Canvas top alignment...

[colkking]

Gentlemen:
First off, Merry Christmas!
got a question, and hope someone can help.

I am installing a new canvas top on my UNCUT M151.
I saw the post one fine gentleman put up, and it helped immensely!
Problem I got: canvas is evenly aligned on windshield, and the top is lined up pretty good as i turnbuckled in the from frame into the canvas top, but it is a good 3 inches off center (to the drivers side) along the back.

Any ideas on what I should do?
I have not (yet) unscrewed the thumbscrew on the top frame..should i unfasten them before i try to fasten the four draw ties on the back?
Is the top frame bent? I am stumped.
Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
kk

[SturmTyger380]

Since it is 3 inches over on the drivers side, when you compare / measure the amount the top hangs over on the top sides at the rear bow, is it hanging down more on one side than the other?

Since this is a new top did it come from one of the dealers that makes these on a normal basis? Alan

[rickf]

Is your windshield frame straight? I would get a tape measure and measure from the windshield frame back to the rear body on each side and see if the measurements match. If they do not then the windshield is probably bent. To verify measure from the windshield to the front edge of the hood and see if it is off by the same amount. If all the measurements are on the money then the top was made wrong and needs to be returned.

[Hambone]

Was this a repop top or a NOS that may need to be stretched?

[on-to-berlin]

Sounds like a NOS top that needs stretching. Mine was the same way.

[colkking]

The canvas top is NOS, from surpluscity jeepparts...have not had any problems with these guys before...

Measured the windsheld to the back deck...with the help of my 6 year old mechanic's assistant, the measurements were within a centimeter on both sides (194 vs 194.5 cm from the back deck to the windshield pivot point, 192.5 for both sides from the rear deck edge to the connector for the top bow brace).

Thinking the windshield is pretty square, but thanks for the check.

Sooo, any ideas on how to best stretch the top out?

Thanks,
kk

[Mark]

I've read of wetting it down, then putting it on the jeep with it pulled tight as can be, let it dry naturally.

[halftracknut]

I have a great idea...you should call Surplus City and get there thoughts on it.... measure from windshield to rear top of frame should be same for both sides...measure the rods that run from top frame to windshield sides...are they both round or both flat??? Ok that said I bought one for an M38 and it was too short front to back...ssssoo I wet it with hot water and put it on ...It took some streching (did this in shop so it was shaded...pulled her down tight...repeated this a few times and it worked ...when it dried in the sun it became bow string tight...I never did take it off....good luck....htn

[colkking]

Thanks, HTN!
Yup, I gave surpluscity a call and sent them some photos as well.
Rods are both flat.
Thanks for the insight...will be giving it a go this evening (very grateful for a heated garage)!
wish me luck
Happy New Year!
kk

[Hambone]

Put the top on the jeep, pull it as tight as possible, if the straps won't reach, use some twine to pull it snug, take some wet towels(don't wring them out) and lay all over the top, keep the towels wet during the process. At this point you need to put some weight on the top, I used some old dumbbell weights, use what you have access to, pipe, lrg. rocks, anything with weight, once you get the top part stretched out, you may have to hang some weight by the rear straps on the rear of the top and use a spray bottle to wet it down, it won't happen overnight, may take a couple of days, hope this helps, Hambone

[salt6]

Is it vinyl or canvas? Post some pic here.

[rickf]

Canvas, Definitely do NOT try to do this all at once or you will break the windshield.

[Hambone]

Canvas, Definitely do NOT try to do this all at once or you will break the windshield.

As Rick said, use common sense, don't overload the top, a little weight and moisture, it will slowly stretch.

[colkking]

Sounds like some good advice from folks who have walked this battlefield.
Cranking the heat up in the garage, and pulling out the weights and the twine now...wish me luck!
Here are some photos of where I am at currently with the top--pay no mind to the homely guy in the photos..
<<ok, first I got to be smarter than the equipment and figure out how to insert images--on the way!>>

What's the worst that can happen?
Cheers,
kk

[rickf]

What's the worst that can happen?
Cheers,
kk

CRACK!, SNAP!