Putting up Convertible Top - "Secret Sauce" (procedure) Needed

From the search "top up" function up above:

https://www.speedsterowners.co...tting-up-the-rag-top

https://www.speedsterowners.co...ing-up-top-procedure

You might also want to view @MusbJim's procedure for folding it.

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Here is the now famous @MusbJim tutorial on folding the top (Click this link).

But that's for folding and stowing the top once it's up. It may help a little to review that, though.

If the top is down and you're putting it up for the first time, the most important thing is to locate the over-center tensioner levers and understand how they work before starting. They're located where the top bows bolt to either side of the passenger compartment, just behind the door openings. You want them to be in the un-tensioned position before putting the top up. Playing around with them a little should make it clear how they work.

Once the top is snapped down at the back and the windshield bow clips attached, then you engage the tensioners to pull the fabric taught. If you can't attach the windshield clips with the back snaps snapped and side tensioners un-tensioned, stop and figure out why there's so much tension before proceeding.

I think CMC used the same windshield clips that my VS has, and they can be adjusted to increase or decrease tension, too. Maybe make sure they're as loose as possible before starting if the top seems to be too tight.

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Hello to all....thanks for all your great advice/info on getting the Top-Up. I think I had some confusion on what steps get performed, and in what sequence. Looks like the sequence is:

1. Make sure the tensioner levers are in the UN-Tensioned position.
2. Snap down all back snaps.
3. Attach windshield latches, align and tighten latches.
4. Tighten roof with the tension levers.

I'll try this out tomorrow afternoon when it is a bit warmer in the garage. May need to play around with a bit........

If it's really cold, it may be downright difficult to get it in position. Wait for a warm day, back the car out and let the top soak in the sun(with the top as close to being up as you can get it) for a couple hours.

@DannyP posted:

If it's really cold, it may be downright difficult to get it in position. Wait for a warm day, back the car out and let the top soak in the sun(with the top as close to being up as you can get it) for a couple hours.

Was just about to say the same thing. Might be better for it to see some sun and/or some heat/ I also found great success in not snapping down all of the back snaps until I had the front bow in place and secured with the latches. It was easier to grip the canvas to pull it into place and get it snapped than trying to manipulate the front bow. Once it's all snapped in and latched then use the tensioner.

What Robert said, but I attach the 3 center rear snaps.

Hello to all....after using your suggestions, the secret sauce for me is the following -

1. Make sure the tensioner levers are in the UN-Tensioned position.
2. Un-Snap all back snaps (except the middle three).
3. Align and tighten windshield latches.
4. Attach remaining snaps.
5. Tighten roof with tension levers (both sides).

Attached is a picture. Also, some pulling and tugging required for this task. I included a picture of CB's Aluminum Pressure Covers that I finally installed on the car. Engine seems to run smoother and more quitter. 

Thanks again for all your Help!!

@Larry Scislowicz

NICE!