64 Sport Fury Convertible Top Gap

[t_bone]

I'm almost finished with a full restoration from the wheels up, and recently had the convertible top replaced. Now there are gaps behind the bottom of the quarter window and the vinyl top. About 1" x 1-1/2" triangle, looking into the top well area, big enough for lots of road wind and Washington weather to enter. Is there a rubber spacer that I am missing or something like that?

Here's a link to a YouTube Short of the gap:

If you have a 64 sport Fury Convert could you please post photos of your quarter window area ? Thanks.

 

[1974ChargerSE]

That doesn't seem right and not how my 64 Fury convertible top fits...Knowing Washington weather due to service at Fort Lewis, rain will be a problem.
Side note: "I was told that people in Washington don't tan, they rust". This would expedite the problem.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

That gap shouldn’t be there. It “looks” like the top frame might be bent or needs adjusting (?). If that metal arm is too close to the body, it can rub against the top itself.

 

[Ron H]

My ’63 is similar having about a ¼-inch gap. This is the 3rd top since I’ve had the car always a gap, the last top was set wrong having a larger gap, around an inch and was replaced; but this wasn’t the only ill-fit hassle. Note how the edge of the quarter window (edge trim) is covered by the top profile edge and starts to be exposed about ½” above the gap created by curvature of the top here. Yours looks exposed a few inches higher which I’d guess creates a larger gap. Can’t recall seeing an early B top I’ve seen at shows and such, not having a ‘gap’.
Maybe someone will post here not having a gap and I’ll take a lesson from it – for my next top replacement.

 

[devinism]

Original top

 

[turbine68rt]

@dmoore

 

[Dave6T4]

I think a bit of gap there is normal. My 1964 Polara 500 convertible had a gap there as well. My 1964 Dodge Factory Service Manual shows a fix for this condition. It mentions cutting and cementing a rubber baffle there. Page 23-80 shows dimensions for this on Detail 4, with instructions on how to effect this repair. Without this gap, possibly continually raising and lowering the top causes the frayed damage shown in Post 5.

 

[t_bone]

That doesn't seem right and not how my 64 Fury convertible top fits...Knowing Washington weather due to service at Fort Lewis, rain will be a problem.
Side note: "I was told that people in Washington don't tan, they rust". This would expedite the problem.

Thanks; would you please post close-up photos or video of how your top fits in this area?

 

[t_bone]

I think a bit of gap there is normal. My 1964 Polara 500 convertible had a gap there as well. My 1964 Dodge Factory Service Manual shows a fix for this condition. It mentions cutting and cementing a rubber baffle there. Page 23-80 shows dimensions for this on Detail 4, with instructions on how to effect this repair. Without this gap, possibly continually raising and lowering the top causes the frayed damage shown in Post 5.

Thanks, Dave6t4: I'd rather not shell out $60-75 for a Dodge FSM since I don't have a Dodge, so could you please post the pertinent pages you mentioned? I appreciate it.

 

[Mopar Hunter]

I'd rather not shell out $60-75 for a Dodge FSM

Check here, it’s free.

Service Manuals – MyMopar

mymopar.com

 

[devinism]

A few more.

I hope these help

 

[Dave6T4]

Thanks; would you please post close-up photos or video of how your top fits in this area?

I no longer own this car.

 

[Dave6T4]

Any water that enters here drains into the convertible top well liner. The liner itself has 2 drains that route any water out of the car through body plugs to the outside. Convertibles have never been completely waterproof; that is why they do not put cloth interiors in them.

 

[t_bone]

Check here, it’s free.

http://[URL]https://mymopar.com/service-manuals/

[/URL]

Thanks for the link, Mopar Hunter; I was hoping to get the pages from the 64 Dodge manual that Dave6t4 referenced. There is no 64 Dodge manual at your link. I'll keep searching.

 

[t_bone]

A few more.

I hope these help

View attachment 1761054

View attachment 1761055

View attachment 1761056

Thanks devinism for the additional photos. In the first one, the closest right-side view, could we be looking at the horizontal black cemented in rubber baffle that Dave6t4 referenced? If so, good clue to what I'm looking for.

 

[dmoore]

It's been bugging me for over 5 years now! My top was installed just before my purchase of the car. From what I have garnered these last years looking into it the aftermarket tops are lacking in that area. Mine fits and functions perfect in all other areas. I never worried about it because I don't drive in the rain and don't plan on it! Love to see that info though Dave.

 

[dmoore]

It appears there wasn't quite enough length in material in that location. As soon as I can find the "right" guy I will be correcting it. I don't care if it means a new top.

 

[devinism]

It appears there wasn't quite enough length in material in that location. As soon as I can find the "right" guy I will be correcting it. I don't care if it means a new top.

I wonder if those are "new and improved" tops? The stitching on mine is a continuous line until it goes under the belt mldg. This is where mine rubs.

 

[Dave6T4]

I think that small gap is intentional, so the top does not end up like Post#5.
I would think the 1964 Plymouth Service Manual would be much the same as the Dodge one in regards to this information. I will see if I can post a picture. I am better with Torqueflites than computers!

 

[dmoore]

I see what your saying Dave but that's a rather large gap. And if left outside in a rainstorm would rain into the forward quarter since it's in front of the well liner. I hear you on the Torqueflite!