<< With the top up on my Series V I have a triangular hole behind the window glass-this is about 1.5cm at the door level tapering to nothing at the top rear corner of the glass >>
My soft top has the exact same bad fit. Apparently the Series V top fold= s down differently than other series and the factory had a problem with fra= me deforming. =20
On the Rootes page with the tech tips is one that discusses this. It is = found at:
http://www.team.net/www/rootes/rsb/67_54.html
It covers proper storage of the top and tells how to fix the problem but, unfortunately,=20 Rootes part numbers part #2220782 (R.H.) and #2220783 (L.H.) are, to my knowledge, made of unobtainium.
Rob C.
For those interested, here is the complete text:
NUMBER: 67-54 DATE: May 12, 1967 GROUP: Body SUBGROUP: Convertible Top
MODELS: Alpine V & Tiger II SUBJECT: Incorrect Stowage Of Convertible Top
It is obvious from our inspections of a number of vehicles having poor=20 fitting convertible tops, especially around the door windows, that this=20 condition has been caused by incorrect top stowage.=20
IMPORTANT: LOWERING & STOWAGE INSTRUCTIONS=20
1.Lower window glass of both doors. Remove sun visors (if fitted) as=20 follows:=20 =95Lower the visors, push in toward the center pivot bracket, pull down=20 outside ends and remove the visors.=20
2.Release the header rail hold-down brackets by pulling the top ends=20 down.=20
3.Release the stud fasteners retaining the top to the top of the body=20 and tuck the side top material down inside the car, especially at the=20 front corners.=20
4.Lift header rail and remove from the two tension rods, fold the=20 tension rods into the nylon clips at the front side rails. Close the=20 head rail hold-down bracket. Remove the side rails from the corners of=20 the windshield.=20
5.Move the header rail and the top to the rear, pulling back on the=20 front support rail and rest on the boot lid.=20
6.Unsnap the two fasteners, fold the center cover forward by lifting up=20 the two fasteners, fold the two side covers forward, unhook the two=20 straps and lay on top of the center cover.=20
7.Lower the top into the stowage compartment; be sure the rear window is=20 folded with gentle curve and not creased. Smooth out the window by hand.=20 Bring the two support rails together and press them well below the edge=20 of the body.=20
8.Start one end of the header rail into the stowage compartment with=20 snap fasteners up, follow with the other end and press down.=20
9.Hinge the two side rails over and down on top of the header rail.=20
10.Hook the two straps over the stowed top; fit the two side covers.=20
IF AT ANY TIME DURING THE RAISING OR LOWERING OF THE TOP, FORCE IS=20 REQUIRED, THIS INDICATES THAT INSTRUCTIONS HAVE OBVIOUSLY NOT BEEN FOLLO= WED AND USUALLY CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE BRACKETS.=20
NOTE: The above method cannot be used on series IV and earlier model=20 Alpines, nor on the Tiger I.=20
Raising instructions are included in the owner's operation manual.=20
When you are called upon to investigate complaints of considerable gap=20 between the top and rear vertical face of the door glass, the following=20 action should be taken:=20
1.Remove top pivot brackets from rear quarter panel and top frame.=20
2.Fit replacement brackets, part #2220782 (R.H.) and #2220783 (L.H.).=20
3.When the vehicle is delivered to the owner, the correct method of top=20 stowage, as described above, must be demonstrated to the owner and he=20 should be made aware of the damage which can occur due to incorrect=20 stowage.=20
T. H. Bullard Manager -- Service & Parts=20