7 replies to this topic

[gtred]

I've taken the latches off my hardtop and refastened with metal brackets, but I can't seem to pull the top down tight enough to make it water tight.

What do you folks do when fastening your top?

[Keith Novak]

I set something heavy on the top like a sandbag.

[davecarama]

[gtred]

[john mueller]

HAHAHAHA

[davew]

Ratchet strap tie down, maybe several hooked together. All the way around the car

[Kevin B]

I had the same problem on my initial fitment. Turned out my inherited metal brackets were a little bent. As I was trying to mount the top to the already installed brackets whenever I tightened all corners of the roof, it would create a gap across the front.

So, if the roll cage isn't in the way, I'd suggest first fitting the top to the car with no brackets to ensure it will fit flush and you don't have an obstruction (like to cage) keeping it from sealing. Check the brackets to ensure they'll sit flush with their mounting points (and adjust/bend if necessary.) Then, attach the brackets to both the car and top with the top already resting in place. It did the trick for me. One of the bolts on each side on the front was a pain to get to w/roll bar in the way but I'm happy with the results.

Good luck with it.

Alternatively, move to Phoenix...

[Randy Thieme]

I had the same problem as Kevin B. at the front of my top. I inserted washers between the brackets and the window frame mount points. The bolts go through the bracket, then through a pair of washers, then into the holes in the frame. That "lowered" the bracket so it would pull the front of the hardtop down farther.