How tight is too tight? My buddy and I put the top on my '88 yesterday and it seems like it's too tight... it is difficult to get the front latches closed. Will the top stretch after being installed or do I need to loosen and re-glue the front to get it to close correctly?

 

You want it tight enough so it does not billow up like a bubble at cruising speed. Sounds like you need to loosen it just a little, maybe an eighth to a quarter inch to make it snug but not difficult to close.

 

Thanks for the info.tavert91. I thought we got a little too worried about it being tight. How much will the top stretch after it has been in use for a while?

 

I replaced mine when the original was about 12 years old. Original never showed any signs of "stretching". Its replacement has been on there since then (14 years) and has never shown stretch signs either. The stitching on both tops began deteriorating after about 10 years but I have found that you can just sew the sections coming loose by hand using the old needle holes and color matching thread.

 

Sounds like I need to loosen it up then. My top was shot when I bought the car...

 

Success! Thanks to all for the good information. I relieved the top about 3/4 of an inch and it now closes very nicely without being too loose. Now, on to the next part of the project!

 

My 14 year old replacement top is beginning to deteriorate (fogged window, stitching breaking, a few wear marks at folds) and I am considering replacing with a glass window top this time. I would like to do the work myself. Did your replacement top come with any instructions and, if so, where did you buy yours?