Side Curtain Problems

[Nikkoleto]

I know there are many forums dealing will ill fitting Side Curtains but I never saw a problem like mine. the fact that when I put the convertible top on I have to really pull the windshield frame back to get it to fit. I was hoping someone could help me with my specific side curtain problem. As you can see by the photos my new side curtains definitely do not fit. As I mentioned earlier when I put my convertible top on, in order to get the roof pegs to fit into the windshield frame I have to pull the windshield frame back for the roof pegs to fit correctly and to lock it into position. When I pull it back to fit the vert top it causes the side curtains not to fit, on the front drivers and passenger side. I have installed the windshield brace from TTS, but that doesn't seen to do anything to fix my problem. Does anyone have an idea how I might fix this problem? Thank you in advance




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1987 Vanagon GL
1973 VW Thing

[Semper_Dad]

Looks to me that your windshield frame may be too far forward. Not sure if you loosen the screws on the hood and try and pull it back if it would help. How does the hold down pins on windshield line up with the sockets on the hood when you fold down the windshield?
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74 VW Thing - Walküre
78 GMC Motorhome - Valhalla
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[NOVA Airhead]

I think you need to work the various adjustments including the top, doors, windshield and hood. Also be sure the side curtain ifs fully seated.

Finally I had a similar problem and needed to bend the front edge of the top where it meets the side curtain a little. You have to be really careful doing this so you don't tear the top. I used a pair of vice grips that had little covers that covered the jaws.
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1971 Ghia Convertible Autostick
1974 Thing

[mising]

I agree with checking alignment especially the front curtain to make sure it is seated properly.



In circle 1, the side curtain should actually be under the top. On yours it is pushing against it causing the top to bunch up. I actually have to lift that top flap up a little when closing the doors to ensure the curtain goes underneath it.

I think that is also what is causing the misalignment at circle 2. When the curtains are seated properly, the top and bottom edges should line up with the rear curtain. It looks like your front curtain is not fully seated in the front slot.[/img]

Also, make sure your tops frame rails are completely straight, mine were bent slightly on the front portion, which effectively shortens the length of the frame. Once I straightened the frame, I no longer had to force the pegs into their holes.
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“You Can’t Believe Most of the Quotes You Read On the Internet” - Abraham Lincoln

[Nikkoleto]

Thanks all.

Semper Dad. Believe it or not when I fold the windshield down it seeds into the hold down pins on the hood.

When I put up the convertible top the pins on the top frame aren't even close to the holes on the windshield frame. I think When I pull the windshield frame back to meet the pins that is causing my curtains not to fit. This may sound strange but it is almost like the convertible top frame isn't long enough. How can I tell if the top frame is straight and if not how do I adjust it?

Mising, Doesn't it looks like my front curtain [circle 2] is sitting much lower than the rear curtain. if it is not seated properly [I am going to check] and goes into the door slot even further then it will sit even lower than the rear curtain don't u think
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1987 Vanagon GL
1973 VW Thing

[DougD]

Mine does the exact same thing. My frame is bent in such a way that it is shorter and ends up pulling the windshield back 1/4"-1/2". When I shut the door I tend to "tuck" the top corner of the window frame in first then pull it shut the rest of the way. It ends up forcing the windshield back forward and results in a very tight seal. I also end up with a large gap at the back/top side of the rear windows. Even with the bent frame and gaps im amazed that no water comes in when I drive in the rain.

[dells68]

Hey Nik! I had the exact same problem with my top last summer. I had Larry Dustman look at mine at KTE. I had been trying to bend the center "hoop" on my top (just above the back doors) forward and this only made it worse. Larry suggested to bend it back or up depending on how you look at it. It seems to go against logic, but his suggestion cured my problem. Bending the center hoop of the frame back allows the frame to move further forward and not pull back so hard on the windshield frame. I know, it sounds like it won't work, but it does. Good luck!

Dell

[Ferretkona]

I had the same problem, it was in my frame.
I took the frame off and straightened the frame over the front doors. I had to weld in square stock to strengthen and keep it straight.
All in all it took a couple hours and $8 in square stock.
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74 181 Thing
2008 Ford Sport Trac V8 4x4
2008 Ford Escape V6

[swhitcomb]

[Nikkoleto]

Judging from what everyone has said it seems my top frame is the problem. I really don't have the resources at home to straighten a frame or the know how but I will check around and see if anyone local knows how to do it.

Hey Dells: how goes it. One Question. I think I know what you mean but to be certain what do u mean by the center"hoop" on the top?

Thanx all
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1987 Vanagon GL
1973 VW Thing

[[email protected]]

Do you have a rubber buffer on top of your windshield lock is it squished? You can adjust the windshield angle by loosening the allen screws and raising that lock up you might need new rubber buffers
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Michael Basso
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[dells68]

Hey Nik, Not sure how to explain. I'm referring to the main frame section that comes up by the back edge of the rear side windows from the pivot point, goes up bends slightly forward, and across to the other side, and back down to the pivot point behind the other door. I took my top down and let hit hang over the back of the car. I then took a small section of angle iron and attached it to the "hoop" with radiator clamps and used rags to pad it to keep from ruining my paint. I then had my dad hold the frame still while I leveraged down on piece of angle to slightly bend the hoop. Basically, you're taking some of the angle out of this hoop and decreasing the amount that it is bent toward the front of your car. I had to do this a couple of times, a little at a time, until my top latched without pulling my windshield too far back. I'm sure this is clear as mud, but it's kind of hard to envision without seeing what I did. Hope this helps!

Dell

[Nikkoleto]

well. it looks like I am doomed. My mechanic and I tried to get the windshield frame push forward enough so the side curtains would fit. The windshield latches were adjusted up as far as it goes without much luck. The latch rubber buffers were in perfect shape. After that adjustment, It still has to go forward at least an inch or maybe a little more. If by chance god comes down and shows us how to get that W Frame forward the vert top definitely will never fit. When we manually pushed the frame forward we laughed and said we should put a piece of wood under the windshield frame. LOL. I will post a few pics in the morning hoping that if you`all see it you may have other ideas. Its almost like the windshield hinges that screw to the trunk lid are not positioned right. Hmmm

We are at a loss. At the next Manassas Bug Out, I need to look at a few things to see how theres compare to mine. By chance does anyone have closeup pics on how their windshield frame is positioned?

Again Thanx for trying to help me out.
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1987 Vanagon GL
1973 VW Thing