Convertible D top won't extend

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tim noble
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Convertible D top won't extend

#1 Post by tim noble »

I'm putting the car away for the winter and for the first time I can not get the top to open. It pivots at the attachment points on the body but the frame will not open like an accordion. It's been down for nearly 6 months and I hesitate to lubricate the many pivot points because I've had the experience of oiling my headliner when I first restored the top. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks
Tim

I do have a copy of the factory instructions
 

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Thomas Sottile
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#2 Post by Thomas Sottile »

Try a dry lubricant.

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Martin Benade
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#3 Post by Martin Benade »

I would also try with two people, one on each side. Try to pull it up and down a couple of inches, hopefully it will free up. Also I thought a convert D had no headliner. You might also try using Blaster, just tiny droplets applied with a toothpick on the pivot points, it should wick in and not have enough outside to stain anything.
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John Brooks
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#4 Post by John Brooks »

It's the fabric fold behind the second rib is getting bound when you pull it ip. The fabric is folded out from Frame rib the the top first fold before it is stowed. Entend the first hinge point in the front as you lift it at the B pillar.
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Jim Liberty
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#5 Post by Jim Liberty »

Two people one on each side. It WILL open.
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tim noble
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#6 Post by tim noble »

Thanks guys
I did try one person on each side and the fabric fold behind the second rib may be the issue. Ordered the blaster and am not sure about the headliner but the Autos International top is black on the outside and cream on the inside so it seems to be a separate fabric. Will try again on Tuesday after a dry lube. Many thanks,
Tim
 

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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#7 Post by Tim Berardelli »

Tim,

I use LPS1 on my "D" top pivot points about once a year. The carrier for LPS evaporates leaving no residue that attracts grit. Spay a little in a container and apply with a Q Tip. A Locksmith introduced me to this product many Moons ago and has proven to be the "hot lick" for lubricating delicate parts.

Tim Berardelli

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Martin Benade
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#8 Post by Martin Benade »

The top material is all one layer, a different color on each side. I am sure you don't want stains on the inside, but careful lubrication should be pretty safe. I don't totally understand what John said but maybe a third person moving the fabric might do the trick. He seems to know what is holding it.
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tim noble
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#9 Post by tim noble »

OK. I tried 2 applications of LPS1 and attempted opening it with an experienced speedster guy and again with a skilled mechanic to no avail. We tried separating the bows and playing with the fabric as John suggested but still cannot get it to open with reasonable force. Can anyone see a problem in the attached pics? Thanks.
Tim
Attachments
dt3.JPG
dt.JPG
dt2.JPG
 

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Jim Liberty
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#10 Post by Jim Liberty »

I'm no expert on these. I see nothing out of the ordinary. .......Jim.
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#11 Post by Craig Richter »

Modest Jim is an expert on these tops, and much more. Nothing looks amiss, maybe you just need more Kroil and some time for it to work.
 

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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#12 Post by John Brooks »

The fabric is bound. Fold back a down about 15% and pull up on the front bow . The pull out the fabric between the bow and the forward section. It The front two sections should be slightly spread. It binding the excess fabric just aft of the hinge point for the upper window seal bar.
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#13 Post by Jim Liberty »

Sounds very likely John. ..........Jim.
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#14 Post by John Brooks »

I have had that top for 50 years. Its is a pain and I leave mine down with the tonneau on. It is different from a cab. When stowing you need to remove a the fabric from between the first two front sections and the first bow before they clamp together. The owners manual has a pretty detailed procedure for stowing it. They also printed a supplement for this top also. If not cleared it will pinch/bind the fabric down in the hinge point for the first forward pivot.

TRY...
Push the top back 6-10 inches and then try to unfold the front two sections that have the rubber on them, by pulling the windshield bow forward. then it will extend.
John Brooks

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tim noble
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Re: Convertible D top won't extend

#15 Post by tim noble »

John
Thank you for the detailed description of the procedure. I'll attempt it and let you know how it unfolds :)
 

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