Soft top adjustment

[Rubce]

Hi All

I have been adjusting the fit of the soft top and frame on the resto this morning. Its locked in position on the A posts and appears to be tight up against the B posts. The problem is that the rear plunger is an inch away from engaging:X

I am wondering if the material has shrunk considering that the soft top has been stood for 30 years in a foldered up state.:?

Any suggestions?

Regards

Bruce

[V Mad]

imported post

Common problem Bruce. Even though it is an inch away, a good slam sometimes works, but make sure the pin is aligned first (it's 3-way adjustable).

Alternatively, lock the back down first, the stand on the sills and push the front pins into place; lock down and give the hood a good stretch; dampening it can help it stretch a bit. Then leave it stretched for a couple of days.

Usually works.

[SGN]

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I can only close mine rear first then stand on he sills,I got caught in a heavy downpour,I left the hood up to dry and it must have stretched, it is definitely easier to close since.

Steve

[Rubce]

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Hi Guys

Thanks for that. I will give it a go tomorrow.

Regards

Bruce

[jleyton]

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My new hood needs a good hard slam on the rear but it makes the whole hood wonderfully taut - looks great.

Cheers

Julian

[Rubce]

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jleyton wrote:

My new hood needs a good hard slam on the rear but it makes the whole hood wonderfully taut - looks great.

Cheers

Julian

Julian

Considering that the hood is an original 1974 Triumph example I was a bit concerned the rear window might disintergrateif I did give it a good hard slam:?

Tomorrow will be the decider:shock:.

Bruce

[jleyton]

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I'm not sure about this but how about trying to slam it shut with the hood unzipped at first to at least try stretching the hood material a bit without risking damaging the window ?

[Rubce]

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jleyton wrote:

I'm not sure about this but how about trying to slam it shut with the hood unzipped at first to at least try stretching the hood material a bit without risking damaging the window ?


Julian

Julian

Makes sense but that would mean me trying to undo a zip which hasnot moved for 30 years, GULP:shock:

Bruce

[jleyton]

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Good point, but I doreckon it's worth trying to unzip it - can't remember what people recommend for lubricating zip but even just washing up liquid applied with toothbrush (old one preferably :shock should help I'd have thought.

Good luck Bruce.

Cheers

Julian

[Rubce]

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jleyton wrote:

toothbrush (old one preferably :shock

Julian

I am glad you added the clarification in brackets:P

Bruce

[jleyton]

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Rubce wrote:

jleyton wrote:

toothbrush (old one preferably :shock

Julian

I am glad you added the clarification in brackets:P

Bruce

You could leave it until April 1st and use your wife or kid's toothbrush and then watch their reaction as they see themselves foaming at the mouth

Cheers

Julian

[Moraystag]

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Bruce try silicone spray, I use it for many things as it leaves little residue and will not turn black and sticky like say WD40. It does not seem to rot or cause problems with material or rubber type products, although it can be a bitch to wipe off glass sometimes. It seems to be a lubricant that most ignore but I like the stuff and find it perfect for say, the electric window seals. Basically no smell no mess and stays slippery for a while. Thought of KY Jelly but no need for it as yet

Mike

[Rubce]

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Moraystag wrote:

Bruce try silicone spray, It seems to be a lubricant that most ignore but I like the stuff and find it perfect for say, the electric window seals.
Mike

Hi Mike

Thanks for the tip. I will give it a try for the horizintal rubber seals on the doors as theyhave a tendency to stick to the glass as the windows go up and down.

Bruce

[Rubce]

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Well, after much soaking:?,a lot of chuntering and sheer brute force:X from my neighbour and I, the soft top is now locked in place. It's as taut as a drum. We did not have to resort to disturbing the rear window zip. Hopefully it will stretch if I leave it a week as suggested.

If that is succesful I will set about repairing the three small rips. The most awkward one is located directly above the rear hoop.

Thanks for the all the tips guys.

Bruce

[AlanD]

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Hi Bruce,

my zip had not been undone either, after i spoke to Chris i decided to try it, worked a treat, the hardest part was persuading myself to do it, i still had the tails on mine, just bit the bullet, it works a treat now i have opened and closed it a few times