65 convertible top rear latch problem

[John C.]

Hoping someone can shed some light on this one. The top has apparently been replaced prior to my ownership because it looks new ( which is probably the issue ). I can press down and latch one side, but then the other side is very difficult to latch. So much so, that I'm afraid if I force it, the fiberglass panel it sits on may crack due to too much pressure. It appears to me the lower bar has an incorrect bend and won't sit properly on the car panel it sits on. I can latch the driver side, and the pass. side sits about 2 inches off the car. Same thing if I latch the passenger side first, then the driver side sits way up off the car. I'm fairly certain the problem is in the last frame rail in the top and not with the cover panel itself. Help ?
JC

[Stewart L.]

Re: 65 convertible top rear latch problem

Are you latching the front latches first? That will make the rear ones hard to latch.

[John C.]

Re: 65 convertible top rear latch problem

No sir. It almost looks like the lower rail doesn't have the correct arch to it and therefor it doesn't sit properly against the body panel. Car is in fantastic condition, so I think the problem lies in the frame work of the top. I'm not sure if the frame ( for the top ) is original or aftermarket.
JC

[Edward J.]

Re: 65 convertible top rear latch problem

John the top frame rear strikers and latches are adjustable the strikers will lower only a small amount. There is also a slotted adjustment for the frame of the top behind the rear qtr. trim panel, I would only use this a s a last resort as the frame was likely adjusted to fit the window openings. Another thing to do is let the car sit in the warm sunlight for a few hours to get top hot to help ease with the latching. and be sure to latch the rear first.

[John C.]

Re: 65 convertible top rear latch problem

I finally found the time to take a picture of the top fitment problem. It's noticeable in the pic that the gap left on the opposite side of the attached side is rather large. Pressing down on the second side to latch the top puts a tremendous amount of stress on the panel that covers the folded top area. The problem exists whether the front latches are latched or not.
soft top pic.jpg

[Edward J.]

Re: 65 convertible top rear latch problem

John, how are the side windows fit?

[Harry S.]

Re: 65 convertible top rear latch problem

I finally found the time to take a picture of the top fitment problem. It's noticeable in the pic that the gap left on the opposite side of the attached side is rather large. Pressing down on the second side to latch the top puts a tremendous amount of stress on the panel that covers the folded top area. The problem exists whether the front latches are latched or not.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]60331[/ATTACH]

John, in the picture, are the front latches attached?? If yes, the front header on the right side may be adjusted incorrectly. I would try to loosen the front header where it attached to the rest of the top frame then try to latch the front and rear. The problem here could be the front header may not adjust as the top fabric may restrict it from moving.

I had the same problem with my 63. I fixed it by fitting the frame to the car prior to installing the new fabric.

[Donald H.]

Re: 65 convertible top rear latch problem

I believe you are saying either side of the rear will latch OK independently, but not both together. So, just to make sure you have diagnosed a problem with the rear bow, unlatch the header, then have someone on each side bring the sides down evenly and look closely at the center. Is it just a very stiff weatherstrip in the center notch causing the problem, or is it really the rear bow?

I would also make sure the pins on both sides are adjusted all the way out.

[John C.]

Re: 65 convertible top rear latch problem

I believe you are saying either side of the rear will latch OK independently, but not both together. So, just to make sure you have diagnosed a problem with the rear bow, unlatch the header, then have someone on each side bring the sides down evenly and look closely at the center. Is it just a very stiff weatherstrip in the center notch causing the problem, or is it really the rear bow?

I would also make sure the pins on both sides are adjusted all the way out.

That is exactly what I think is the problem, an incorrectly arched rear bow. I'll try your suggestion tomorrow just to further clarify the actual issue.
JC

[John C.]

Re: 65 convertible top rear latch problem

Thank you fellas, I think I figured it out based on your suggestions. I did as suggested and latched the rear first and then latched the front header. It fit perfectly. I can tell it is somewhat tight, but that is probably because it is usually down and the material is most likely still tight. Thanks again guys !
JC