72 top alignment pin...is it adjustable or not? Manual says you can loosen it off and make small adjustments (like 3/32" or so), however can a guy get to the nut on the backside when everything is in place?? Seems pretty ugly. Would a smaller nut be a better choice for possible later access? I had thought mine had simply broken free and the nut was welded in place and the pin was not adjustable. I do not, however, see any old weld marks or nut cage remnants inside the header bow. Thanks in advance... later Tim
I never adjust that pin. You can make your adjustments using the set-screws in the linkage above the driver's and passenger's side windows.
I thought those set-screws set the height of the side bows when the top is up. Anyway, the question remains is the front bow pin adjustable? Or is that nut welded into place...?? I need ot know whether to weld it into place or not... Later Tim
I think there are two sets. Ones above the side glass and another set above the rear side glass. I know you can adjust one of them to move the top slightly forward. Have no answer on your locating pin question since I have never removed or adjusted one.
Tim, I was wondering the same thing when I did my top. Mine was (is) as you desrcibe. I think you'll find it won't need to be adjusted. The amount you could even move it given the size of the hole is negligible. And if you weld the nut, you won't be able to adjust it anyway.
I'll buy that...I think I'll just put it in with the original nut again, leave it at that. The actual assembly will be fitted before the top gets put on so really shouldn't be issues there. And like you said the adjustment available is very small. I've never worked on a convertible top before, never took this one apart and have no access to one to look at it, so I'm going by feel here. Also, I was wondering about those adjustments too, once the top is covered and installed can they still be adjusted at all or will a guy introduce wrinkles etc?? Problem I'm having is car is just a shell and would rather not put all the glass in before paint, although should have glass in to adjust top assembly I suppose. But again, looking at it there really isn't much adjustment as far as the basic top. The side rails are pretty much set with a nice continuous curve...the big brackets aren't adjustable where they bolt on, and the actual top mounting point isn't adjustable. So if you get the assembly in and make it match the windshield header using those serrated plates, should be pretty much good to go, right??? The windshield header sets the front point, the back end height is all set automatically, so the only adjusttments are the side rails and the fore and aft reach with the serrated plate. Funny too how the gm manuals have nothing on actual removal and install, just the top covering and some basic adjustments. What could go wrong??? :laugh: later Tim
Tim, Here is a pic of the compact windlace. It is NOT an exact match for the original material. I think only Duane and a select few would notice it is not an original item.
Tim, You'll be very suprised just how much those little screws move it. It's not so much the top wrinkles but the alignment with the glass. I'm still not happy with mine but I'm going to replace the glass (hope this spring) so I didn't fuss with it too much. As for the aft serated areas. The top must be installed to get the final adjustments. It can add some tension to tighten the top material. Are you planning on doing the top yourself?
Hi Karl, no, not this time. I will be installing the top frame assembly, the top will be installed by the best we have in this city. I am hoping to be there for pictures for the website, also to geta feel of what is involved. I'm pretty sure I could do a good job, but it would certainly be helpful to see one go on first. And on the windlace, found one fairly close, just arrived and looks pretty good. Needs a good cleaning and possibly a dye before it goes on. I'm building this car for me, I'd know so its important (I'm probably my own worst critic, I want this car to be the best I can make it. Period). later Tim
