Does anyone know why there is a sag in my soft top frame in the first section that folds, I thank this is the first bow, its sag so bad that you have to roll window down to shut door. There is some slope in the rivets, could this the cause of the frame to drop down in this section
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Re: soft top frame
Well, it looks like no one is jumping right on this one. I have seen several causes for this condition and it will be difficult to tell from here, but here are some things to look for. First, the adjustment where the top bolts onto the body must be correct. That means forcing it back a little so you will have to pull the header down a little to latch at the front. But, you are limited by the fit of the rear of the frame, so there is not much you can do beyond that. Look for any bends in the area of the mentioned joint. Many get bent from jerking them up from the well by the header. Bad rivets or bent brackets at the rear of the top cause the pusher bracket to fall off a bit and there is not enough upward travel to straighten the rail. I have just run into this one lately. The mounting bracket was obviously bent. It is difficult to tell because there is nothing straight on the top frame. When I remove the rivet the frame went right into place. -
Re: soft top frame
Brenton, I am almost at the pint to do my 63 top and am experiencing the same problem, I noted that when the top is unfolded and not latched it seems to be okay, I beleive this maybe a probelm of the top either has shrunk or the previos installer may have pulled it alittle to tight. Waynes is also correct looking for bends and rivit and bushing issues.New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight.Comment
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Re: soft top frame
Brenton
It sounds to me the frame needs some adjustment. First remove the small quarter inner panels that cover the top frame to birdcage bolts. Lock the frame to the windshield and deck lid, carefully loosen the two bolts on left and right side, but don't loosen them to the point where the top frame drops down. Leave them snug. You will need an extra pair of hands to hold the frame from dropping down. Then push up on the frame at the point where the first and second sections are attatched. The frame mounting points should move if the bolts are loose enough to allow it to move, if you have to, you may have to loosen the bolts alittle more until it moves. Do one side at a time. That should help with the sagging. If you could post a picture I would be able to see if we are talking about the same point of sagging. I hope this helps. MikeDComment
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Re: soft top frame
Does anyone know why there is a sag in my soft top frame in the first section that folds, I thank this is the first bow, its sag so bad that you have to roll window down to shut door. There is some wear in the rivets, could this cause the frame to drop down in this section of frame here are some pic. mybe this will help. 2011_1224E-commerce0017.jpg 2011_1224E-commerce0010.jpg2011_1224E-commerce0007.jpgComment
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Re: soft top frame
Brenton,
I'm not sure what year you are working on, however, if it is a C1 take a look at the ST-12. There is a section in there that describes how to make there necessary adjustments. From memory, I believe the inboard brackets control that adjustment.
Now, if your canvas top is on as indicated in your pictures, it might be too late to make enough of an adjustment.
DennisComment
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Re: soft top frame
Brenton
If the top was recently replaced and was pulled to far foward that could be the problem. If you tryed adjusting the top/frame as I mentioned in my previous post and did not help your issue you may have an issue with the top being to tight or the pads not being installed at the proper measurements. You can try to remove the front header weather strip/ round vinyl covered rubber, and then pull the staples from the top material . Remove the 2 front left and right side weather strips above the vent window section and peel the side flap loose. At this point the top should be loose from the frame work, lock the frame to the windshield see if that helps. If not, remove the staples from the pads and leave the pads loose, lock the frame to the windshield. See if that helps. Try adjusting the frame without the top and pads attached. Let me know what happens when you lock the frame down. The wear in the rivets can be an issue but not to the extent of your frame sagging from what I see in the photos you posted.You can E-Mail me at mikedevrous@aol.com if you would like or we can use this BB. I can also talk to you on the phone to see if I can help you if you wish. sorry for the long post. Mike DComment
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Re: soft top frame
Thanks Dennis, Yes the canvas has just been installed i have just finished a complete frame off restoration, this is a 65 396/425. The restoration turned off great, all though i'm disappointed with the top frame. when you say inboard bracket which one are you perferring to, in how do you adjust it.Comment
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Re: soft top frame
It is best to have someone help when making adjustments. After the bolts are loosened push up on the frame at the point of the sagging, watching how the frame moves at the bolts while pushing the frame up have someone tighten the bolts unless you are the one in the car. You can see which way you might want to move the frame more then it has moved by pushing it up at the sagging point. The "leg" that has the bolts going through it will move up and down, front to back and sort of pivot meaning the top of the "leg" will move forward and the bottom back or visa versa. Rolling the windows up and keeping the doors closed allowing the weather stripping to rest on the glass at the top and back edge of the door glass and see if you can tighten the bolts for a quick fit might help. You will have to stay in the car. Sometimes you will feel like every move you make is worse then it was originaly its time to walk away for a bit. I hope you get the idea once you see how he frame "leg" moves. Good luck, Mike DComment
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Re: soft top frame
Brenton
The photo with the tape/arrow on it is the bar going down that will give you the best adjustment for the sagging issue. You just have to get in the car and loosen the bolts and watch the bar move when you have someone push up at the sagging joint that should help you understand what i am trying to tell you I hope. Mike DComment
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