Dokta

I'm in the middle of replacing the top on my 91 vert. It was going pretty good, but after I got the fabric secured to the car, I can't put my top all the way up. It looks to me like there is not enough fabric. I left it sitting in the sun (75F) for a couple of hours, every once in a while I would try pulling it up by hand, while pushing the button so I could stretch it out. But I don't think I can stretch it any more. Please let me know what you think so I can figure out if I want to call the people who sold me the top and complain. The fabric is tight as a drum in the back. If I take all the bolts off the back of the fabric, the top goes up fine, but the edge of the fabric is about 1.5 inches from where it needs to be.

<a href="http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/?action=view&current=Picture001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/Picture001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/?action=view&current=Picture002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/Picture002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/?action=view&current=Picture003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/Picture003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/?action=view&current=Picture004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/Picture004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/?action=view&current=Picture005.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/Picture005.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

woode87

Not that this is of any help, and slightly off topic, but may I ask where you purchased your new top -- I am looking into replacing mine as well within the next couple weeks.

Could it not be fitting because there is no rear window cut out? *shrug* I don't have any experience with these things.

kabura

count me on that one toooooo,i need a new one asap..........

jackhild59

iTrader: (7)

Looks like you didn't put the metal reinforcement from the old top into the new top. There is a flat strap that gets tucked into the bottom of the new top. The fasteners go through the fabric, through the metal strip and then the fasteners screw into the body. The strap spreads the force along the entire bottom edge of the top, preventing the pulling and distortion at each bolt hole.

I hope you didn't discard the strip with the old top.

The other possibility is that after you get the strip back in, you may need to loosen the top along the forming bar (the front edge of the top). This will give a little more slack, easing the pressure.

Don't cut that rear window until you have all the issues resolved!

Good Luck!!

Jack

Dokta

Yea I sure did throw that metal strip away with the rest of the old top. Its long gone. None of the write ups I read, or the service manual ever said anything about it. Can someone who is doing this to their car please take a picture of the metal strip, and measure it out so that I can fabricate a new one?

But even with that strip in, there is definately not enough slack to close the roof all the way. If you look at this pic

<a href="http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/?action=view&current=verttop.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/jojoshabadoo/verttop.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

the roof looks proper. I have the plastic reinforcement by the forming bar being pulled back, and is clearly visible if you look at the top. And I still need another 1.5 inches before the top is fully closed.

MidnightOwl

That's strange! When I did my top, everything worked fine. I put the top up and stretched the material up. I doubt that the top would be too short.

jackhild59

iTrader: (7)

Don't be too discouraged, the top will be tight. To be honest, in that picture, the top looks pretty loose to me, There will be none of those wrinkles and the top will be tight as a drum. Thump it, it sounds like a drum. Yours doesn't have anywhere near that much tension on it yet; When you get the metal strip in there, it will take the tension just fine.

Hmmm. have you trimmed the front of the fabric around the forming bar in front? If you haven't, then you will have enough slack to let it back. You may have some screw holes to patch.

I will try to get you some measurements, but honestly I think you are going to need to find an original strip. Some of the holes are round, some are oval and the ones at the front, by the pockets, are slotted in a kind of keyhole shape, to hook and hold. This will all be pretty hard to duplicate.

There are several vert part outs going, maybe some one has one you could buy?
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=749356

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=755061

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=749300

Basically, ask anyone selling vert parts. Mostly when a vert is parted, the top is shot and no one wants the trashed top. That part should be available pretty easily.

jackhild59

iTrader: (7)

The strip is +/- 93" long, 3/4" wide. It is pretty strong, I am guessing that it is 1/16" carbon steel.

Here is a cell phone pic of the end, underneath the edge of the top.

Dokta

Thank you all very much for you help. The dealership wants $250 for that metal strip. WTF? I have contacted someone parting out a vert with a trashed top. It's an S4 but I'm pretty sure the top is the same.

I never had to trim the fabric at the front where the forming bar is. There is a plastic reinforcement sewn onto the front, so I cant let it out anymore. I'm going to wait till I get the steel strip that goes on the back before I mess with it any more.

I'm sure you guys can relate, because I'm just dying to drive my vert now that we are well into spring. I just cant leave it a lot of places with the top down.

I will keep you informed of my progress, and thank you all again.

Houpty GT

I had the same problem with my top when I installed it. The material has been sitting flat in a cardboard box for however long and this happens to it.

What you need to do is loosen the nuts on the latches and turn them out. I think I turned my out about 7 turns each. This should give you enough range for them to reach the windshield frame and pull it foward. Once you get it closed leave it up for about a week without lowering it so the vinyl can stretch.

But first you need to install that metal strip and make sure the one you get is not all rusted up.
Once you get it up and closed then you can cut the window. I did my window about 6 days after the top install. Make sure you cut from the middle of the hole out because the material will pull and change shape some.

Dave777

I'm in the middle of the exact same problem. One thing that hasn't been brought up yet is who made your top? Our we all talking about an Acme top with the new pre-formed front edge? Also when I ordered this top it was made after I ordered it, the retailer I ordered through said they typically do it that way.

I'll just assume we are talking about an Acme top (acme auto headliner), since that is a less expensive top that most people seem to buy. They recently changed their top so it has a pre-formed front edge with that plastic strip, similar to robbins tops. The old style had the rough cut front edge. Overall it's a very nice top and looks good. I installed this new style top on my car and it fit exactly like the pictures posted here, and the top would not completely close. I tried heaters, heat guns, steam, and waited it out for weeks and it did not improve. One of the front lower corners finally poked through the vinyl material as well.

Long story short, I got a replacement top from Acme and had it installed by a professional installer in my area who they recommended, who then had the exact same problem. The installer thought the top was too small for the car as well and recommended that I return it. I don't know if there is really a problem with these new style tops at the moment or not, but they are not fitting my car very well. I'm currently in the process of getting a top from a different manufacturer.

jackhild59

iTrader: (7)

ACME? GEEZ guys, use them for your anvils and rocket sleds, but don't use them for your RX7 top! (beep, beep!)

Seriously, I never heard of Acme tops before, but they are apparently the largest maker of convertible tops in the USA because they make all the tops for.......

Now, what's wrong with this picture?

If that top really doesn't fit, send it back and get your money back. Make a new thread and get it stickied that the top doesn't fit. These tops are tough enough without trying to make a product fit that is made to the wrong dimensions.
I used AABESTCO and my top is great. Great price, fit, service, fast shipping. Robbins is also greatly admired. If I was doing it again, I would like to try a cloth top, either AABESTCO or Robbins.

Dave777

Acme is actually a very common top for the Rx-7. I bought an AABestco top early last year and they told me it was an Acme top. They make tops for a lot of retailers. The main reason I posted my experience is that it looks to me (thus far) like the top in this thread is the same one I was using.

jackhild59

iTrader: (7)

And if Acme Rocket Sleds, Anvils and Convertible Tops, Inc. tops don't fit, we should know, post it and sticky it.

Today.

hanman

I don't know the manufacturer, but I just had a canvas top installed on mine. I love it. I like the look much better than the vinyl.
I know Jack replaced his own, but after much debate I ponied up the money and had it professionally done. I am glad I did too. The installer said it was a bitch. And he had been doing them forever.

jackhild59

iTrader: (7)

It is a lot of work, the first time. I took my time and kept it in the garage for several weekends where I could work at my leisure.

I could do one in a weekend now.

BTW, if anyone in the DFW area wants me to install their top for them, pm me. I would do trade outs, parts etc.

Houpty GT

I bought a Robbins top. It fit great but was a little tight and it looks great with no headaches. Some people say they cost too much but if quality and your time do not matter then I guess it might cost too much. Is the Acme top even made in the USA? I recommend the Robbins top just as others on this board have. https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/convertible-top-should-i-buy-620085/

Dave777

I'm getting a Robbins top as a replacement as well. Pricing for these is all over the place, I've seen them for anywhere from ~$600 - 1100 just for the top (complete).

hanman

Jack,
I am telling you, after looking at mine and reading up on it, you have my utmost respect for tackling that job.

But, seriously, if you are interested in helping to replace one, would you be interested in doing it in the Sherman area? I would be willing to compensate you. I am not sure when, but maybe later this summer.
PM me.
Thanks,
Dave

Dokta

I'm not sure what company made my top. But I bought it from Kwiktops [888-594-8677]. I found someone parting out a vert and I'm gonna get that metal backing plate from him. If I can't get the top to fit after I put that thing in, then I am definately going to ask Kwiktops for a new one. They have a 3 year warranty on the top against all defects. And being an inch and a half too small is definately a defect. I'll keep you guys posted on how it turns out. And thanks for all the replies.

Dokta

So I called kwiktops and they had the manufacturer of the top call me. I think it was acme. Anyway, some guy named greg called me back and said he would send me a new updated top. They fixed the size mistake they had with the old patterns and said I shouldn't have any problems with the new one they are sending. They guy was real cool about it. I will let you guys know if the updated acme tops from kwiktops are really fixed like he says.

jackhild59

iTrader: (7)

So, the top really doesn't fit your rocketsled-7?


Thanks for updating, keep us in the loop.

Good Luck

Longhaul

O.K,

The suspense is killing me. I have 2, and 88 and 89, that I bought tops for. Both are still in the box...

Did it work?

bcbjj

i replaced mine myself without too much difficulty, but http://www.rx7world.com has an entire complete top , frame-window-everything included.

You take yours off and send it back and just bolt the new one up. The guy claims it takes about an hour.

bcbjj

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/ConvertibleTops/Mazda/RX7

forgot, this is where i got my top.