Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
What can I do to prevent pinching of the inside material of my C1 convertible top. The very first time I lowered my brand new top the material was pinched between likely the bottom bow and the next up bow. the pinch was so severe that it almost completely severed the material starting from the inside surface (black cloth) and almost cut completely through the white material on the outside of the top. Leaving an unsightly crease in the material. What the heck causes this and how can I prevent it. This is a convertible and I would like to drop the top without destroying it each time I do so.
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Re: Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
as you slowly lower the bow assembly, push the vinyl top material rearward as far as possible so it isn't pinched by the metal components. mike -
Re: Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
I also roll up a bath towel length-wise in the crease of the vinyl back window when stored down.
John FComment
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Re: Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
Thank you, but placing a towel in the fold on the plastic window is not my problem. I want to know why I am getting a pinch in the fabric portion of my top so severe that it cuts right through the fabric. I have hundreds of other C1 cars with the identical problem. Someone must know what causes this. I cannot pull the fabric rearward as I am lowering the top unless I have one or two people assisting me one on each side with me supervising what each person is doing on each side before lowering the top further into the storage compartment. Think I must have one of my bows bent or something that is causing the pinching action. I was told by one person that the bow that has the seam strip attached to it sometimes gets positioned (bent out of position) too far to the left or right such that the clearance between that bow and the bottom bow is reduced on one side that then causes the pinching action. What ever it is, this is a very common problem. I want to know how to fix this problem.Comment
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Re: Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
Michael,
I have the exact same problem with the top on our 62. I suppose it's just the way I have the top frame adjusted but I almost ruined a new Al Knoch top the first time I lowered it and shut the lid. Right now, I have a pinch place on each side of the top that will always be there to remind me to be very very careful when lowering the top.
Here's how I avoid pinching the material again. I cut out 2 pieces of old convertible top material about 3" by 6". I place them on the inside of the top between the top material and the frame where it is pinching. As I slowly lower the top, I make sure that they don't fall out. It has worked for me for a couple of years now. I also cut out a few extra pieces just in case I lose one or one falls behind the seat or something. Also, you can avoid pinching the top by pushing the material outward between the bows(toward you) as you lower the top. The top still folds very nicely even with these 'padding' pieces in place.
I don't think there is anything wrong with your top frame or mine. These top frames are crazy to adjust and the slightest move can change the position of the fabric.
Good luck, SteveLast edited by Steve W.; August 2, 2010, 06:56 AM.Comment
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Re: Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
Steve,
Today, I spoke to John Kennedy, NCRS Top and Interior Expert, about this issue. He recommended I follow the Owner's Manual procedure to, after unlatching the bottom bow from the deck lid, that I push the three bows above the very bottom bow(the one that contacts the deck lid) as far forward as possible while at the same time pulling the top material outboard, away from the bows. He said this may take two people, one on each side. Then lift the bottom bow and take the two straps attached to the bottom bow and snap them onto the male snap on the vertical piece of the top frame, see page in the Owner's manual that describes the straps, and snap position. With the top material safely locked away from the offending bows, the bows cannot pinch the top material. Then push the button to raise the top stowage cover, unlatch the header latches and lower the top into the stowage compartment. John recommends one should never keep the top stowed more than a few days as prolonged stowage puts hard wrinkles into the top material that may not ever diminish. I remembered these straps from having read the Owner's manual when I first purchased the car back in 1970 but had forgotten about this feature. Apparently, if left to their own devices, the bows will all too often pinch the top material because the natural tendency for the top material is to fold inward toward the nasty bows. Strapping these bows away from the top material precludes this. I have not actually tried this, but John is the master and what he says is something you can take to the bank.
MikeComment
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Re: Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
I restored and replaced the top on my '59 in the spring of 1992. I follow the owner's manual instructions each time I lower the top by raising the rear bows into the center bow and using the straps to hold it up, etc. I also put a small cushion on each side covering the ss trims before I lower it. (I think I put the ss trims too low when I redid the top
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When I drive the car top-down, as soon as I get back home the top goes back up to keep it wrinkle free. As you can see it has 18 years on it and still looks pretty nice.
RichComment
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Re: Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
Thank you. I agree your top looks very good, especially considering it is 18 years old. It looks brand new. Very nice! Do you use anything special to keep it clean other than car wash soap? Anything special to keep the rear window clear, clean?
MikeComment
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Re: Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
Mike,
I recommend RAGGTOP products for cleaning and conditioning the car's soft top. I also HIGHLY recommend PLEXUS for maintaining the rear windshield. Others recommend different products for the top itself, and I'm sure they're good stuff too. I'll try to remember to bring my spray bottles with me to our Aug 12 meeting on Woodward Ave. if you want me to.Don Lowe
NCRS #44382
Carolinas ChapterComment
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Re: Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
Don,
Yes, please do bring your bottles of cleaner with you on Aug 12.
Thank you,
MikeComment
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Re: Pinching of C1 Convertible top material
Rich,
Thank you, I will try these products too.
MikeComment
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