Convertible Roof Adjustment Advice Please

PurpleBeeper · May 6, 2019

My 70 b-body convertible's roof line, looking at the side windows with the top up, looks a little bit like a "tee-pee". Both side roof rails are pointed up, right at the hinge point in the middle of the side rails. This causes my side glass not to contact several inches of the rubber window seals in the roof side rails (about 1/8" gap).

Right at this hinge point, there is a very large phillips screw. The screw is inside one section of the roof side rail in an open-ended threaded hole. If I turn those large screws, can I adjust out the "tee-pee" of my roof side rails so they are straight across & seal with my side windows? If yes, do I turn the screws in or out to "flatten out my tee-pee". Both pictures are of the adjustment screw.

JimCoronette · May 6, 2019

I'll look at my top when I get some time in the next few weeks. I have to see it live to figure this one out.

pearljam724 · May 6, 2019

Your latches most likely need tightened up where they anchor to the window. Try screwing the hooks in a few turns. If it’s too easy to latch on to the windshield. They probably need tightened. This would cause the hinge point to point up too far. Leaving a gap above the windows. I had same problem. Only tightened hooks, better. I believe people leave the latches too loose. Making it easier to latch. This is the problem that creates. Tighten them to the point. It’s not easy to latch. But, I understand what you’re saying about the 2 screws. Turn the two screws out, with the top up, not down. The screws act like a bump stop. Screwing them out equally, Will make the hinge point collapse further. Hence, the Tee pee will drop.
If the hinge needs adjusted with the 2 screws. You’re definitely going to have to tighten the latches afterward also. That’s why, it’s best to try to only adjust the latches first. If that doesn’t work, You know both need adjusted. Loosen hinge screws, tighten latch hooks.

PurpleBeeper · May 7, 2019

pearljam724 said:
Your latches most likely need tightened up where they anchor to the window. Try screwing the hooks in a few turns. If it’s too easy to latch on to the windshield. They probably need tightened. This would cause the hinge point to point up too far. Leaving a gap above the windows. I had same problem. Only tightened hooks, better. I believe people leave the latches too loose. Making it easier to latch. This is the problem that creates. Tighten them to the point. It’s not easy to latch. But, I understand what you’re saying about the 2 screws. Turn the two screws out, with the top up, not down. The screws act like a bump stop. Screwing them out equally, Will make the hinge point collapse further. Hence, the Tee pee will drop.
If the hinge needs adjusted with the 2 screws. You’re definitely going to have to tighten the latches afterward also. That’s why, it’s best to try to only adjust the latches first. If that doesn’t work, You know both need adjusted. Loosen hinge screws, tighten latch hooks.

Pearljam, that is an excellent explanation. I never thought about the latches being loose, so I will check/tighten those first. That makes complete sense.

Also, I'm 99% sure you're right about those screws too....same thing I was thinking. The screws look like they would contact a sort of "arc-shaped stop ramp" on the other side of that middle hinge point.

What do you mean "Turn the two screws out, with the top up, not down."? The top has to be at least partially down to get access to those big screws. With the top all the way up/latched, those screws are in between the two middle side top rails on each side & you can't get to them. I'm curious... please explain a little bit more.

pearljam724 · May 7, 2019

What ever takes, in or out with the screws. Just do it evenly with both sides and remember how many turns you went in or out. Just in case you went the wrong way. Until you verify which way there’s an improvement when you latch the top. I ll take a better look at my hinge tomorrow. I contemplated adjusting mine at the hinge. But, tightening the latches first, took care of my gap.
When the latches are too loose the hooks stick out too far. Not allowing the hinge to collapse as far as it needs to. Post a pic of your convertible. I’d like to see it. Not, many of us you know.

PurpleBeeper · May 14, 2019

SOLVED! Ok, so first I tightened up my latches....not sure if that worked at all, but I did it. Then, I turned those large phillips screws OUT and that "levelled out the teepee". It's the head of this screw that pushes on the roof rail sides. Once the screw is loosened up, there's enough room to slip a medium-sized phillips screwdriver into a small hole in that area with the top up. I pulled down on the front side rail & turned the large screw outwards through that little hole & it worked. THANKS EVERYONE

JimCoronette · Oct 10, 2023

Just tried backing the screws out on mine. It flattened right out, seals the windows correctly now. Thanks for sharing guys!

Convertible Roof Adjustment Advice Please

PurpleBeeper

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JimCoronette

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pearljam724

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PurpleBeeper

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pearljam724

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PurpleBeeper

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JimCoronette

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