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Time for a new convertible top?????

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George Zeck

George Zeck

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Hi All -

I think I know the answer here, I just wanted confirmation. I bought a top "cheap" on ebay a few years ago. Fits snuggly on a warm / sunny day (when I don't want to use it) and is virtually impossible to put on a cold / wet day (when I do need it).

As a result - I'm afraid to stray too far from home or overnight. I thought of stretching the top (vinyl, not canvas) but once I put it back into the trunk - it'll just shrink up again.

Should I just strike this up to "cheaply made" and I got what I paid for (< $100) or does anyone have any tricks to use? Mine is the fold up in your trunk and pull out the skeleton frame and install top over skeleton and dramatically stretch over to the top of the windshield channel.

If it is time - any recommendations on a properly fitting one?

Tx-

George
 
George, is there any adjustment in the mounts for the frame? My MKIII Midget has the folding top, but the frame mounts are slotted and I can adjust the tension on the top there if necessary. Perhaps you can make some adjustments in that area and allow you to use your top year round. If it gets a bit loose in the warmer months a length of foam pipe insulation slipped over one of the top bows will take the slack out easily and stow easily when not needed.
 
No adjustment. They're is a metal strip that flips under the top of the windshield frame; a special channel and then 2 clips ont he sides (tennax, I beleive).
 
Does your frame have the spring loaded uprights just about 8 inches above the door? I have two (64 Midget & 64 Sprite) and both of them have this.
You can press that spring loaded part in and lock it giving you more slack in the fit of the top. Check and see if yours has that, it looks like a big tab where the parts fit together.
 
I have a 79 Midget... but I also installed a cheap vinyl top. Though the structure of my top is very different from yours, I had the same problem. My solution was to wait for a heat wave, put the top up and leave the car in the sun for about a week. This seems to have resolved the issue for me. May be worth a try before you go to the expense of a new top.
 
Morris -

And it didn't shink back "to size"????

Rick - I do have the clips and they've never nbeen "sprung up" - just too much tension.

Tx-

Geo
 
My 63's top is a pain to get on and when done it's a bit loose. I do have the spring loaded frame and it does help but if it's cold, it's very hard to get on. I would wait for a warm day, get it on and let it heat up and just see if it doesn't help next time when colder, can't hurt.
 
It took me many yrs to find those ears and use them. If you take the bow off and simply lub the springs inside and then work them, they will spring up and help your top problem.
 
George Zeck said:
And it didn't shink back "to size"????
Click to expand...

Nope. It fits in hot or cold now. But it does get very hot here, and not very cold.
 
I had the same issues,
I put mine up on a warm and sunny winter day, also warming it up with a hair dryer and left it on for a few cold days.
That seems to have resolved the 'too-small-when-cold' embarrassment.
 
Regarding a new convertible top... What are the pros and cons on the various opptions? Canvus vs vinyl vs anyother materials? Best places to shop for a new top? My "new" 62 Sprite didn't come with that option. I do have the bones and they seem to be in good shape. I am planning to use the Sprite as a daily driver and would like to shop for a good quality top that will hold up for the long hall.

Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Magyar
 
Prestige Auto in U.K. Vinyl Top with Zip Out Rear was $249.95 plus $30.00 shipping from the U.K. Took about a week to get. They've got canvas options as well. With recent $ vs. Pound currency fluctuations I'll bet you can get considerable cheaper than I did 16 months or so ago. Fit was good and I'm happy with a zip out window on really hot sunny days when shade is welcomed.
 
My Prestige top did not fit correctly and customer service stank as well. It was mis cut at the factory. And they did not want to hear about it. FWIW.
 
If it were me I'd bust my butt trying to get the current top to work well for you. Think of all the cool stuff $200 will buy.
 
Heck guys - I'm in Cleveland, OH. I am wondering if I'm going to get a weeks worth of sunny days??

I'm going to try to heat it first and hope for the best.

Tx-

Geo
 
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