Fiberglass hard top installation

[FJROSS]

I'm finishing up a body off restoration on a 77 40. I had to replace the (2) rear lower corners so the upper flange was never removed from around the bed and the bed was supported when doing so. The two sides of the hard top are installed as well as the piece that goes over the ambulance doors and fastened down. The rear doors ambulance doors seem to fit fine with good equal gaps around them. I started installing bolts (loose) from the rear bracket above ambulance door and then continued them from back to front around the hard top sides. My issue is the hard top is way off at the from area around the door bows. the driver side needs to be pushed to the passenger side approximately 3/4 of an inch. with all the bolts fairly loose, it doesn't want to seem to budge. I have windshield knobs loose as well as the door bow screws and nuts loose also. The rear hard top to bed bolts are fasten down snug. I don't think there could be that much play here the way the hard top sides seat over the bed with gaskets. Any pointers or tips???

 

[wimberosa]

i had variance in this area due to incorporating salvaged rear upper quarter panels. Mostly mine
was due to slight bends in that cuff area that bolts the quarter panels to the top of tub.

I took ratchet straps strategically placed and started pulling and tightening down in the direction I needed to go.
With loose quarters, bows, and top...given enough force you should be able to move at least 1/2 to 3/4".

 

[FJROSS]

i had variance in this area due to incorporating salvaged rear upper quarter panels. Mostly mine
was due to slight bends in that cuff area that bolts the quarter panels to the top of tub.

I took ratchet straps strategically placed and started pulling and tightening down in the direction I needed to go.
With loose quarters, bows, and top...given enough force you should be able to move at least 1/2 to 3/4".

I may have to give this a try. I may cut some wood spacers, so I don't jeopardize the rain gutter. Maybe I can attach the door bow to the top and use that to pull the top into place.

 

[FJROSS]

i had variance in this area due to incorporating salvaged rear upper quarter panels. Mostly mine
was due to slight bends in that cuff area that bolts the quarter panels to the top of tub.

I took ratchet straps strategically placed and started pulling and tightening down in the direction I needed to go.
With loose quarters, bows, and top...given enough force you should be able to move at least 1/2 to 3/4".

Ratchet straps worked like a charm. I installed the hook on the interior lip of the fiberglass top and the other on the windshield frame and was ever to crank it right into position. I then had to pooch it forward a bit in the same manner.

Thanks for the info!