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Joined: Oct 2012
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My convertible top won't go down flat. Can't fit my boot on it that I just purchased. I purchased the car a year ago. Just found out it is hitting the inner fender. I have one guy telling me the inner fenders needs to be bashed out in order for it to sit lower. Any advice on how to handle? Thanks in advance.
Last edited by John R.; 01/23/14 04:38 AM.
John
1968 Firebird
Vancouver B.C. Canada
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How about some photos so we can see the top and the inner fenders. I know the sharp lip of the inner quarter has to lay flat or it can cut the top.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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I know the sharp lip of the inner quarter has to lay flat or it can cut the top. Yes, this must be done. And to repeat John's comment, my body guys were literally bashing those over on my '67 with a sledge. I remember them saying "we were wondering why those were bent over"... This all happened the moring I was picking up the car after a frame off resto! Duohh! If your rear inner and outer wells have been replaced, its likely this is the issue because the lips need to be bent over after they are welded. (or they won't leave room for the top to tuck down into)
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold  1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
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also...top will go down differently , depending on material in top...heavier top material bunches up more....is it plasic rear window? or glass , the ones w glass tend to not fold as much also...my 69 top went down so far and even people didnt even think I had one (I picked the thinnest top material I could get)...friends` stuck up 2 inches to 5 -6 inches dep on car , top material and rear windows
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Here is a picture of how it sits. I tried to take a picture of the inner fender but it is too dark with the flash and the top is covered by the material that the convertible top sits in. I can feel the convertible top is touching the top of the inner fender. I believe the fender was changed by the previous owner. I don't think its the material as I feel it touching the top of the fender. Thanks everyone for the quick response. Sounds like we'll bash away!! https://www.dropbox.com/s/r90fh0wp3bl23ff/IMG_0984.JPG
John
1968 Firebird
Vancouver B.C. Canada
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Do you have the canvas / cloth top on. If so, it looks about were it would be from what I can tell.
I know the purchased boots are really tight. I might would have a custom boot made instead of bashing the fenders if it was me. It does not look to bad.
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Here are some pictures of mine for comparison. I do not have a top yet on. Mine does look lower.
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Jim
'68 400HO Conv.
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Thanks for the pictures and comments. My chrome seems to be too tight as well for the clips. I think it needs to be banged out. The picture I sent makes it look better than it is. Thanks guys. John
John
1968 Firebird
Vancouver B.C. Canada
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