I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what is causing this and how I can correct this before my convertible top gets a hole in it. Every time I put the top down and I put it back up, I notice these creases in the top get worse and almost look as if they are ready to become holes. I have even gotten to the point of putting the top half way down, getting out and putting white cotton cut up T-shirt pieces in line with where the metal end pieces on the ends of the outside trim line up to where these creases are, then continuing to put the top all of the way down, only to find when I put the top up that the creases are worse. Any information on how to correct this will be greatly appreciated. This is on my 1971 GS. Thank you Eric
Your top is getting scissor pinched in the frame as you drop the top. The way to avoid damage is to stop the top 1/2 way down and pull the top fabric back away from the frame and flatten the material (I also do it again about 2/3 of the way down just to be sure). This is also about the only way you can get the top low enough to install the boot cover. I believe the owners manual also cautions this.
Thanks for the information Gene. I will try that the next time I put the top down and watch real closely where the material is coming into contact with the frame. I thought that it might be from those metal end caps because it seemed to line up with the marks when the top was on its way down. Thanks again ---------- Eric
Someone on this site also mentioned to move the top pads over the frame when the top is halfway down. I tried this several times and the creasing is almost gone. I also have a speaker box that the top rests on that compresses the top even more than normal.
Thanks for the extra tip Larry, I'll do whatever it takes to save the top from even the tiniest tear. I appreciate it. Eric
Eric, If you do everything possible to prevent it from tearing you would never put the top down, or take the car out in the world. All the suggestions mentioned before a steps that should be taken. You can also refer to the owners manual and the Fisher Body Manual for information as well. And don't forget a reputable automotive interior shop can be helpful as well. From the picute I would say your tip is adjusted correctly and working at an optimal level- correct? BTW, I haven't had the top down or been outside in 13 years in one of my convertibles.
I have had this issue as well... Previous posts here mentioned stopping the top 1/2 way down and folding your material correctly to avoid pinching. That is good advice. If I have a wrinkle left when I put the top up, I simply leave the car out in the sun for a couple of hours. No more wrinkles... Russell 1970 Skylark Custom Convertible 455 :3gears:
Just the opposite for me...haven't had the top UP for 10 years...remove cover, back it out of the garage, good to go...
