Convertible top adjustment

[Gary Schisler]

I am curious if anyone has a good technique for adjusting converible tops for a good fit? Over the winter, I had my 66 top off and put new weatherstripping on. I made one mistake and did not scribe the attachment points so now I have a poorly fitting top. It seems like the trial and error method is pretty slow since the attachment points have both for and aft as well as up and down adjust ment and any angle in between. Right now, the door hits the bottom WS (not cool since I just painted the car a year ago) and the window barely touches the horizontal WS that is supposed to seal the window.

Any ideas out there or should I go ahead and try until I get it right?

Thanks, Gary

[Jack H.]

Re: Convertible top adjustment

Yeah, Gary, what you're trying to do/where you're at is common. Most convertibles have had top changed umpteen times and dimensions of frame have drifted far from original factory setup. You can use trial/error adjustment techniques and iterate home, but the 'trick' I use works like a hose....

Ask around your local NCRS chapter for someone to borrow an original hardtop from. Rest it gently in place using deck lid protector vinyl to prevent scratches. Now you've got a factory original 'jig' to align your doors and window glass against.

Once this is done, work the soft top into position adjusting its mount bracket and weatherstrip alignment for a solid fit. LAST, cut/trim the rear window material to the tach strip to remove wrinkle/slop and staple 'er home. BINGO, you're back to (real close to) factory original fit dimensions....

[Jack H.]

Re: Convertible top adjustment

Yeah, Gary, what you're trying to do/where you're at is common. Most convertibles have had top changed umpteen times and dimensions of frame have drifted far from original factory setup. You can use trial/error adjustment techniques and iterate home, but the 'trick' I use works like a hose....

Ask around your local NCRS chapter for someone to borrow an original hardtop from. Rest it gently in place using deck lid protector vinyl to prevent scratches. Now you've got a factory original 'jig' to align your doors and window glass against.

Once this is done, work the soft top into position adjusting its mount bracket and weatherstrip alignment for a solid fit. LAST, cut/trim the rear window material to the tach strip to remove wrinkle/slop and staple 'er home. BINGO, you're back to (real close to) factory original fit dimensions....

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Convertible top adjustment

Thanks Jack. I have a good hardtop and will try your suggestions.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Convertible top adjustment

Thanks Jack. I have a good hardtop and will try your suggestions.