Kurt G.

Should I keep the convertible soft top on my 65' roadster UP always until I decide to put it down or is it okay for me to keep it DOWN all the time until needed ?? The car is always garaged and the top is is mint condition. Also, what is the SAFEST and recommended way to clean the rear window ??

Thanks for any help...... :confused:

Mikey1

Keep it always up until you decide to drive open.

1st....not in use for a longer time it will shrink ( no joke ! ) and 2nd you will have folding marks.

Disadvantage then is...once used it´ll put a large amout of pressure on the front window frame. Have heard of a rusted frame in a C3 break due to a longer not in use top.

brucep

any way to stretch one that's been down too long?

magicv8

Put it in the sun with the top up. When it gets hot enough to be clamped in the up position, take it down the highway at 75-80 withthe windows up and the vents open. The air pull outside and air pressure inside will stretch it. :auto:

JSB69

This has worked for me. Adjust the front and rear latches as loose as possible and put the top up. You may not even be able to completely latch the front. Tighten things up every day or so and if it's not too badly shrunken, it will work out.

Kid_Again

...yeah, i could see getting fold marks if it's down all the time...mine has the marks (came with it) so i have to live with it...remember to put a towel between the folds of the rear window to prevent scratches and don't move the top if it gets below about 60* or so to lessen chnaces of cracking....pep boys sells some stuff that is billed as a polish for soft top rear windows...i also use it to polish tail light and running light lenses - also good for the newer lexan headlight covers that get scratched from a lot of driving

Kurt G.

Thanks for the tips. It is a relatively new top and each time I put it up I would park the car in the sun for about 4-5 hours. Seemed to relax it a bit.

Thanks again. :cheers:

kyosho

Do not store it with the top down. Not only will it wrinkle the vinyl, it will also crease the window. Always store with the top up.

Like others said, leave it out in the sun for a few hours, and it will start to stretch back. :)

ARed64

I always store mine with the top up. Not only will it make the top last longer but will also keep your interior clean and help keep critters out.

Also, I never latch the rear of the top at the deck when garaged. This helps prevent "marks" that can occur in the paint from the black rubber weatherstrip.

Kurt G.

Thanks for the info...have you ever used those clear plastic strips they sell to put under the rear weatherstrip where it meets the decklid ?? :steering:

ARed64

No, I have never used the clear plastic strips. I don't really need them. Almost all of my driving is done when the weather is good and the top is down. When I am not driving the car, I store the car with the rear of the top unlatched as described.

Also, as metioned, put a large beach towel over the entire rear area before folding the top down. It will help keep scratches off the window that come from the vibration of the car as you are driving.

propwash

I use the strips on the back and since I polished the Stainless I use a strip on the w8indshield frame top also, It works real well. :seeya

MasterDave

I use the clear plastic strip when top is up at all times. Prevents paint chafing, works for me. :cool:

richscorvettes

:iagree: on the plastic strip. It can help preventing a mark on the deck whether it's when storing with the top up or especially if you have to drive with the top up. It might take a couple of tries to get it lined up to fit where the top meets the deck. Using a towel for the folded window is also a good idea or getting one of the "pillows" available from Forum vendors.

Rich Lagasse

Kurt G.

As usual "The Forum" has given tons of great tips/advice. Thanks for ALL the replys. :steering: