C1 Hardtop Fit

[Barry M.]

I asked this question a couple years ago and was advised to "let the car sit in the hot sun." Not to mention that hot sun is in short supply here in Michigan, others indicated this wouldn't work unless we're talking about "bakin' her at 350 for a few hours"... Anyway, gonna try again...

The rear bolt loops in my '61 hardtop have never mated with holes in the folding top compartment lid (the top seeming to be about 1/4" to long). Bolts do match holes on the sides inside passenger doors.

I see by the assembly manual that the hardtop is "used as a template" to locate these holes, so I must assume that my top may not be original to the car. Being reluctant to "force fit," are there any other clever tricks/adjustments that might help?

Being judged for the first time at the Michigan Chapter meet this weekend and have chosen to not attend "topless." Any suggestions appreciated.

[Dale Pearman]

Re: C1 Hardtop Fit

The template was the hardtop itself. Remove barrel nuts, fill in holes, paint and redrill. This is a common problem. Unless you have the ORIGINAL top, the fit is always a nightmare!

Varooom!

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 Hardtop Fit

If we are only talking about a very small adjustment, you might be able to move the top compartment cover back a fraction of an inch. I don't think you can get a 1/4" this way unless the lid is already pulled too far forward. Worth a look before you start doing fiberglass work and painting. I have fit tops off other cars on a couple of occassions without having a lot of problem, but that doesn't mean it's going to work every time.

[Dale Pearman]

ED IS ALMOST RIGHT

Yeah, sometimes it ain't much of a squeeze to make them work. I assume that in this case finesse is out of the question.

Varooom!

[Ed Jennings]

Re: ED IS ALMOST RIGHT

If he actually needs a whole 1/4"inch, he ain't gonna get it that way, but if it's one of those little bity quarters it might be worth a try.

[Dale Pearman]

Re: ED IS ALMOST RIGHT

Use a sledge hammer.

Varooom!