After 11 years I had to get a new top put on the '71 - not bad... I opted for a white top this time for some contrast and am very happy with the looks. My problem is that the top is now very hard to put back up and get the latches to catch and when lowering the top, it does not want to "rest" in it's fully lowered position, it stays up 2 or 3 inches. I hate to take it back because it looks so nice but I had none of theses problems with the old top, even when it was new. Is there a remedy for these problems?
Time. It will take weeks or months to stretch out and relax. Had the Wildcat done and had the same problems for several months. Leave it up and locked when not using the car and it will eventually get better
/\ That above is true as a new owner of a convertible I installed my top myself and learned a lot. What is described as a problem is not, it is expected to be that way. As Briz indicated time will cause things to stretch and relax.
...letting them warm up a while in the sun does wonders up or down. Had same issue with factory bed cover on my GMC. And when lowering, don't forget to stop a foot or so before full down to gently pull top and pads from between rails so you can get boot on and prevent that top tear behind quarter window frequently seen on A-bodys...