1970 Soft top install adjustment question

[Joe W.]

Hello,
I got the soft top in and the front hold down clamps aligned at the
windshield. My problem now is getting the rest of the soft top low enough
to engage to the rear deck. It's a good 2 inches from engaging.

Once I get the front in and try to push down and engage the rear pins,
they pop out. Any suggestions on how to adjust? I tried adjusting where the
(2) side brackets attach in the car - up and down but that didn't seem to
make a difference. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Joe

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1970 Soft top install adjustment question

If it is an old top you are fighting a loosing battle. The material has shrunk from being stored down. If you leave a top down it just happens.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Soft top install adjustment question

Try letting the car sit in the sun and absorb some heat before you try to engage the rear pins. It might help in stretching the top material.

[Pat M.]

Re: 1970 Soft top install adjustment question

Joe - on my 70 soft top there are two bolts that hold each front alignment pin, and they are adjustable just a bit, maybe a half inch. So, you should be able to loosen the bolts and move the pins as far forward as you can, which will give you a little bit of play.
Other parts of the top frame MAY be slightly adjustable too, but I've never fooled with anything else.

[Joe W.]

Re: 1970 Soft top install adjustment question

Pat -
The two bolts that hold each front alignment pin are aligned with
their locators. So what you are saying is if I loosen them, adjusting
them down will have a lower pre-load at the front bow, thus lowering
the rear pins to the deck. Am I correct in your assessment?

Here's another thought -
I know I loosened and lowered the (4) 9/16 bolts that hold the top to
the inside of the car (two on each side) far enough but if not, could that
also alter the location of the rear pins as well?

Thanks.

Joe

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1970 Soft top install adjustment question

I think you need to pop the rear pins in first and then pull down the front. The rear adjustment bolts are for fiting the top to the weatherstrip. If you have too much pressure to pull the front down you need a new top.

[Pat M.]

Re: 1970 Soft top install adjustment question

Pat -
The two bolts that hold each front alignment pin are aligned with
their locators. So what you are saying is if I loosen them, adjusting
them down will have a lower pre-load at the front bow, thus lowering
the rear pins to the deck. Am I correct in your assessment?

Here's another thought -
I know I loosened and lowered the (4) 9/16 bolts that hold the top to
the inside of the car (two on each side) far enough but if not, could that
also alter the location of the rear pins as well?

Thanks.

Joe

With the top folded down, the front two alignment pins can be moved slightly backward or forward. If you move these pins backward (toward the rear of the top), then the entire top will be forced to move slightly forward (toward the front of the car) so the front pins can fit in their receivers. This will in effect tighten the top fabric, and make it harder for the rear pins to stay in place.
You need to try the opposite, move the front pins as far as you can toward the front of the top, which will move the entire top slightly backward when latched, loosening the fabric and allowing the rear pins to remain in place more easily.
It won't make a huge difference, but it'll help. Be aware that this will probably affect the top's weatherstripping pieces, but you can adjust them, and/or the windows, if you find this helps.
Clear as mud? I hope not. Good luck.

P.S. And I agree with Lyle - latch the rear pins first.

[Joe W.]

Re: 1970 Soft top install adjustment question

Thank you both.
I'll try the adjustment tomorrow.
Also, the next sunny day, I'll put it out and see
if warming up the top will help as well.

Joe