leatherback material

[fiddlybits]

Does the material on a leatherback get larger when heated?

Helping put the original mateial back on and it has "shrunk" about an inch side to side.
Would heating it allow us to stretch it?

[700rpm]

Depending on how you plan to heat it, it might work. I've always tried to install roof material on a warm day, but I've never done a leatherback. Working in a warm environment, so the material is warmed evenly, gives the best results, in my experience.

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by fiddlybits

Does the material on a leatherback get larger when heated?

Helping put the original material back on and it has "shrunk" about an inch side to side.
Would heating it allow us to stretch it?

I'm guessing that by "original" you actually mean "previous". In either case it's a difficult if not impossible task but if truly original then it may be worth the effort.

Technically heat will neither shrink or expand the fabric but will will allow it to move and even 'relax'. However moisture, even in the form of humidity is a different story with many materials.

There aren't many folks that could pull of what you describe under the best of circumstances and even fewer that would try. Is there some compelling reason for taking this approach?

[700rpm]

I misunderstood the "original" reference. If, as Marco says, you're trying to put a previously installed top back on, all I can offer is wishes for good luck. Just getting it aligned properly would be a daunting task, to say nothing of trying to stretch it back into place.

[fiddlybits]

Yes, it is the previous top. The compeling reason is lack of funds.

We ended up putting a damp blanket, a sheet of plastic an an electric blanket over it for a few hours, the gently pulled the sides down and tacked.

[Marco Tahtaras]

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I have to say, at the very least you deserve credit for creativity for the 'top heater'. Congrats for getting it done!!!

[jm29henry]

This must be a very tough roof to install,my 1929 leatherback roof was installed over 40 years ago .The problem is at the rear corner seams of the roof were it comes down towards the rear quarter panel. The installer on my car has installed a rib made out of some sort of edging material witch acts like a rain gutter. It looks good and I have seen this done many times before, including in the book by (Peter Winnewisser.)The Legendary FORD Model A. I know this is not original but depending on your situation this may help you make up for the spacing that you require. If you need more pictures you can PM me and I will send you more pic