2nd attempt at this- hope it works this time! No doubt my fault, I am nearly computer illiterate.

Wondering about storing my '72 Cutlass convertible with the top up but unlatched to relieve pressure at the stress points. The top seems a bit shrunken in the Fall, probably due to colder weather, and its age is unknown.

It stays down all Spring and Summer, car stays garaged during inclement weather.

Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated.

 

I have my top down about 50 % of the summer- depending on wearher. When I store it I just put it up and latch it, leave it up during storage. My thoughts are if it isn't stretched out it will contract and be really tight- It is really tight when I secure it as is. My top is prolly 20 years old. I moth ball it- I know, I know- some can't stand the smell- I don't mind it and I have never had problems w/ mice after starting using them....

 

I latch my top, with a pad between the top and the header bow for storage, as the header is original and starting to show its age. When loose the top develops C-pillar wrinkles which take weeks to come out. However, it stays down pretty much all summer, maybe going up once or twice to stretch it out.

 

Housekeeping, I moved the posts to a new thread.

Definitely take care of that convertible top. Don't want vermin or dry rot to damage it.

 

Convertibles should be stored top up and latched

 

Agreed with 70-W32. One thing I can suggest is to let it sit in the sun for a few hours unlatched then latch and pull it in and cover it.

 

Thanks to all- I will definitely latch the top after watching for some last minute decent temperatures and sunshine here in Michigan to warm it up first. We are currently forecast for one day in the 60s this week- here's hoping!

 

Probably won't get hot enough to have much of an effect this time of year, but no worries -- it'll stretch out over the course of the winter regardless of temp and if it doesn't, just drive it around for a bit with the top up during the first hot spell next spring.