Soft top problems

[rs2600]

First time on this forum and need some help. I have a 73 Stag LHD imported from the US that I'm fixing for next summer.
The problem I have right now is the soft top. When raising the rear portion of the top it should lock in the springloaded locking catch on the left side,
but it doesn't. Looks to me like the catch sits about an inch too low to engage the striker pin on the elbow rail. Any ideas what could cause the problem.
The top frame seem to be fairly ridgid, I have replace a few worn bolts , goes up and down pretty easy but can't be folded in the stowage area due to the above problem.
Any input would be appresiated.
Thanks,
Matt
Sweden IMG_20211007_171919560 - kopia.jpg

[brian0443]

Welcome to the Forum Matt. I suspect most of our helpful forumites have been desperately trying to remember just how the catch engages. I have always had to physically move the latch. Nothing automatic about the way in which it actually works. Has it perhaps stuck. Can you move it manually. And sorry the car is sitting with the hard-top fitted so I cannot check it out for you.
Brian

[jbuckl]

Remove the trapped fabric carefully.
push the rear hoop towards the tee bar.
flick the catch up to retain the rear hoop.
there is a small amount of adjustment in the catch mounting holes.

[sujitroy]

there should be up and down movement on the catch. undo and raise. there is a fellow selling stuff under Stag Weber who has made new modified catches. I have bought a pair but have not fitted yet.

[sujitroy]

on the original catch there should be a small spring on it to hold it in place. is the spring there

[rs2600]

The catch works as it should, spring is there and it moves freely. There is a small amount of adjustment to the carch but not nearly enough. Seems like the catch should be moved upwards about an inch in ordet to engage the strker pin. I'll try some more but seems like the catch is too far from engaging. Stagweber catches seems to be an alternative to drilling and move the catch

[Wheelz]

First time on this forum and need some help. I have a 73 Stag LHD imported from the US that I'm fixing for next summer.
The problem I have right now is the soft top. When raising the rear portion of the top it should lock in the springloaded locking catch on the left side,
but it doesn't. Looks to me like the catch sits about an inch too low to engage the striker pin on the elbow rail. Any ideas what could cause the problem.
The top frame seem to be fairly ridgid, I have replace a few worn bolts , goes up and down pretty easy but can't be folded in the stowage area due to the above problem.
Any input would be appresiated.
Thanks,
Matt
Sweden

Hi Matt. That's quite common, I often have to deal with that. That much misalignment is caused by a bent frame.
The frames bend in 2 places: 1. At the base of the main bow (near the jigging holes 2. The J-shaped part.
If you want more info I can go into more detail if you like.

Also I can see you have a Mk1 frame which originally has a gravity catch on the other side, and that didnt work well so they changed it on the Mk2, I always convert the catches so they are the same each side.

[rs2600]

Hi Matt. That's quite common, I often have to deal with that. That much misalignment is caused by a bent frame.
The frames bend in 2 places: 1. At the base of the main bow (near the jigging holes 2. The J-shaped part.
If you want more info I can go into more detail if you like.

Also I can see you have a Mk1 frame which originally has a gravity catch on the other side, and that didnt work well so they changed it on the Mk2, I always convert the catches so they are the same each side.

Please do, and if You can, some pictures as well. Did the US specs Mk1 Stags have MK2 gauges? Mine is a -73 model with Mk2 gauges.

[Wheelz]

The frame bends at these two arrowed areas are the cause of misalignment of the catch striker vs catch.
PLEASE don't re-drill the holes, its a bodge.

Frame bend points.png

[rs2600]

Thanks, I'll look into that.

[rs2600]

The frame bends at these two arrowed areas are the cause of misalignment of the catch striker vs catch.
PLEASE don't re-drill the holes, its a bodge.

Frame bend points.png

Is that the way it should look or is that a bent frame?

[Wheelz]

That pic was taken years ago, of a restored frame so it should be in good shape.

[rs2600]

Thanks, I'll compare it to mine

[stag8manod]

Hi Wheelz, Thankyou for the photos, I also am rebuilding/repairing my frame. It will be good to a reference to go to. Are there any more from different angles?
Cheers Ian A

[singapore stag]

Just put my frame on 12.10.21. What a mission! Had all sorts of problems. Had to fit new bolts, frame was bent and never knew nothing about it, first time . More than half the time spent was scratching my head and contemplating what to do next and how to.
Perseverance and expletives won at the end of the day.....all done. The sense of achievement is overwhelming