How to stretch a stretch a soft top

[Mikep63]

I have recently obtained my dads 1973 Stag. When he owned it he had a new soft top fitted, which must be over 7-8 years ago now, as far as I'm aware he's never had the soft top up, as it was always to difficult and it's always been stowed, so when I've attempted to put it up now I find it will not fit. I understand that it will need stretching so I'm looking for some tips on what's the best way to do this.
Any advice would be much appreciated cheers Mike

[V Mad]

I take it the back will not close down? It usually needs a hard slam.

Depending how far away it is from the catch, you may be able to extend (unscrew) the back striker/plunger so that it reaches. Sometimes you can close the rear first, then close the front. Wetting the cover might help. Also get someone to help push on the frame to get it to latch.

Once you get it locked in leave it up for a few days to stretch.

If all else fails, you will need to release some of the material either side flaps or around the rear bow. This involves drilling our rivets etc.

Ask again if that doesnt help.

[SGN]

As VMAD mentioned, it does stretch considerably when it's wet, also close the back first, you then have more leverage to get the front to latch.Something you could check, does the front rail latch ok if the back is open, my front rail on the hood was at the wrong angle, and no amount of pressure would get it to fit (rail standing about 20mm up at the front) had to take my frame off and bend it back to shape.

Good luck
Steve