Top folding techniques?

[Timothy B.]

This may be a silly question to this forum, but I am going to pose this anyway. I noticed recently that the inside of my 1967 Conv. folding top is abrading away (fabric rubbing through) on the quarter panels. No holes in the vinyl yet. This area is very "bunched up" when the top is folded. While I was investigating this, I observed that maybe I have been folding the top wrong all along and didn't realize it. I have been folding the top so that the window has a crease right in the middle (and been putting a towel in the window). I "discovered" that the top can also be folded such that the window has no significant fold in it at all. While the top is still up, I open the rear compartment and pull up on the rear bow so that the window is reversed and "inside out" on itself and almost flat against the roof. Now, when I fold down the top the fabric of the quarter panels seems less "bunched" and the window has no tight crease.

Can someone offer insight on which is the "correct" way and if there is any harm caused one way or the other?

[Ralph E.]

Re: Top folding techniques?

Tim,

Lets hope you get some good responses here. I have a new top and notice in the lower quarter panel near the bottom near the door some wear already. I have always put a towel between the window when in the down position. It helps the window. I am concerned about the quarter panel wear.

Ralph #37280

[Michael D.]

Re: Top folding techniques?

When you fold the top down pull or push the top material from the inside toward the outside of the frame BUT don't push so far the it causes a rip at the stitches on the top or causes the staples to pull out on the pads and top. Also, push gently outward between each of the bows without the pads coming lose. That will get the pads and top material from between the bows and hopefully not pinch the top material. Take your time and check each side as you are doing these steps. This may not help all situations but should help most problems of the top pinching and wearing. Also,you should be able to get a little more clearence between the decklid and top frame when the decklid closes. The clean towel is a great idea for protecting the window. You may want to get strips of half inch foam(3 - 4" x 1/2")and put these strips at the point where the top material and frame are rubbing on one another.
Mike D 1787

[Timothy B.]

Re: Top folding techniques?

Here is a photo of the wear I am experiencing.

[Michael D.]

Re: Top folding techniques?

Tim how old is that top? The top loks like it may be aged from the pic.It could be rubbing on the carpet when it is folded in the down position?

[Timothy B.]

Re: Top folding techniques?

Here is a photo of my folding top with the rear bow pulled way up. Normally I wouldn't try to place the top in this position prior to lowering the top, but it appears to keep the material from being pinched as much.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Top folding techniques?

Well, I "just" installed in myself!! :-) OK, I have to admit that it was 18 years ago that I installed that top! :-) So you think that maybe age is causing the fabric lining to come off? Maybe so. The top look new from the outside since the car has been garaged for the last 20 years. What is the typical life of a soft top when stored in garaged in the "up" position?

[Michael D.]

Re: Top folding techniques?

There is no real amount of time a top will last while in storage. If a top is out in the elements it depends on the care given. The window is usually the first thing to go unless treated with a good window cleaner/preservative. 18 years is the longest I have ever heard of.

[Kevin M.]

Re: Top folding techniques?

I recently spent some time with Corvette veterans. I noticed they folded there top as you described. They first raised the rear up over the top section. Then they folded the from the front into the compartment. Who knew. Is this the method described in the folding top manual?

Kevin