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Adjusting my '69 convertible roof

Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2016 9:39 pm
by Pete69
Hi there. I have a 1969 convertible. Car is great, but the roof has never seated properly. My solution has been only to drive it on sunny days... That said, is there a way to adjust the roof tension? I literally have to climb onto it to get the j-hooks to catch, and even then, one side does not really match up with the guide pin. At its best there is a 1/4 inch gap on the drivers side. Not good.

Any guidance on how to adjust would be appreciated.

Re: Adjusting my '69 convertible roof

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2016 6:19 am
by FJCamper
Hi Pete,

Is this a replacement roof you have?

You probably well know the Ghia convertible roof assembly is complex. And for full disclosure, I've only been there as a bystander in my sister's old VW roof and upholstery shop as her people fought sedan and Ghia roofs into place.

I do recall that on assembly they had to work front and rear at the same time so as to not have exactly the problem you've got now. I'd latch the forward edge of the roof down on the windshield and loosen the bolts in the back where the roof frame mounts connect to the body, pull and tug the assembly straight back there, and retighten it.

I hate being so vague, but like I said I was just a bystander, impressed with the complexity of the padded roof.

FJC

Re: Adjusting my '69 convertible roof

Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2016 10:31 am
by Mitchell
I am currently having a similar issue with my 73 Ghia top. There are several Youtube videos detailing the installation of the top. I believe my issue is with the straps on the bow near the window. I might have mine just a little tight. I measured very carefully, but the top still does not want to close properly on the window frame. Before I put the headliner, padding or top on the main header bow seemed to fit properly. I had the 7 mm gap specified in the manual. It appears as I began installing the headliner, padding and top something created an issue.
As mentioned in the reply above there are 2 bolts that might provide you some relief. Before I read this post I had just adjusted mine, but this did not help. If I remember correctly someone told me these bolts were not for that purpose.

As I have not permanently stapled the top on the header bow, I intend to remove the top and see if I can adjust the two straps that attach to the rear of the body near the rear windshield.

Mitchell

Re: Adjusting my '69 convertible roof

Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2016 10:41 am
by Mitchell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzM5mvo9N0A

This is part one of the installation.