too tight top

[wingski]

I need to talk to someone who really knows about cabriolet convertible tops. I’ve got a ’29 that has the hinge in the center above each roll-up window. Isn’t that hinge supposed to lock in place when the top is fastened to the pins? Right now I’ve got two nails under the hinges and wired in place to keep that hinge straight and it looks like crap. Also, my top is so taut that it is a real hassle to get the top up and over the pins. I love the look of that super tight canvas top, but it is new now and I think it would tear when it is older. Also, the window flaps are lose as they work their way towards the back, and I have to tuck them up underneath the canvas to look right. Is this right? I hate to even touch that top with my hands bacause it is a light tan and really shows any smudges.

The other day I used a soft cotton rope with sheep shanks hooked to the top door hinges on both sides and the top of the chrome S hinges. By tightening each side, I got the top up by myself, but I know I shouldn’t have to do this. I know that this was Ford’s first true convertible top and that’s why I bought the car, but how long did it take before they got all the bugs out?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Mike

[Ed Saniewski]

If it is new, you should check with the installer. I would think that the new material will stretch a little and make a nice tight fit. Get some latex gloves if you are afraid of getting it dirty

[Marshall V. Daut]

There is a spring between the two halves of the center clamp. It's usually broken and is a pain the tutu to replace because the rivets have to be drilled out and a new spring found and installed. Then the two halves must be re-riveted together again, which usually destroys the chrome plating. That's why so many of these hinge joints don't stay locked.
Marshall

[wingski]

Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

There is a spring between the two halves of the center clamp. It's usually broken and is a pain the tutu to replace because the rivets have to be drilled out and a new spring found and installed. Then the two halves must be re-riveted together again, which usually destroys the chrome plating. That's why so many of these hinge joints don't stay locked.
Marshall

Marshall, are you talking about the big outside hinge or the hinges under the top above the windows?

[wingski]

Originally Posted by Ed Saniewski

If it is new, you should check with the installer. I would think that the new material will stretch a little and make a nice tight fit. Get some latex gloves if you are afraid of getting it dirty

Latex gloves last about three seconds on me, and since I'm hairy they hurt like hell to take off. I have no idea who the installer was. I think it was someone up in Canada.

[figment]

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On my Cabriolet there is a way to change the springs . There is a small cover that is held on with a tube nut like the ones that hold the verticle inside door trim . Then there is another style that has a thumb lock and I have changed that spring also without un - riviting the two pieces . If you need photos email me and I might be able to help . Norm

[wingski]

Originally Posted by figment

On my Cabriolet there is a way to change the springs . There is a small cover that is held on with a tube nut like the ones that hold the verticle inside door trim . Then there is another style that has a thumb lock and I have changed that spring also without un - riviting the two pieces . If you need photos email me and I might be able to help . Norm

Norm, I would appreciate pictures. Words are great, but a picture is worth a thousand of them.