Top won't close..is an inch away....

[TVST*R]

Since I got my car back from the body shop, my top doesn't close as easy, ie, it is about 3/4 to 1 inch away from the header. As a matter of fact, I can't even clamp one side.
Is there an adjustment to give it some play?
(The shop did take the top completely off for paint.)
Thanks!

[TulsaSpider]

Yes. remove the long, thin valance behind the back seat. loosen those screws and see if you can't adjust it that way.

[TVST*R]

ohhhh...very good.
Thanks!

[BEEK]

the top is adjustable, on the sides there are allen bolts on the late spiders , #3 phillips on early spiders, these when loosened will allow top frame adjustment, these are located where the top frame meets the chassis right below the rear 1/4 window,

[dantye]

the top is adjustable, on the sides there are allen bolts on the late spiders , #3 phillips on early spiders, these when loosened will allow top frame adjustment, these are located where the top frame meets the chassis right below the rear 1/4 window,

Could the adjustments you mention be related to the fit problem on the top I have just had installed? It seems to fit fine except behind the driver side quarter window, where I cannot pull the Velcro around far enough to close the gap that shows as a small white square in the photos linked here: https://picasaweb.google.com/dantye/Top ... 6647696578

As a result, it acts like an air scoop, pulling air into the car. If you push really hard on the outside, you can close the gap, but it will not stay closed. I know the photos would be more helpful if it was a lighter color top, but any suggestions would be appreciated.

The shop has installed a few Fiat tops before, and agreed to take it back and attempt to fix it as soon as weather breaks here.

[wikkid]

Recalling a past post, wouldn't it also be helpful to park the car in the sun, where the top will have a chance to heat up and be more flexible, and to expand enough to close better?

[manoa matt]

There is another adjustment. Where the header bow attaches to the rest of the frame are two bolts on each side with elongated slots. Loosen the bolts and slide the header bow forward.

[TulsaSpider]

the top is adjustable, on the sides there are allen bolts on the late spiders , #3 phillips on early spiders, these when loosened will allow top frame adjustment, these are located where the top frame meets the chassis right below the rear 1/4 window,

Could the adjustments you mention be related to the fit problem on the top I have just had installed? It seems to fit fine except behind the driver side quarter window, where I cannot pull the Velcro around far enough to close the gap that shows as a small white square in the photos linked here: https://picasaweb.google.com/dantye/Top ... 6647696578

As a result, it acts like an air scoop, pulling air into the car. If you push really hard on the outside, you can close the gap, but it will not stay closed. I know the photos would be more helpful if it was a lighter color top, but any suggestions would be appreciated.

The shop has installed a few Fiat tops before, and agreed to take it back and attempt to fix it as soon as weather breaks here.

I have this problem too. But I have not been able to remedy it. It almost seems like one of the top frame rails is bent a bit on mine... the gap is about two inches only on passenger side

[dantye]

the top is adjustable, on the sides there are allen bolts on the late spiders , #3 phillips on early spiders, these when loosened will allow top frame adjustment, these are located where the top frame meets the chassis right below the rear 1/4 window,

Could the adjustments you mention be related to the fit problem on the top I have just had installed? It seems to fit fine except behind the driver side quarter window, where I cannot pull the Velcro around far enough to close the gap that shows as a small white square in the photos linked here: https://picasaweb.google.com/dantye/Top ... 6647696578

As a result, it acts like an air scoop, pulling air into the car. If you push really hard on the outside, you can close the gap, but it will not stay closed. I know the photos would be more helpful if it was a lighter color top, but any suggestions would be appreciated.

The shop has installed a few Fiat tops before, and agreed to take it back and attempt to fix it as soon as weather breaks here.

I have this problem too. But I have not been able to remedy it. It almost seems like one of the top frame rails is bent a bit on mine... the gap is about two inches only on passenger side

If you don't mind, where did you buy your top, and is it canvas or vinyl?

[TVST*R]

My top?...is from Tony's Tops here in LA.
German canvass w/herringbone pattern on the interior.

[dantye]

My top?...is from Tony's Tops here in LA.
German canvass w/herringbone pattern on the interior.

Sorry, no - my post was for user: "TulsaSpider"

But thanks!

[TulsaSpider]

Topsonline. It was about two years ago I think. Just the plain vinyl, cheap