Topic: Top Won't Close
in Forum: C3 Body
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
I had a shop (that I'm not very happy with) do some work on the car. One of the things they did was to put a new weatherstip on the part of the convertible top that connects with the rear deck. They did a great job putting the weatherstripping on, but since the new strip is thicker than the old (original) one, the top won't close. If I pull the front of the top back (not in the holes up front), I can get the back pieces to snap in place, but as soon as I move the top to get the front pieces in, the rear comes out.
If there is a simple solution to adjust anything to get it to close, I'd like to know from someone. I certainly can take it back to the shop (they clearly didn't check this or a couple of other things they "fixed"), but at this point, if I can avoid going back there, I think I would rather just stay away. It looks like the rear "pegs" could unscrew to make them longer, but I'm not sure how I could keep them tight in place if I did. There don't appear to be any bolts on the back. I think they just screw in to the top
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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The pegs on the back bow do screw in and out for adjusting. Try lengthening them a little bit at a time until they stay put when you clamp down the latches. Then park the car out in the sun to let the new top material warm up and stretch out a bit. Once you get it all sorted out mark how far they are screwed in, remove them and put a little dab of locktite on the threads. Then screw them back in place to your mark.
The pegs on "The Toy" were worn a bit so I replaced them with new ones (from Corvette Specialties). Larry suggested that approach first as the hardware that the pegs pop into on the deck are much spendier to replace.
The pegs on "The Toy" were worn a bit so I replaced them with new ones (from Corvette Specialties). Larry suggested that approach first as the hardware that the pegs pop into on the deck are much spendier to replace.
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
Norsky is correct on the adjustment. Also, if the pegs a worn, turn them out 90 degrees and get the spring loaded clips to contact a portion of the pins that aren't worn. If they are worn all the way around, they may need to be replaced. Once they are latched, they really shouldn't "pop out" at all.
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Just wanted everyone to know, I took the advice and surprisingly, the pegs didn't get loose when I unscrewed them to make them longer. It took a number of tries, but I left the top up in the garage overnight, then drove a bit the next morning and left it out in the sun. Everything seems good now.
Thanks for the advice!
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
WOW !! We got all the brain power on this site. I think that maybe our elected officials could take advise from this group !! What a gang!! See ya at Fun Fest.
Dan
in Forum: C3 Body
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