Hardtop Fitup Woes (1 Viewer)

[h82crash]

Started to assemble the hardtop today. The bolt flange on the bottom of the sides does not stay in line with the tub. It's the same on both sides. It is fine at the back but, going forward it moves inward ending up 3/8 too far in at the front.

This is not a mated set from the factory. 74 tub and a 71 top. First thing I'll try is removing the rubber welting under the flange that SOR provides which is 1/8" thick and probably wasn't there originally.

Anyone else run into something like this?

 

[B y r o n]

You might have just found one of the manufacturing differences between '71 & '74.

 

[h82crash]

Well, my suspicions confirmed. Pulled the welting, or whatever it is, and it fits. Poor manufacturing tolerances, though. I have one hole on the left side and two on the right that are way off. All others were good.

 

[B y r o n]

Maybe this version of the weather seal would fit better.

 

[pb4ugo]

My 72 and 75 had the ribbon type welting when I pulled the tops. The 72 never had the top off until I took it off.

 

[h82crash]

Maybe this version of the weather seal would fit better.

I have that and it's installed. The other thing is not a seal. It is a pad or something to protect the paint or whatever. It was too thick and interfered with the fit.

 

[h82crash]

My 72 and 75 had the ribbon type welting when I pulled the tops. The 72 never had the top off until I took it off.

I don't know what year they started using that strip nor am I sure it is a 71 top. The guy I bought it from pulled it off his 71 right after he acquired it, but it could be an earlier top.