New Convertible Top Damage

[Herb E.]

Can anyone help me identify what is causing this type of damage to both sides of our new top (see picture)? This top was installed two years ago out at Corvettes at Carlisle by one of the leading Interior Providers/Installers in the Country. We always drive with the top down going to shows and cruise-ins. If we aren't going to drive the car for a few days, we put the top up to keep it stretched. Obviously over the winter the top is up. The car only gets driven an average of 1,500 miles a year (during spring, summer, fall weather). I noticed two weeks ago when raising the top that there were two identical damaged, raised portions on each side. One of the raised portions had a 1/4" slit all the way through it (see pictures). The picture ofwhere my wife is pointing to is where the damaged areas were located on each side. We once again had a new top installed last week out at Corvettes at Carlisle by the same Company and same installer. But we could not identify what or why this type of damage is accuring. Does anybody have any suggestions? I don't want to have to put another top on in two more years. Thank You. Herb Evans

[Jimmy P.]

Re: New Convertible Top Damage

Hi Herb,
I don't have a 67, but I think the soft tops and frames are still very similar on the early C3's.If you look on the backside of the top in those areas is the tear or damage going thru the pad that runs along the side over the frame? I noticed on the inside of my 73 top in that same area there are some serious but not all the way through wear marks on the pad right in that area where the frame hinge is located. I felt the inside of the frame and the hinge and felt some sharp burrs on the round pin in the hinge. While I was inside the car I lifted up the back of the top like you normally do and could see that when it folded it did come in contact with the hinge. So I used my Dremel tool to smooth the burrs. Haven't noticed any more damage. Not sure if this is your issue, but just thought I'd mention it. Seems funny that those guys at Carlisle couldn't find the cause.
Regards,
Jimmy