Problem with New Top Install

[Dr.Strangepork]

I'm in the middle of installing a new top - almost finished!

I followed the pelican parts DIY for the most part.

Now, I just installed the top into the rear channel and went to do a test fit by closing the top.

Unfortunately, the top wouldn't close the whole way. It gets about this far:



I thought that perhaps there wasn't enough slack on the rear part, so I unhooked the cables that hold the rear channel down and tried closing it that way:




It got a little further:



The cloth in the back is somewhat tight, but it doesn't strike me as being tight enough to completely stop the top from closing. I half suspect something else is causing the issue. Anyone have an idea what could be causing my top not to close?

[Bryan topping]

I did mine about a year ago and it's still pretty tight. The new canvas will be a really tight fit the first time you close it. Let it sit in the direct sun for at least an hour before you try to close it the first time, it still took me both hands & all I had to get it closed. Once you get it latched don't open it for at least a week (I waited for 2 weeks) before opening it again. the canvas needs to stretch & settle on the frame for a while.
Hope this helps.

[dghii]

Looks like it ought to close with some effort when youre finished. Keep posting as I have a new top for my 2000S that I will be installing in the next few weeks. I'd love to here more about your experience!

[Wret]

Can you get it under the sun for a while? That should give you some stretch.

[Eric G]

This is normal and as mine is still in this condition as the new tops are tight! Park it in the sun and then cinch it down with the clamp...leave it parked for a few days and you will be able to open and close it...but it will remain tight for some time.

[Peter Serbanica]

In my experience, it is way to tight. The canvas in the front can be released and be reglued.

[Deserion]

It does seem that there is some canvas bunching on the left front corner. That, and the weatherstripping isn't sitting correctly on that corner either.

[Dr.Strangepork]

Thanks for the replies guys, glad to hear the tightness is normal. Better tighter than looser

I'll put it out in the sun sometime this week and try to close it.

Originally Posted by Deserion

It does seem that there is some canvas bunching on the left front corner. That, and the weatherstripping isn't sitting correctly on that corner either.

Test fit It's not completely bolted in and the weatherstrip's not installed.

[jgama25]

I had a new glass top installed last year and agree with everyone else that this is normal. It took a few weeks for it to stretch and even then I still had to help it forward in order to close it all the way (It's hard to keep it up in the summer with nice weather begging for the top to be down). I stored it this past winter with the top up and now it opens and closes without any additional help needed.

[Dr.Strangepork]

Finished the install! It's still a bit tight but it can be closed (just barely). I might let it sit in the sun (as opposed to the garage) for a week or two and see if that helps.

Overall it looks great and it's nice being able to see out the back. Worth the $400 for sure.

[vijen6]

Dr. Strangepork .. where did you get a new top for $400 ?

[Dr.Strangepork]

Good old eBay!

It's made in the US and the fabric looks and feels like OEM. Looks like there's some other options for tops that aren't as expensive as the ones from GAHH:

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/41943-found-cheap-glass-top-not-gahh-anyone-tried.html

[paintboy]

Ims ?.............................

[vijen6]

Thanks for the link. Price seems to have jumped from $100. Its now at $525. Plus CA state tax for me .. and shipping .. its going to be just over $600 total. Compared to $950 Gahh top shipped. Hmmmm .. decisions.

Edit: So I guess GAHH and ATD are also from CA ( same company ) so there's no avoiding taxes for me. =T