65 Convertible Top

[Donald T.]

I posted a few weeks ago about fit problems with my top frame weatherstripping. Well, finally finished installing my new convertible top. Top came out great. I spent hours working on the weatherstripping, but never was able to get it to fit properly. There is still a gap between the side window and the weatherstrip. Adjusted the weatherstrip outward with the slots and even pulled the door panel and adjusted the vent frame. Was the fit ever this bad from the factory?

[Wayne M.]

How does it fit with a hardtop ?

I see the buttons for the hardtop holes. Installing one would at least check the side glass fit around a fixed design. I seem to recall someone saying that convertible side windows should be fitted to the hardtop, then the soft top adjusted to match the windows.

[Wayne M.]

How does it fit with a hardtop ?

I see the buttons for the hardtop holes. Installing one would at least check the side glass fit around a fixed design. I seem to recall someone saying that convertible side windows should be fitted to the hardtop, then the soft top adjusted to match the windows.

[Jack H.]

Re: How does it fit with a hardtop ?

Yep, that's the 'trick' we use at our shop... Adjust the doors/window glass to fit & seal on a hardtop, then FORCE the softop adjustments to fit the car.

Too many times, past soft top Bubba's got the fabric to fit nice on the ST frame then went back to force the car to fit their buttoned up soft top installation...

[Jack H.]

Re: How does it fit with a hardtop ?

Yep, that's the 'trick' we use at our shop... Adjust the doors/window glass to fit & seal on a hardtop, then FORCE the softop adjustments to fit the car.

Too many times, past soft top Bubba's got the fabric to fit nice on the ST frame then went back to force the car to fit their buttoned up soft top installation...

[Donald T.]

Re: How does it fit with a hardtop ?

Yep, it originally came with a hardtop. However, it was long gone when I acquired it. So now it's just a soft top car.

[Donald T.]

Re: How does it fit with a hardtop ?

Yep, it originally came with a hardtop. However, it was long gone when I acquired it. So now it's just a soft top car.

[Gerard F.]

Re: How does it fit with a hardtop ?

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6448/frameassadjsmry6.jpg

Don,

There is an adjustment for that gap in the frame along the side near the front header. Unfortunately, this adjustment is done prior to the pads being installed.

In the picture, I used wood shims to simulate the weatherstripping. You might be able to get some of the gap out with adjustment of the header and at the frame mount on that side, but it might be difficult with the top and pads installed.

There is a Restorer Article on this, Spring 1992. If you need a copy, email me.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Gerard F.]

Re: How does it fit with a hardtop ?

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6448/frameassadjsmry6.jpg

Don,

There is an adjustment for that gap in the frame along the side near the front header. Unfortunately, this adjustment is done prior to the pads being installed.

In the picture, I used wood shims to simulate the weatherstripping. You might be able to get some of the gap out with adjustment of the header and at the frame mount on that side, but it might be difficult with the top and pads installed.

There is a Restorer Article on this, Spring 1992. If you need a copy, email me.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Donald T.]

Re: How does it fit with a hardtop ?

Thanks Jerry. Great article by the way. I did reference it. I had to replace the header bow due to rust. With the bare top frame, I adjusted the header bow, weather stripping, top frame, and vent frame. After many hours, no series of adjustments would eliminate the gaps. The gaps were present before I replaced the top, but it was not the original top. That's why I was curious if the fit was that bad from the factory.

[Donald T.]

Re: How does it fit with a hardtop ?

Thanks Jerry. Great article by the way. I did reference it. I had to replace the header bow due to rust. With the bare top frame, I adjusted the header bow, weather stripping, top frame, and vent frame. After many hours, no series of adjustments would eliminate the gaps. The gaps were present before I replaced the top, but it was not the original top. That's why I was curious if the fit was that bad from the factory.