Next top installation issue

jjricco88 · Post by **jjricco88** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 8:16 pm

The top I bought from IAP is WAY tight. It doesn't fit over the new header bow easily and does not allow the top to close. Anyone experience this?

Thanks,
Jeff

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 12:18 am

as i recall, new tops are supposed to fit tight. they r to be installed in the warm or better yet, hot sun, so they can strech

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 12:24 pm

isn't the #1 bow adjustable?

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 8:24 pm

i think he is talking about the front header bow

Mad-Machine · Post by **Mad-Machine** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 10:43 pm

isn't the front header different from CS1 to CS2?

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 11:23 pm

yes it is

Spyderbuddy · Post by **Spyderbuddy** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 11:36 pm

are you not to leave the top out in the sun for at least five hours to get it hot then try to put it on. i've not had to do one for three years and do not haved i problem with my used top (other than it leaks) from were the seams have come apart.

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 10:19 am

when we installed a top, we didnt leave it out in the sun. we preped the frame in the shade, then we rolled the car into to sun and srtetched the top onto it. was a tight fit. but it needs to be. all worked well.

ventura ace · Post by **ventura ace** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 7:04 pm

I bought a canvas top from the 'C' vendor. The one good thing I can say about the experience and the top is that it is very tight (if not too tight). When trying to close the top in the 'up' position, I had to gradually close it over a period of about 2-3 days, as it stretched the fabric until I could finally close the latches. I thought it was going to break the windshield, and every time I close the latches I still wonder if it is going to snap one day. It's not much a concern, though, since I rarely put the top up.

If your top is too tight just close it within about 6" - 12", and put some weights on the front bow, so it will gradually stretch over time.

good luck,

alvon

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 5:02 pm

Yeah, I was talking about the front bow. The bows are all numbered, starting at the front.

I thought when I replaced the top on my '80 that the "front" bow was adjustable. Is my memory fading faster than my jeans?

HOLLYWOODSPIDER · Post by **HOLLYWOODSPIDER** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 9:05 pm

the top frame is adjustable in many directions to ensure a perfect fit. You can shorten the front bow, or perhapps lower the main pivot joint to make a smallet, tighter top fit. When it relaxes a little, you can re-adjust to maintain tautness.