'65 Softtop alignment incl. Pictures

[Oliver S.]

Hello,

since my previous explanation wasn't that clear I took some pictures today, which can be looked at the provided link (double clicking an image should open it separately). The first three pictures are from the passenger side, where everything seems to be ok. The last three pictures are from the driver side. All were taken, when the latches were latched.
I have the car for one year and haven't driven it with softtop closed except one time. When I picked up the car from the previous owner he installed the softtop, which was stored outside during the winter.
On my last drive last season I closed the top and noticed that the driver side hold down pin didn't engage additionally one clamping screw on the driver side came loose when driving. I noticed that the left latch didn't latch very good - it was loose.
Yesterday I tried to change the driver side hinge alignment and tried to move the header assembly (access was possible by removing the weatherstrip there).
I tried to change the passenger side hinge alignment, too. Since this yielded nothing or made it worse I readjusted it to the initial setting.
Any advice what to to is greatly appreciated.

Regards
Oliver




Softtop

[Michael D.]

Re: '65 Softtop alignment incl. Pictures

Oliver
Behind the seats to the right and left sides are removable panels. There are two bolts on each side these bolts hold the top frame to the car, these are also ajustments they may or may not help but if you spend some time moving the frame work to different positions while the bolts are lose NOT removed you might get a better fit. Have someone help if possible. This can be very time consuming and frustrating with or without an extra hand. Be careful of the frame work dropping down on the paint. Leave the front latches hooked but not latched tight until you have the frame in the best position tighten the bolts and lock the top. I hope this helps some Good luck

[Oliver S.]

Re: '65 Softtop alignment incl. Pictures

Hello,

I'll try with a helping hand. I've already experienced frustration and spent 6 hours ;-) .
I suppose that I can at least achieve a bit of improvement but the ultimate solution would be to work on the frame and then install a new softtop.

Oliver

[Gerard F.]

Re: '65 Softtop alignment incl. Pictures

Oliver,

I went out and tried to replicate that bend in the driver side weatherstrip you had in picture #5 on my 67 (which I recently installed a new top). I found that when mine is bent that way the rear pin is way in back of the hole in the latch on the rear deck.

I know there is some adjustment, in the position of that rear deck latch, maybe it is too far to the rear or forward. you might try that first.

The adjustment in back of the seat is to adjust the top to the side window when closed. The clearance in the 67 AIM is for .46 " between the edge of the window and rail (without the weatherstrip) along the top and rear of the side window. This does adjust the height, and fore and aft position of the top.

Once you get everything latched down, check the tension of the pads over the drivers side vs the passenger side. You should have a fair amount of tension in them and even both sides. Too tight is good as they will eventually stretch out. However, if loose you may have a larger job in restapling the pads to the front header, and bows.

Hopefully, it is just the rear deck latch and back of seat adjustment.

Here is a picture of mine with just the pads on the frame for your reference. I actually made two .46" wood shims to make the back of seat side window adjustment.


Here's how the side should fit:


Six hours is just starting to have fun.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179