1970s New top 75 Eldorado

[Tpicks55]

Had a shop replace the convertible top.  It looks like there is a gap between the driver and passenger windows top edge and the top. Aprox 3/4 inch gap. The windows are at the full up against the stops. so my guess its the top that is out of adjustment.  Anybody have this problem before? Adjustment ?

[Julien Abrahams]

I think the top needs to be adjusted. If I am not mistaking, the top can be adjusted in many ways. A good shop will not only replace the top, but also make all the adjustments. But that ofcourse will add man hours and therefore cost.

[Big Fins]

Also, the top maker makes a huge difference in the way the top fits the frame.

https://1975eldoradoconvertible.com/scissortop.html

There are 2 links at the bottom of the page I just linked to you. These are 2 trusted sources.

[TJ Hopland]

How was it before the top replacement?  If it was 'perfect' I would say there is an issue with the material or installation.  If it wasn't quite right than it just may be the fun of an old car.

Its an entire process that could involve some back and fourth between the top and the windows and from what I can tell most shops do that on an hourly basis since nothing is a sure thing and they would have to remove all the possibly fragile interior panels for access.   When I had my last top done I just didn't have the money to put into trying to improve the alignment which is and always has been terrible on my car.   

I have not seen any sort of manual for these cars but I have seen and have manuals for other cars and they give a very specific sequence with some measurements that have to be followed to have any chance of everything coming together. If a step has been skipped at any point in the last 50 years there could be compounding errors so to get it right will have to start with step 1.  Even for a tech that has done them several times it can easily be a full day process which these days is easily going to cost you another $1000.   

[Big Fins]

There is a thread in the restoration section by Bob Ritchie in which he restored his entire car by himself. The top section seemed to be the most work. It also helps if you have a great top maker that can make the top properly out of the correct materials, including the cables which play a huge part in the way the top sits over the windows and top frame.

[Tpicks55]

Thanks for all the advice, it is appreciated.  The old top was rags and missing some of it.  I have gone through two installers so far.  One was totally terrible and the second rushed the job. So I am gun shy to take it to another shop but I may have to. 

[TJ Hopland]

So the window to weatherstrip fitting wasn't known to be good/right before the top replacement?  If so I would say no direct blame to the shop other than them not communicating to you that that part of the alignment wasn't included in the 'regular' top replacement estimate and would cost extra.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I would have thought that the shop wouldn't have let the car out of the workshop with a non-fitting top.   Would sour their reputation.

Bruce.