panel can be gotten into position and then the various bolts tightened.
I work from the inside of the car with the top panel's interior trim panel off. It took several hours for each side.
Regards,
Alan
All 4 points take considerable adjustment.
The fit and alignment of the roof panels was typically very good originally.
Unless the windshield posts and header has been moved or repaired there's really no reason a very good alignment can't be achieved now.
All 4 alignment points need to be loosened to begin with so the top panel can be gotten into position and then the various bolts tightened.
I work from the inside of the car with the top panel's interior trim panel off. It took several hours for each side.
Regards,
Alan
All 4 points take considerable adjustment.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: statesville nc
Alan, Thanks this helps me head in the right direction.
No the rear triangle is not engaged. It could be but then the front pin will not go in. I'll let you know what I find.
Thanks for the measurements. I now have my next challenge toward completion.
Sam
No the rear triangle is not engaged. It could be but then the front pin will not go in. I'll let you know what I find.
Thanks for the measurements. I now have my next challenge toward completion.
Sam
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From: statesville nc
OK hear are the numbers: LH 23 3/8; RH 22 15/16 to center of hole.
I loosened the LH front clamp/pin assembly and was able to move it into position shown. Then I loosened the RH side and could not get it to the right place. So it appears that the RH side is actually short.
I loosened the LH front clamp/pin assembly and was able to move it into position shown. Then I loosened the RH side and could not get it to the right place. So it appears that the RH side is actually short.
Team Owner
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Sam,
The wedge stud needs needs to be able to turned in and out to establish the gap at the roof panel to halo.
The front pin needs to be loose in the roof panel so it can move too.
With as much difference in the R-side to L-side measurements I'd think the windshield post is going need to be 'moved' so right and left are very close to equal.
Not a pleasant thought.
Regards,
Alan
The wedge stud needs needs to be able to turned in and out to establish the gap at the roof panel to halo.
The front pin needs to be loose in the roof panel so it can move too.
With as much difference in the R-side to L-side measurements I'd think the windshield post is going need to be 'moved' so right and left are very close to equal.
Not a pleasant thought.
Regards,
Alan
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From: statesville nc
I know that the car has been hit in the past; replaced front clip, poor workmanship abounds, the original VIN has been replaced by a NC DMV number.
As for the door gaps, I have spent the last two months moving, shimming, bondoing and block sanding them into submission.
I measured a slight difference in the angle from horizonal between the halo and the front alignment hole, the right being lower than the left by 2 degrees. I think I can pull the right up a little with an engine hoist and move the left down/back with a block off wood and big hammer. I only need about 1/4" on each.
What do you think?
As for the door gaps, I have spent the last two months moving, shimming, bondoing and block sanding them into submission.
I measured a slight difference in the angle from horizonal between the halo and the front alignment hole, the right being lower than the left by 2 degrees. I think I can pull the right up a little with an engine hoist and move the left down/back with a block off wood and big hammer. I only need about 1/4" on each.
What do you think?
Last edited by sjmcdowell; Sep 3, 2013 at 08:42 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Sam,
Any procedure that uses an engine hoist, blocks of wood, and a big hammer, usually requires prior approval from the GM technical guys, but taking into consideration the indignities your car has already suffered in it's life I think you have a good idea and can proceed on your own.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Any procedure that uses an engine hoist, blocks of wood, and a big hammer, usually requires prior approval from the GM technical guys, but taking into consideration the indignities your car has already suffered in it's life I think you have a good idea and can proceed on your own.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan