C3 convertible top removed then replaced at the vendor. Need help with problems.

[Richard K.]

I removed my convertible top from my '69 and drove it to a Driveline vendor 3 1//2 hours away. Reviews of the vendor on this discussion board were good. The vendor had a jig, which was a '68 stripped body, for mounting the top so I felt pretty confident that they would do it right.
I brought it home and it sat in a basement room, folded in its shipping box, for quite a while. My brother and I attempted to mount it on the car with no success. After we made many adjustments that we thought would work, we moved the front mounting pins fully forward, and the rear pins rearward to even come close to closing the top and locking it into the locks in the decklid. The rear bow probably shows 2 inches between it and the rear deck, and the front bow is so far back on the aluminum molding on the upper windshield bow that the screws for the molding show.
Can someone here make some suggestions on how to proceed to hopefully make this top fit? The vendor is not available. Do we need to apply some heat with a heat gun to the vinyl top while pushing the top toward closing? Spray cold water on the top while applying heat? Would applying steam-heat be better?
I'm counting on you guys for some help.
Thanks
Rich Kossum

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 convertible top removed then replaced at the vendor. Need help with problems.

The top on my convertible is vinyl and is not new at all. It sits in the convertible top well all summer, and is stubborn to reattach when I put it back up for the winter. I usually have the back latched, then let it sit in the "up" position. On a warm day I'm able to close it, or after a couple of weeks in a warm garage.

I suspect you will have to do something similar where you latch the front or back and let it slowly stretch into position.

I have heard of owners getting tops to fit after they spent decades folded but it takes a looooooooong time.

[David M.]

Re: C3 convertible top removed then replaced at the vendor. Need help with problems.

The top should be warm and pliable as in...sit out in the sun for 3 hrs warm, or under a large overhead hearter.

Some shrinkage likely occurred while it sat in your basement.

Once its good and warm then try to adjust it. Once it fits leave it up for a while in the sun. Put it out in the sun for a few days if possible.

This same tip holds true for vinyl top installs on a removable top car or any muscle car with a vinyl top.

TIP: when in winter storage always put the top up.

[Steven B.]

Re: C3 convertible top removed then replaced at the vendor. Need help with problems.

Repeat of above. My top had been down for 5 years and would not latch. It sat in the sun at 90 degrees for 4-5 hours then I used a hair dryer. It took an hour but finally got to latch back then front. I was very careful stretching and latching. Good Luck! Steve

[Edward B.]

Re: C3 convertible top removed then replaced at the vendor. Need help with problems.

Here's a solution that has worked for others:

[David M.]

Re: C3 convertible top removed then replaced at the vendor. Need help with problems.

For clarification in my post #3 above, where I said, "This same tip holds true for vinyl top installs on a removable top car or any muscle car with a vinyl top."

This statement was directed at initial installing of a new vinyl covering over a removable hard top vette or on a muscle or any vinyl top car. Get it warm prior to installation and it will relax for an easier cleaner looking installation. Also it wont retain the wrinkles from shipping verses a cold install.

I tried to edit my post but this site has been quirky as to be expected right now? Cant edit post after a day or so and it wont remember me. I have to completely resign in upon each visit.