mashmc

I have A C3, 1982 Rag top-- Conversion/Modification. The top is from what I believe a 1975 Corvette. I am trying to get road worthy after nearly 20 years in storage, and I cannot get the top to latch on both the Deck Lid and Windshield Frame at the same time. It is like the Vinyl top has shrunk about 1/2". Is that possible, is there a fix or do I replace it?
Thank you Larry

Big2Bird

Park the car in the sun all day with the top up. It will relax that much.

mashmc

Thank you Big2Bird, I may have to wait a month or so until the Sun can heat it up, we didn't get above freezing this week. The difference from California and Tennessee temperature this time of the year probably >60°, bet you are running around in a "T" shirt. I can wait until a sunny warm day rather than replace the top. Thanks again

Big2Bird

T-shirt, shorts and flip flops.

mashmc

ha ha I remember the nice weather out there, I'm from Simi Valley, Ca, oh and if it was 80° I wouldn't need the Top up either. Have a Great day Larry

ronarndt

I have the same problem with the top on my 68 convert when I put it up for the winter storage. When it is cold it does not stretch enough to latch easily. I found turning up the heat in my garage makes the top more flexible.

Greg

rcread

You can put the top up, not latch it and crank the heat on the car.

Rescue Rogers

my 68 is the same way. I ts been sitting in the garage eith the to up relaxing for some time

Tooch1

Try pushing down and latching the rear first. Then move to the front latches. If those are close enough to catch you'll be able to latch them. I always have to latch the rear on mine first then the front. Even in the summer!
Worth a try!
Tooch

lvmyvt76

be careful with ANY space heaters, they just had a big fire here today from some idiot putting an electric heater under a house in a crawl space and burnt the house down

CA-Legal-Vette

While sitting it in the sun is a better solution, you can also use a heat gun though the risk of doing damage is much higher.

What the rest of you don't realize is that Bird dresses this way in all weather conditions

mashmc

Thank you to each of you for the response. I have decided not to be too hasty and wait for a warmer day where the sun can do its magic. I have the heat up about as high as I can get it without adding space heaters. Temp around 68° for winter. Heck I can find other Corvette projects for the next few months to keep me out of trouble. Thanks to all Larry