All,

Here's the prob... I have a 64 convertible and the top was replaced under the previous owner, it's in awesome condition. However, when I close the top I have to pull it by one of the ribs like crazy to get it to latch. The post on the top misses the hole on the windshield by about 3/8 of an inch and I have to make up that difference by pulling the frame. If it's cold outside, forget it, the vinyl gets to stiff to stretch and latch.

Is there any adjustments that can be made to make it easier to latch?

Thanks

Jeff

I have had to do the same thing with my 64. You actually need it that tight in order to keep the actual top canvas tight on the frame. The only adjustment you have is in the actual clamp claws. When the top is cold I usually need to tug pretty hard on the hindge right above the quarter window. not sure if its just 64 or the fact they are vinyl tops, but my dads 67 has a power top and it pops right in the dowl holes.

My 65 has a brand new top and does the same thing. Over time, it will loosen. For now, it's good. It looks great stretched tightly over the frame.

Maybe it was stored with the top down to often and it shrank some.
I rather it be to tight than to loose. Put the top up after every use and store it in the up position and clamped tight all the time and maybe it will stretch/rebound to where it will fit nice.
My installer told me to keep mine up and store it up and clamped down when not in use. I have heard of folks storing loose fitting tops up just not clamped so it will shrink some and fit tighter also.
64 and 65s frames seem to sit a little flat on the top center and if your parked just right perfectly level some will tend to hold water in big downpours if your car gets caught outside. Mine got caught in a big down pour and the next morning I had several inches of water resting on my top...you would be surprised how much a fairly new or a top in decent shape will stretch and rebound back to where it should be within a day or two.
I can only imagine how many older ragtops that lived in the snowbelts with all that snow weight on them ended up dying a slow rusty death from the tops stretching to much then tearing and then getting everything rain soaked over and over because folks didnt fix them right away...probably most of them!

Hey, I appreciate the advice... I'll be posting some photos as soon as I get the engine in. Good to hear that it's normal. I've talked to some installers and they say the same things, better tight then loose. One guy installed two straps on one of the ribs and used them to grab and pull on to get it to latch...

If you look in the shop manual there are some adjustment tips but they are not too clear.My 64 does the same thing & yesterday I put on new top weatherstrip (not too difficult) My top never did latch easily on the driver side but it was a real pig to latch it today. I finally got it done & will leave it latched for a couple of days.In the past it has loosened up ok after a day or so.

Man, I wrestled with the top to my 64 for like an hour and couldnt get it up. I had to enlist the help of 2 friend to help me. Im pretty sure its because the car is always stored with the top down. Not anymore though. Its been up since lol