soft top

[antonio martinez]

Good morning to all.
I have a dilemma....
I have changed the soft top... and tight at the front, it does not close behind ...
Could the shims of the structure influence, or is it just because the fabric is new?

I understand that the shims are for the distance between the soft top and the window ... but ...

regards

[DaveB]

It is apparently a common issue and should come good with some stretching.
If you search the site for 'soft top stretching' you will find some creative ways to do it, e.g.:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=22699.msg162342#msg162342

[antonio martinez]

Many thanks Dave

[su8pack1]

I did this with mine and they published it in The Star back in 1987.

[DaveB]

I did this with mine and they published it in The Star back in 1987.

Coincidentally I just saw your soft top stretch article in The 'Star Technical Reprints No. 2'. How is your top looking 33 years on?

Antonio, you should also be aware of two other soft top issues: corner curl and mechanical damage to the top fabric when opening & closing. This video shows how to prevent them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&feature=youtu.be&v=dcvG2HfMat4&fbclid=IwAR1MW0egpotUS5d9JBoStZ7TLZT7eNK7PN2qeISJujD3L3lMSjo7WCDmi4E

[antonio martinez]

incredible!!
thanks to all.
I have tried and with a little effort, everything falls into place .... perfect.
I have not removed any shims.
then I send photos.
living on the wonderful Mediterranean island Majorca, we have a great climate, I can wear the soft top all year round ....

[DaveB]

nice  , but I hope you don't have too much salt spray in the air!

[su8pack1]

I finally replaced it as it was dried out to the point you could almost poke a hole through it with your finger. It took a weekend to do, but so far so good.