Another soft top problem

[Joe]

For some reason, the soft top on my 280SL refuses to go completely into the cavity. It needs to go down another inch or so in order to get the cover closed.
I had a problem before with letting the bottom into the cavity too early and solved this problem by forcing the top backward without prising on anything, and I'm wondering if this caused the present problem.
Advice is appreciated.
Joe
1965 230SL, White
1971 280 SL, Cinnamon

[rwmastel]

Does the base of the rear window not go to the bottom, or does the front bow with the locking pins just not fold down far enough?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Joe]

I would say it is the latter - the top doesn't go down far enough. It is like the whole assembly is simply too thick to fit in the cavity.
Thanks,
Joe