Hardtop Fitment Issue

[cleszkie]

I have always had a bit of a struggle to get my hardtop bolted in place. It never wants to go all the way forward towards the windshield frame, so the bedrail holes line up, without some force. Seems like the front of the top comes into contact with the large, triangular weather stripping pads on the ends of the windshield frame too soon. I am pretty sure my windshield frame is not bent back, as both my doors have perfect even gaps on all sides, and all the way up the side of the windshield frame by the vent windows. I am using an old set of aftermarket door weather stripping, and was wondering if the triangular pads on the ends could be thicker than OEM. they always struck me as being pretty thick. Has anyone else experienced this? How thick are the pads on an OEM set of door weather stripping? Any knowledge is appreciated. Thanks.

[praisegeetarman]

The trick I use to put my top on is a ratchet tie down strap around the underside of the windshield drip rail and back around the hatch hinges (hatch open). Once the strap is in place tighten it up slowly. It will pull the top forward, but be careful. With a good ratchet tie down strap you could possibly put enough pressure on the hinges to bend or break something.

Keith

[6768chevylover]

My method was for me to sit on the front part of the top and have a friend screw the bolts in. lmao, never took if off since.

[jaros44sr]

I use studs about 3" long or whatever length you need, in the front holes by the visors and the center clamps and evenly tighten till the gap closes. I've also considered grinding down some of the triangle gasket at the wind window, but haven't needed to do that yet.