Upper soft-top window rail not straightening fully

[jedwards]

Gentlemen,
I hope someone can help.
The upper “rail” of the soft top that carries  the weather strips directly above the windows needs to straighten entirely in order for the window to seal properly against the seal. Mine does not and I seek help to understand how this might be corrected. The photos are not the best quality, but I hope they explain the problem.

As the soft top is expanded out, the two sections that make up the top rails directly above the window should lock into a perfectly straight line.  The left hand side is fine, but the drivers side (RHD) forms a slight “V” shape, that is lower in the centre. As a result the window glass cannot seal properly.
I am about to replace all the weather seals so want to correct this before installing.  Mine never “locks” properly and if I push upwards against the centre there is definite movement that should not be there.

Does anyone know how I might be able to adjust this so it acts as a proper elbow that locks straight?
Jeff

[Cees Klumper]

If I were you I would examine what is keeping it from 'going all the way' to the straight position. You can compare to the other side, look for interference in the hinge, maybe something is slightly damaged. That is where I would start. Does not seem to be due to wear, because then it would be an inverted V I guess.

[66andBlue]

The fully extended top should be a perfect rectangle of equal length front to back.
One way your problem can happen is if the distance between the front attachment point and the rear one is shorter on the driver side compared to the correct other side. Move the V-shaped frame a bit further back in the compartment until it is straight. You may have to remove the springs to do this.

[jedwards]

Thanks Gentlemen,
That gives me a starting point, especially the idea that the rear corner may be maladjusted relative to the other side.
Let the search begin!
Jeff

[jameshoward]

Jeff, the search begins here, I think.

There are quite a few posts on exactly this subject and how to address on the forum.

Sorting this out can be a proper nightmare, so I strongly recommend a bit of time spent reding up on the experience of other (including me).

This drove me crazy. Preparation is key.

[jedwards]

Hi James,
can you recommend what to search for?
I tried a number of searches and found very little on the forum and nothing about this particular problem, so it seems that the knowing the right search term is the real trick.
Any suggestions?
Jeff

[Peter van Es]

Have a look at these (search term window rails):

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=9806.msg66201#msg66201
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=4092.msg39682#msg39682

(search term: soft top window alignment)

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=18218.0
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17459.0
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=13657.0
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=5228.0      <--- this post appears to address your problems exactly
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=1387.0

Do note: search behaves differently depending on where you are in the forum. If you want to search for everything, first ensure you are at the top level of the forum... Go to the Forum tab, and then use the search box with these terms. You'll find lots of applicable posts...