Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

[Norm W.]

[Mike E.]

Re: Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

Those latches modify themselves to look like that when the soft top fit isn’t right and they are cranked on too hard. Once it is warm enough, if you have a black top, park it in full hot sun, and then adjust the seasoned top. Or replace the fabric. Otherwise you bend the new latches or pull the windshield frame apart.

[Terry D.]

Re: Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

What Mike said and I would be very surprised if the latch part on the top is not bent out also. You can gain a very little by readjusting the front latches. Tops shrink a little if kept folded up, like any other canvas they all will stretch a little in the sun. Putting on a new top and getting it to fit correctly is an art.

[Mike M.]

Re: Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

if u don't want to wait for a warm sunny dat, use a heat gun to soften/stretch the vinyl. mike

[William F.]

Re: Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

How do I "adjust" my existing soft top?

[Edward B.]

Re: Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

From the Pagoda SL website:

[William F.]

Re: Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

Thanks but first thumbnail didn't come through. But actually wanted to know what I could do on my ,62 without removing top from car. I can't get the rear of top to pull down to deck and I don't want to pull windshield header off by trying harder. Stretch it with a heat gun?

[Mike E.]

Re: Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

Tat is the best shot you have at this point.

[William F.]

Re: Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

"tat"??? What's that?

[Norm W.]

Re: Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and info. Who knew that forcing the latches to lock, would cause the mechanism to flex and bend that much. Well, I'm always learning from the experts!

[Mike E.]

Re: Modified 1961 rag top rear latches

"tat"??? What's that?

A typo. First one I have ever seen on this forum.