Putting up the rag top

Alright, alright, I know this has been discussed a million times, but indulge me. I snapped the back of the top to the car and tried to latch it to the window frame. I pull and pull but it seems about 1/4 inch short (don't take that one sentence out of context. i can hear the jokes coming now). I don't want the window or frame to crack, so any ideas?

Check the tensioning levers behind the seats. Put the top up with no tension and then move the levers to put tension in the bow and take up the slack. If you're worried about too much pressure on the windshield, do it slowly.

Assuming you don't have the kind of windshield hook-em-up gizzmos you can screw and unscrew to create more or eliviate tension, you might want to fasten fewer snaps along the back, sy maybe one or two in the middle, then secure the windshield gizzmos, then go back to snappin' stretchin' gruntin' swearin' and more snappin'

To help with getting the back snaps snapped (per Paul's suggestion) boat supply stores (West Marine, etc) has a nifty hand tool that makes stretching the snaps on much easier.

When the window hasn't been up in awhile it sometimes does this. Especially when it's cooler. Once in place it sort of stretches back to the right size. Your snaps should adjust a little. But be careful while driving because if they are too loose wind can come under and that's no good. You may have to stop and re-adjust after driving a bit.

It may be a simple as parking the car out in the sun for a couplle of hours with the top up but not fastened. That'll soften the material and allow it to stretch. At least this used to work on my MG.

Thanks guys. I did not know about the tension flippers. I will give this a shot Sunday.

Never fasten the front bow last as this puts all the tension on the windshield frame !
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To put up the top:

Confirm that the tension "flippers" at the bottom of the metal bows are in the "relaxed" loose position.

Fasten the header bow latches onto the windshield upper frame, these are adjustable by turning the "J" shaped catch in or out.

Starting at the rear center of the top, fasten the snaps alternating each snap ...left then right while placing the heel of your hand along the margin of top material below the rear window area to gently stretch the top as you go, until all snaps are secured in place.

Flip up the metal top "tension flippers" and there you have it !

Any other way can and will easily set the stage for a windshield replacement.