1936 Cabriolet problem putting top up

[Joe Shell]

Hi guys,

I have a restored 36 Cabriolet that I,m trying to get top up. I can't get the
front bow far enough forward so that it slips down over the two posts on top of the windshield.

I put the top up every fall but don't remember having this much difficulty getting the front bow down over the windsheild posts.

Should I try wetting the canvas? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Joe

[Frank Miller]

Your top may have shrunk and you will need help stretching it. Maybe two people pushing on the bow will do it. My 49 conv top get stretched in the wind and looks awful. A few hours in the sun and it is good as new.

[Ron Pilger]

Frank has it nailed. I have this problem on my 1937 Cabriolet routinely when it’s been down for an extended period. This fall, prior to winter storage, I went to put the power top back on my 66 Mustang. We had to figure out how to get another half-inch of forward movement after two months of being in down mode. It took two people really exerting to get that much stretch in the top material.

[Joe Shell]

Thanks guys, I will try to recruit some strong friends to help.

Joe

[rotorwrench]

Sometimes wetting a canvas top that has gotten stiff will allow them to get more supple and stretch out but many times a person can just set in the sun to warm up with the top at partial extension and it will stretch right out. If a person wets, you have to let it dry while it is still extended since they will shrink right back up if you put it back down into the well plus a person has to worry about fungus if they aren't completely dry.

[Lincoln29]

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If it is only the material stretching, put it up as much as you can, then set it out in the sun for a couple of hours, and you will be amazed how much it will gain for you.
I have a 36 Cabriolet and my problem is getting the top to go down enough to get the LeBaron Bonney top boot on. Do you unzip you back window when you put the top down?
Jerry

[rotorwrench]

The boots seem to shrink worse than the tops do.

[Joe Shell]

Jerry,

I do unzip the rear window when putting the top down. I am able to get the top down into the well far enough to get the boot on. You need to go slow and make sure none of the canvas is pinched by the top irons. Make sure as you fold the top material that it lays nice and flat. Boot should go on okay.

Joe