Convertible top adjustment

[saxguy09]

I need some info on how to adjust my manual top. The canvas and window are in great shape but it doesn't seem to seal tight around the windows and windshield frame. The top also sags a little. Any help and/ or pics are appreciated.

[jeffnhiscars]

The Bentley has details on adjusting both the windows and the top itself. Your top to windshield frame seal may be tired but its possible that the top frame position needs to be adjusted which involves adding/removing shims where the top frame bolts to the body below the deck cover. You wont be able to pull the front of the top down more but you may benefit from moving it forward by a shim.

The windows are more of an art to adjust so despite the manual Ive found it to be a bit of trial and error.

Heres where the up/down shims go and trhere are also fore\aft ones not shown which are the ones that may help your front seal.

[matthugie]

^ this man knows his verts.

[saxguy09]

Thanks a lot! The seal doesn't look bad so I will give this a shot!

[jeffnhiscars]

^ this man knows his verts.

lol ^^

[Semblance]

There is also a large Allen set-screw in the rear of the frame itself, one on each side, they point to the rear. If you start putting the top down, you'll see them sticking out when you lift the rear part of the top upwards. These also adjust front-to-back, specifically the fit of the top's front seal to the top of the windshield. I had my frame set as far forward as possible and it still leaked like mad at the windshield until I found and adjusted these.

[Semblance]

I also found that it was impossible, by a large amount, to adjust the frame shims to spec per the installation instructions, at least the specs in the video. Even with the shims out the specs were off by a lot (and suggested I still needed to lower the frame by about 1/2" IIRC). So I'm not real sure how much to trust the numbers.

[saxguy09]

Just took a look under the boot. The frame is already shimmed. I'll try adjusting the Allen screws tomorrow and see if there is a change.

[jeffnhiscars]

I also found that it was impossible, by a large amount, to adjust the frame shims to spec per the installation instructions, at least the specs in the video. Even with the shims out the specs were off by a lot (and suggested I still needed to lower the frame by about 1/2" IIRC). So I'm not real sure how much to trust the numbers.

You have to strip the car down as you see it in my post so a 6 ft straight edge will sit on the across the entire body without touching any trim. You then measure down from the bottom of the straight edge to the top of the shims...159mm and 181mm. After I checked the ones you see which are original to the car, I realized that dimension will only change if the car is twisted so I dropped the replacement top and frame in place and bolted it down.

The adjustment screws are good to know about.

[Semblance]

Yeah, I did the straight edge and measured to shims with the frame out of the car and trim removed. After scratching my head i did the same thing as you: I realized my old frame fit just fine and just put the shims back the way they were. I'll dig around and see if I can find my measurements.

[jeffnhiscars]

IIRC the only quoted dimensions are the ones from the straight edge down to the shim. I'm interested to hear how you do with the allen adjusters since thats a new one for me. Pics would be appreciated :-)

[saxguy09]

Messed with the Allen screws today. I screwed them in and it did seem to make things tighter.

[Semblance]

jeff, here is a pic of the adjuster screw location from inside the car. my old frame had a little rubber cap covering the hole.

[IS300E30]

BUMP..."Semblance" or any member that knows. What does adjusting that screw inside the car do? Are we looking to just tighten it down if its loose?

[jeffnhiscars]

The allen screw looks to be a stop set intended to keep that pivot point straight which would increase/decrease tension on the top between the two ends of the frame (basically across the back window). My guess is that you want the frame dead straight so it is max length, but I dont see how that would impact the front seal.

Just my 2c