convertible top storage
My convertible top will NOT fold down to allow me to close my deck lid. Any suggestions as to what might be wrong.
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Re: convertible top storage
Not enough info, is it hitting somewhere? pictures would help, when did this problem start? Any recent changes, fixes, repairs? What year? Are you putting it up and down from one side? Does it fold down lower on one side than the other? -
Re: convertible top storage
First, make sure you are folding it correctly. There is a specific way the top should be folded, the smaller bars all need to be brought up together and then down. There might be some direction in the owners manual.
Unfortunately, if that is not the problem, then the hinges require adjustment and this really can't be done correctly with the vinyl top installed.Comment
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Re: convertible top storage
Correct answer.
On my C1, I would always fold the rear deck bow up to the top rear bow, snap the "footman" straps, stuff some white washcloths at each corner where the top tended to crease, I used one of those convertible window pillows too. Then I folded the whole arrangement into the top well and closed the lid (on a 61). I never had a problem. Can't say on a C2...Comment
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Re: convertible top storage
Thanks for the feedback. This is a long story. I had the top replaced in 1990 when I prepared the car for the Texas section of the Great Race (great experience). It didn't fit under the deck lid then but it didn't matter as I ran the race with the top up (in a Texas toad strangler of a rainstorm). After the race I removed the top and stored it away. Wanting to reinstall it now I face the same problem I did in 1990 (the top is still like new). I have it out on my work bench and plan to thoroughly inspect it - but it seems to be all the new weatherstripping. Frank you referred to "footman straps" does the 58 use straps to pull the top down ? I know my 54 does but I've never seen them referred to on a 58 (thought I knew everything about a 58). The top lays in the well OK it just won't fully collapse to allow the deck lid to close without smashing into the top. Thanks again for the feedback - any additional suggestions will be appreciated. - JohnComment
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Re: convertible top storage
I think the 58 has the footman straps but I won't swear to it... As mentioned above your problem seems to be with the "stack" once the top is collapsed but beyond that I won't be much help..Comment
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Re: convertible top storage
I'm going to bite the bullet and remove the rag so I can verify the frame itself. The top pads seem to be the problem. I folded them out instead of in and that helped but the frame still doesn't collapse enough to allow the deck lid to close properly. Re: the footman straps - there are no mounting holes for footman loops in my tank cover, like are in my 54. I know of an original 58 so I'll go see what arrangement it has. Thanks for the feedback, it looks like this may be a summer long project - but I'm in no hurry anyway. This'll give me an excuse to tinker on the 58 - something I enjoy doing. Thanks again.Comment
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Re: convertible top storage
I had the same issue with my 59. I had a new top put on the car and the shop had the bow over the window mounted incorrectly. It looked great but was not functional. I believe the bow goes on the outside of the frame not the inside. The car is in storage off-site so I can't take any pictures. I think you can correct this without removing the canvas as I did.Comment
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Re: convertible top storage
Thanks for the feedback - I will check this out.Comment
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