Does it matter how I store the convertible for the winter? I plan on keeping it in the garage. Is it a good idea to keep the top up. I've kept it down the past few months because I only drive it when it's nice out and I leave it garaged. Should I put it up every so often, or is it just not a big deal?

Thanks,

JR
http://www.erols.com/ruther/69conv


[This message has been edited by jerryr (edited 10-02-2000).]

I keep mine up, I feel it wil help keep any permanent wrinkles from forming, over being down during the cold winter months, even though it's in a garage http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

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RicksRag
Stephen City, Va
TC # 560
ACES # 3702

UP, UP, UP and Up! As mentioned, it helps keep wrinkles to a minimum, but more important than that, a down stored top shrinks. Depending on manufacturer, type of material, etc, tops will shrink different amounts. If a top has been down for an extended time, ESPECIALLY in cold weather, it can be a real bear to get it mated and latched to the windshield frame.
I have a 56 Corvette with both tops. Since I keep the hardtop on most of the time, the soft top is almost never up. I put the soft top on new many years ago. Now when I put the soft up, IT CANNOT BE LATCHED BOTH FRONT AND BACK!! It has shrunk so much, that after latching the front and then TRYING to pull the rear down to latch it, it will pull the windshield frame so much that the windshield glass comes out of the channel. When the convertible top of our 70 conv is down for several weeks, it takes both my wife and myself to pull it to the windshield enough to get it latched. After being up a few days (especially in the summer heat) then it is OK.
So I recommend that over the winter, keep the top up.

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Tom Parsons

I keep mine up!!! Oh yeah...I have a hard top.

when i had the top installed on my 68 chevelle SS conv., the installation shop told me, especially when it was new, to put the top up when done for the day for 2 weeks or you'll have a helluva time latching it. i left mine down most of the summer after that, but put it up once a week overnight just to keep it's proper shape & had no problems. jim

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jim #899

68 SS396 CONVERTIBLE
70 SS396 ELCAMINO

I had mine down for about three weeks straight once and it was hard to latch. I keep it up now and don't have a problem with it now.

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'69 RS SS 396 375hp L78 Convertible, M22, 3.31 posi, deluxe interior, gauges, rosewood wheel, AM-FM,fold down seat, tilt wheel, SS wheels, console mounted 8 track player, chambered exhaust
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1169124&a=8603468
Former Fathom Green '69 Chevelle SS 396 4-speed owner

I keep my mine up 'til I want it down..then,it goes back up when I get home and park in the garage.

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1970 Chevelle SS396/L78/M21/4.10 My 70 SS396 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/mr4speed70SS1)
1972 Olds 442 convertible(455,W25,M40) My 72 442 convertible (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/mr4speeds442conv1)
1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass 350 Olds,TH350(daily driver)
"Be aware of the possible ramifications of the potential outcome"
Chris Corwel,the man from the too much taxes and over priced gas state of Connecticut
TC Member 785