Jeff is correct. This is a common mistake made by people when they install
their convertible tops. Only the back (center) section of the top should be
attached to the cars body. The side pieces remain loose and only are attached
by a snap on each side, which is to be unsnaped when the top is put down. The
aluminium strips on the side only hold the black plastic trim in place. They
also help to pinch the side flaps in place when the top is up and the metal
doors are closed up. The top should fold nicely into the required space if
installed correctly. When putting the top down, be sure to fold the side
flaps inward towards the center. Then, and this is easier done than written
in e-mail, with the back window in place first collapse the front part of the
top and tuck it into the window. Also, the black vynil 'cradle' (that most
people think the top should rest in when down) should be detached and laid
out in the trunk (That's why it is designed to unclip). There is a pocket in
this where the cantrails are to be stored when the top is down ( Which 99.9%
of early Alps atre missing, Tom W's SII being the .1% ). It will also get in
the way and prevent the top from going down all the way if left in place. -
Ian
Jeff Howarth wrote:
> Rob,
>
> check that the soft top material is NOT fixed behind the two side
> aluminium strips.
>
> there is a long alloy strip that runs under the rear window which clamps
> the soft top material to the trunk hinge panel. The side strips look
> like they should do the same, but if you do, the roof won't go down. See
> the benefits of English engineering logic in practice!
>
> If the material is behind the side strips, take out the screws and see
> if your top goes down and let me know.
>
> regards
>
> Jeff
>
> In message <38496B70.A471FD49(at)wisemaninsurance.com>, Robert Wiseman
> <rob(at)wisemaninsurance.com> writes
> >I am trying to remove my soft top for repairs, and so I can put my
> >hardtop on. Unfortunately, my soft top will NOT fold down all the way.
> >I have tried 50 times and all I have done is damage it.
> >My question is, how does one remove the soft top from the front rail. I
> >have everything else figured out but can't see any obvious way that it
> >connects.
> >Thanks,
> >Rob
> >
>
> --
> Jeff Howarth
-- Ian Spencer <www.sunbeamalpine.org> '61 Harrington Alpine B9104782 OD HRO '62 Harrington Le Mans BH9115930 OD LRX
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