Softtop alignment - where to start?

[Oliver S.]

Hello,

today I' ve tried to readjust the softtop of my '65 Convertible. The problem is that the driver side header latch doesn't engage after closing the softtop - it's loose. Furthermore the hinge of frame above the drivers shoulder doesn't open completely horizontally instead the frame is like a shallow 'V'. When I manually lift the hinge, it seems that the latch would engage better.I've tried everything mentioned in the '63 shop manual but nothing helps. The passenger side is perfect. Is there a procedure, which should be followed or where to start? What can I do
to achieve a complete opening of the hinge?
Thanks in advance and

Regards
Oliver

[Louis T.]

Re: Softtop alignment - where to start?

Oliver,

I and likely others are trying to better understand your problem...

Are you saying that the driver's side of the softtop doesn't reach the latch, or that it latches loosely? Have the plastic bushings been replaced?

Is the softtop frame not extending evenly from both sides? Are you first attaching the front of the softtop frame to the two latches, then pushing down on the rear bow to lock it to the decklid, or are you doing this in the reverse order?

What has changed, or what repairs have you recently performed, prior to which the top operated properly?

Louis