[nbv4]

My soft top, when you try to close it, the latches that connect the front part of the soft top to the top of the windshield do not quite reach far enough to fit into the holes.

I've seen videos on youtube where people have recorded howto videos on how to operate the soft top, and in all those videos, the top just lands right on top of the holes. For me, I have to pull really hard to get the top attached.

I think the fabric was replaced and the new material just hasn't stretched out yet. Is this a common thing?

 

[Aussiemerc]

My hard top, when you try to close it, the latches that connect the front part of the soft top to the top of the windshield do not quite reach far enough to fit into the holes.

I've seen videos on youtube where people have recorded howto videos on how to operate the soft top, and in all those videos, the top just lands right on top of the holes. For me, I have to pull really hard to get the top attached.

I think the fabric was replaced and the new material just hasn't stretched out yet. Is this a common thing?

Depends on the fabric. Vinyl is much more prone to change with temperature. Are you leaving the back "unclicked and untightened" while you attach the front?

 

[sdichter]

I put the pegs in the holes and then rotate the pegs half-way down, then click the back end, then complete rotating the pegs with the handles until close, then lift the handle drawing the back end down. My very old 380SL soft top is a lot harder to close than my brand new 450SL soft top. I think the fabric may shrink over many years especially where it is very hot.

 

[reno4u2]

Are you leaving the back "unclicked and untightened" while you attach the front?

This is how I have always done it.

 

[nbv4]

Depends on the fabric. Vinyl is much more prone to change with temperature. Are you leaving the back "unclicked and untightened" while you attach the front?

it doesn't matter if I attach the back or if I leave it unattached. It still is about a quarter of an inch too short.

 

[Aussiemerc]

If it's vinyl, wash it with hot water and that will allow quite a lot of stretch. The old TR's, Healeys, MGA's used to have vinyl that was a bugger to put up when cold. If it's cotton duck fabric it may be bad bar fitting but they are not normally adjustable. I don't know if you can move the frame at the base. Good luck.

 

[petesmga]

Soak the inside with a spray bottle and leave the top up for 2 weeks spraying every few days. This will relax the fibers and let them stretch.

 

[nobby]

My hard top, when you try to close it, the latches that connect the front part of the soft top to the top of the windshield do not quite reach far enough to fit into the holes.

Maybe I'm splitting hairs here....but are you talking hard top or soft top?

 

[Aussiemerc]

Maybe I'm splitting hairs here....but are you talking hard top or soft top?

Sounds like he has a problem with both.

 

[nbv4]

Maybe I'm splitting hairs here....but are you talking hard top or soft top?

I typo'd, I meant soft. The hard top doesn't have this problem, but I've only removed it once (never had to put it back on) since I bought the car.