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I've had a '64 convertible for about a year now. I think it was stored for years with the top down and a cover on it before we bought it. Do these tops ever shrink? I cannot put it up now - if I hook the windshield latches, the decklid posts barely touch the decklid. I am reluctant to force it (and doubt it would go even if I tried). Is this common with long neglected cars? Is the only solution to buy a new top? Is canvas only enough, or should I go further with bow pads, etc.
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Re: Mid Year Convertible Top
"Tigershark"---
As silly as this may sound, before I'd replace the top, I'd try this: put the top up as best you can without fastening any of the latches. Put the car out in the HOT SUN for as long as you can. Then, as the heat of the day begins to wane and with the top soft and pliable from the heat, try gently stretching the top so you can latch it, front and rear. Then, leave it up for several days, at least. Of course, unless you live in Miami or south Texas, you probably won't be able to do this for several more months.
As an alternative, you could try using a heat gun or hair dryer to "limber up" the top material so that it will stretch. The problem with this approch is that it might be difficult to heat the top completely without it cooling off in one area as you heat another; the "Hot Day" approach would allow the top to heat up "all over".In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Mid Year Convertible Top
Park it in the hot sun for a half a day to soften it up. I've had several mid-years; here's the routine I use: Hook, but don't latch the front bow latches. Push the rear bow prongs into the recepticles a click or two depending on how tight it is (the action looks a lot like CPR!). Now latch the front. If they don't want to go, don't force them. It is normal to have to guide the front pins into the header a little bit. You might want to do this process in stages, to allow the top to stretch out. New tops aren't too expensive and look "sharp" so don't feel bad if you have to go that way. :)Comment
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