Convertible Roof Adjustment

[Ahlah69]

Hi Boys and Girls, we have 98 pre facelift…. Took the hardtop off today for the first time and played with the soft top… Motor and all electrics work well but am unable to lock roof into place.. see photos..hasn’t been used for many years we think…. Any thoughts… cheers Nick

 

[Shelly]

Sorry to hear your soft top isn’t shutting
Someone will hopefully come along soon , with some help for you

 

[bombur]

Hi Boys and Girls, we have 98 pre facelift…. Took the hardtop off today for the first time and played with the soft top… Motor and all electrics work well but am unable to lock roof into place.. see photos..hasn’t been used for many years we think…. Any thoughts… cheers Nick

Have you loosened/extended the hooks ?

 

[Ahlah69]

Hi Bombur… no haven’t touched anything yet… pulling hard down on roof and can’t even get hooks close

 

[bombur]

After having a new roof mine was a bit of a struggle so I extended the hooks and had to use a bit of force when inside the car, pulling it as far forward with one hand and dong the latch with other. Then it time it got easier and I could even tighten the hooks a bit.
Im not experienced with a hood that has been down for a long time and might be something else

 

[Zephyr]

Normal. My car was stored for 10 years. Getting this to reach the front was quite difficult.
I let the car under the sun for a day with the roof half raised and then inch by inch I managed to stretch it enough to meet the front.
but mine is manually operated, so I do not suggest force to hydraulic systems as I have no idea of the result.
cheers

 

[Nodzed]

Hi, initially you need heat, either a heat gun or hair dryer. Adjust the front hooks all the way out and if that's still not enough gently heat the roof at the stretch points, the hoops, (don't get to close) you will need a second person to help to keep pulling the roof GENTLY.

Don't rush! If and when you get the roof closed wet the roof toughly using warm water and a sponge and let it dry slowly. this will evenly stretch the fabric.
Don't try to force it closed as this can cause damage, you can pull the rear window seam, damage stitching or dislodge the butyl seal on the rear bulk head.
This tip was given to me by a soft top fitter.
Don't forget to re-adjust the hooks once its all stretched out

Hope you get it sorted

 

[david suller]

Hi
When I converted my roof to electric it did not close then, I had my wife press down on the out
side when I pulled from the inside and managed to close it. left it for a day or two the open it again
it was still hard too close but has loosen up with use.
Hopefully yours will do the same.

 

[t-tony]

All the above advice. It just needs using. Wetting it with warm water in a warm environment is best. You probably chose the worst time of year to do this.

Tony.

 

[Jack Ratt]

I had the same dilemma when I took my hard top off for the first time after 3yrs. I just soaked it with water and gently pulled it into position and closed it. I left it for a week then normal service was resumed

 

[Ahlah69]

Thanks guys… great words of encouragement there.. I’ll give those warm weather and water tips a go.. 32 degrees down here in New Zealand today… cheers Nick

 

[t-tony]

Didn't realise you were in the middle of summer Nick. Soak it with warm water.

Tony.

 

[Ahlah69]

Cheers Tony