C1 windshield & conv top?

[Dave Christensen]

I finally got my convertible top done & installed. But when I fasten the top to the windshield frame it pulls the frame away from the glass at the top and bottom edges of the glass. I have a gap between the edge of the glass and the rubber seal all along the top and bottom of glass. What could be wrong???

The top is not too tight. It is on the loose side, if anything.

thanks
Dave Christensen

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 windshield & conv top?

IF, and only IF I understand what you are describing, it sounds like the tabs on the side posts are broken. Do the side posts tilt to the rear when you latch the top?

[Dave Christensen]

Re: C1 windshield & conv top?

Ed,
It does not appear that the side posts are tipping. When I put the windshield on 2 months ago the tabs were not broken. (I assume that you mean the tabs with two holes that screw into the bottom frame?)

The gap does not appear immediately. When I first latched it, everything seemed OK. After sitting for several hours it opened up.

It is strange and not immediately obvious. The top latches to the side posts, at either side of the top of the windshield. The middle portion 2/3 of the frame is where I have the gap. I don't see what can be spreading the frame in the middle.

There have been other strange things on this car that others have experienced on their cars. This board has been VERY helpful with most problems. Not that I am wishing any bad experiences on others, I am hopeful that someone else has had, and solved this problem.

thanks
Dave Christensen

[Robert Willis]

Re: C1 windshield & conv top?

I had the same problem and I found out that the guy that put the top on didn't have the header bar on the top frame adjusted to the right position. I loosened off the cover and moved the bar ahead so that the pins could almost fall into the windshield posts, then the latches just compressed the weatherstrip. The 56 and early 57 didn't have reinforcements in the door posts and cowl so they tended to flex when the top is forced down while pulling on the windsheild frame. I don't think the late 57s and 58 up have the problem as bad as the older Vettes. Bob

http://members.kos.net/willisb/

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 windshield & conv top?

I don't see how parts of the frame can move if everything is assembled properly. The top channel is solidly attached to the side posts. Perhaps there is just too much pressure from the conv. top front bow pulling back on it or perhaps the top bow is bent? I dunno, hard to speculate without seeing it in person.

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: C1 windshield & conv top?

Ed, I agree with you. If everything is assembled correctly, the frame and side posts are solid with no "give" at all. The channel shape of the frame offers even more stability to prevent flexing.
Plus, the convertible top latches hook to the side posts, not to the frame. This makes no sense to me at all. I'll be interested in hearing what the problem turns out to be and what the resolution was.