I had a new top installed on my 1970 442 with new window mouldings as well.
The top looks good but there is a gap over the rear quarter window of about 1/2 an inch at the center of the top on both sides . It looks like the top frame over the window is not completely extended at the joint.
Any ideas?
Thanks

 

Also, if anybody has a 70 442 or cutlass convertible and could post a pic of their extended (top up)from the inside above the rear quarter window that would answer my question.
Thanks

 

I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but I'm not seeing the rubber gasket there.

- Eric

 

Removed the gasket furthest back to check clearance from front to back. It was 1/2 inch at back and a full inch at the front.
I was going to shim it but them figured I better check with the Olds guys

 

I had to adjust my windows as much as messing with the top. I've read where you shouldn't use the top for at least two weeks to let everything set in the place it should be. Lots of variables to how well it closes.

 

I messed with the window adjustments for hours till I figured out that the frame might be the culprit. So I should wait a few weeks to see if it lays flat? I live in Wisconsin so it may be a while till it warms up.

 

There are a lot of adjustments on the convertible top frame. Unfortunately, you're supposed to adjust it before it has canvas on it.

I'd sit in the car and slowly read the chapter in the Fisher Body Manual a few times, until you feel like it's really sunk in, then see whether a bit of fiddling (and a strong helper) can straighten it out.
It's probably best to do this in the warm weather, when the top is soft and easier to manipulate.

- Eric

 

Copy that Eric, I paid to have it professionally installed. Just want to know that it was done right or wrong. I was going to shim the moldings to meet the top but discovered the frame didn't look fully extended which makes sense since the quarter window was tight to the moulding in the front and back but not in the middle.

 

Good advice Eric gives. Pull it out and let the sun heat it up or park it under a radiant ceiling hung heater. Get the top to sit nice and lock nicely on the A pillar. Then adjust all the windows to fit to the top. This assumes the frame doesn't need bushings, isnt tweaked and has been installed correctly. Id inquire with the top installer before doing anything. They do it all day and should be able to guide you in the right direction if I haven't. If you're not satisfied with your top installer find another. It is an art to properly fit a top.

 

This may help, left and right sides of my 71.

 

Ya know, that joint in the frame uses a special bolt. When I bought my car it was missing that special bolt and just had a small diameter bolt with a nut through the holes in the frame, and the frame didn't quite line up properly. From what I remember the two frame pieces could move around some due to the ~3/16" bolt in a ~3/8" hole.

I made a new bolt in our machine shop at work using the one from the other side as a pattern. They are available new these days (weren't available back in 1990).