1976 Eldorado top down not flat

[7gen]

The top for my 76 Eldorado convertible retracts and extends fine. However, in the retracted position, the bunched up top is above the sheet metal of the car, not much but enough that you could not put a hard boot on it. The main arms on the sides seem to be in line with the sheet metal but it is the middle that doesn't seem to want to go down below the line of the car.

I have helped the folding process by ensuring the vinyl is tucked and folded that helps some but even pressing on the middle doesn't seem to help. The retracting process gets to a certain point, which is 97% down, and that's it. It isn't any real problem, just an appearance thing. I'd like it to show a nice smooth line in the retracted position. Maybe something needs adjusting? Or is that the way it is and there isn't much to be done about it?

[76eldo]

The top should fold down enough to be just under the belt molding to accommodate a Parade Boot.
Be very careful dealing with a mis-alignment issue on these tops.  If it's not going down evenly or if something is blocking it, you can break the back window.  I've been there and done that and it's a real sickening feeling.

Don't guess on anything with this top.  Find a qualified shop to look at the top as it's going down so that they can tell you if anything looks wrong.

As an additional resource you can call Hydro Electric,  www.hydroe.com , for some advice or information.  They sell everything you could possible need for the top on your car and are friendly as well.

Also check out the Facebook Group, Big Eldorados.

Good Luck,

Brian

[TJ Hopland]

My old top and new one have one flap that naturally seems to poof out on the right side.   If I care (usually I don't) I stop it at like 90% and flop that fold in then put it down the rest of the way.

[76eldo]

There is some folding involved on any convertible if you want to get the top to lay correctly and avoid unnecessary creases.

As the top is coming down you need to fold or tuck or untuck the material in between the bows.

I have several convertibles and they all stack flat so that the boot can be used.

I have my 76 in for a new top right now since the sides were coming apart which seems to be a common thing on these tops.

My car is black and I am going with a black cloth top instead of the vinyl. It's about $700 more than a standard top but I think it will look great and last much longer.

My guy only does these one way which is to replace everything. Top, pads, side cables, well and anything else that wears.

I'll post some pics when I get it back.

[Jeff Wilk]

Sounds like a great combination Brian. Who does the tops for you?

Jeff

[76eldo]

I use two different shops here in Bucks County.

Williams Auto Upholstery in Langhorne PA and Gary Maucher Auto Interiors in  Ivyland PA.

Gary normally has a long waiting list for work and my car is in his shop now.

Brian

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

My '72 Eldo top goes down, with no need for assistance, and the hard boot fits perfectly, with only the slightest assistance with the outer corners of the material to insert the hard boot under the chrome trim.

It the top needs pushing down, then there IS something wrong.

Bruce.

[76eldo]

Bruce,

I am not saying pushing down but you should fold the top in evenly so that it's not pinched by the arms on the way down.
It's an extra step but worth it.  Most owners manuals describe this in the convertible top section.

Brian

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I used to do this with my '55 Chev Convertible, but my Caddy with the scissors top folds just beautifully.

Probably because I wait till the sun has warmed it up first?

Bruce.