If it is real canvas, rather than a synthetic, it may shrink over time with humidity changes. However, again, if it is canvas, if you get it wet with warm water, it can usually be stretched back to the original shape. Some force will be needed.

 

Gordon means like 'Get Really Mad At That Sucka' force. Wetting it down will definitely help. And if you can get a strong friend or two pushing forward on the rear bow (just above the plastic window) while you push the latches from inside, that will help close the gap.

The tongue on the latch has to slot into the receiver on the windshield frame. Try to eyeball the tongue / slot alignment while you shove on the latch.

If you're still fighting it, you can file the stopblocks on the frame. See the attachment.

David OD

 

I cleaned and painted the canvas

I suspect you have identified the source of your problems, clearly whatever you used to paint the canvas while it was off the car, wet it enough to saturate the fabric and when it dried, it shrunk slighly.

The only solution as Gordon & David noted, is to wet the canvas thoroughly - this means saturated, through & through. Probably only be possible from the inside with a sponge. give it a while to get properly saturated and expand the fabric. Then tension it into place and allow to dry

Ciao
Greig

 

Very much this.

I think the mistake was cleaning and protecting it off the car which has made it shrink.

Soft tops need to be cleaned only on the car (fully latched) and general advice is that unless you're actually driving the car they should be kept closed.

Thoroughly wetting it and some brute force should get it closed though.

 

Unless your paint 'sealed' the fabric, which might negate your effort to get it wet. With the windows up, a low flow from garden hose can saturate most all the fabric. Warmer weather helps, too.

David OD

 

not sure if yours has, but the Haartz canvas tops are 3 layers, with a butyl rubber membrane in the middle...so wetting really only wets the outer layer

I would try heat from inside, to try get that rubber membrane more pliable

a small electric fan heater left running inside the car for a few hours, with windows closed, might help.

once you get it latched, leave it latched for a few weeks and it will settle back into shape.

 

Buckets with real hot (boiling) water inside will help.
Carefully warming up the rear plastic window will help. Not too much or it will melt.
Open the doors while trying to close it.
Push the bows forward.
Tie the roof as far forward as possible and keep it that way.
Leave it for some days.
Repeat the procedures.
Good luck.

 

Thanks for all your great advice. I will use an interior space heater, hot water on the outer canvas, and some force. I appreciate your help!

 

DO NOT FORGET SOME EXTRA WARMTH TO THE REAR WINDOW

 

The REASON we all know this is that ALL of us have had a canvas top shrink! This is a common issue. Never-ever stow a canvas top that's even damp. You will likely be Ok wetting outside AND inside with hot water. Chances are you did not paint / seal the inside canvas. That's wise!

 

Combining wetting and low pressure steam relaxes canvas tops. Avoid the rear window with the steam!

 

Do you have the factory instruction book on how to replace the top? There are several adjustment points that are available to do what you want to do.

 

I had this same problem with a ‘74 cloth top that had been stored folded down. The only way I was able to get it latched was with the application of steam for several hours over several days. It eventually stretched enough to latch again. Get yourself a steam cleaner on Amazon — they do work.

 

The top on the 74 seemed impossible to close. As did the top on my wife's corvette. I used a steamer too. Harbor freight has a cheepie on sale through today for 20 bucks. https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...e/cleaners-degreasers/steam-cleaner/1200-watt-handheld-steam-cleaner-58653.html at that price use it once!

I now keep the top up on the cars all the time when parked. Lesson learned.

 

In addition to the good suggestions in this thread, you could see if you could gain slack in material to latch the top by releasing some tension along the rear canvas edge by loosening the stud nuts and/or adjusting the canvas holes. I had a similar problem and addressing the rear stud/nuts/canvasholes after I latched the top revealed what adjustments I needed to make to the rear.

 

I go thru this every fall, which is the only time I put it up. For several years now I back the latch screws and the clip screws out 2 or 3 turn. I can then latch it myself.

 

Growing up my dad and I built a kit canoe. It was lapstrakes over ribs and covered by canvas.
Afterwards, after making the canvas as tight as possible, the instructions called for painting the canvas to water proof and AND SHRINK the canvas tight to the ribs. It worked, did both. Canvas was shrunk drum tight……

 

Just as a precaution, I never park my car for the night with the top down

 

I keep my top down 364 days a year. Once a summer I raise it to lube the hinges and clean the canvas exterior. I have other vehicles to drive when I want a roof above my head.

 

Same as AndyLarry here. The top only goes up if I leave the car at the mechanics. Sometimes it's tough, but I can always get it latched. What's the point of a convertible with the top up? When cold or rainy we take the EV hardtop . . .

David OD

 

Mine is up nearly all the time when not driving it. I will also add my top is as tight as a tympani. I think its tuned to Eflat but in the winter wet it gets to D and in summer - dry 🎼- can almost hit Fsharp.

 

I wouldn't know an F sharp from an F fart. I do know that my top is tight as a bulls ***. It also looks like Sophis Lauren's a** when latched. As I've mentioned, I only get to enjoy it one day a year. 🤓