convertible roof problem

Hi folks,

Was wondering if someone has had a similar experience and can shed some light on my problem. I recently changed the convertible top of my 66 because the old one had seen better days, in particular it had two tears on the left quarter panel about 10cm apart that were quite big. Anyway, about a month ago I replaced the roof with a Robbins white top. After only the second time I put it down I noticed two very small piercings in exactly the same place that the previous tears were. I feaked!! Obviously something is causing the roof to tear at the same point. I had them vinyl welded to the best I could but everytime I put the roof down I can see evidence that this will eventually happen again in exactly the same spot. As the roof folds onto itself I am assuming that the underside (which is black) is catching somewhere or something is resting on it, causing pressure, and eventually for it to pierce. I suspect it maybe the zipper from the plastic window but not sure. I am about to take some leather and using velcro attach it on the inside and see if this helps.
Sorry about the long winded explanation,but has anyone else had the same problem??? Can anyone suggest what I might look for?? Its freakin me out!!!  Can't keep replacing the roof.  

1. Find sharp place and make it not sharp. The problem has been there from its beginning.  

thanks for the advice...i figured that part out long ago.  

I'm going to have to look myself, but mine (67)has the same tendency.  I see a sharp looking peak under the roof after I close it.  I have found that the center bow is sliding out of position when opened/closed causing a stress point on each side where you describe.  I have been sliding the bow forward manually to remove the stress and restore a normal roof contour.  My car is not restored but has a replacement top sometime in the  past.  I was able to manage the stress in this way, so thought I'd fix when a full resto is appropriate.  I may look into it sooner now that you have also encountered the snag.  If I learn more, I'll pass it along, but sliding that bow really takes the stress out. I think the bow is supposed to be "tethered" to another forward bow that automatically tensions the roof on closing.  

I just took a quick look at mine.  The moving bow is just above the forward margin of the rear quarter window.  The stress point is where that bow attaches to the main bow behind it.  Mine will slide in an arc on the pivot point and reduce or increase the stretch on the roof itself. The pivot point where the two bows meet is where mine was getting into trouble.  There was a sharp point on the metal framework that pushed on the top when not appropriately tensioned.  After looking at mine, I think there is/was a cloth sling that controls that mid bow so it stays in place.  I'll have to fix mine as well at some point, but I've done pretty well so far by looking at the position and correcting it as needed.  

Thanks for the valuable info. I will look at mine closely. Where this sharp metal point on the framework pushes the top, does it sit near the zipper when folded down?
regards
pba66  

It has been raining a lot lately, but when it's dry, I'll get it out of the garage and give it a good check out, maybe a photo.  The center bow would fold down near the zipper though.  

Thanks Really appreciate it.  

Hey Boomer,

Just had a thought, is the well liner in a 66 deeper than in a 67 with glass window?.  Mine being a 66 had a folding glass window which i didn't think was original and i have replaced it with a plastic window. I didn't change the boot liner. My point is if it should be deeper is my roof compressing too hard on itself causing rubbing where it usually might not?  

I don't know about the depth of the well, but my recollection is that the split glass was a first in 67.The roof I have may be original, but could also be an older replacement.  It has a plastic window. If the roof is original, then at least the window has been replaced as it is too clear for the age.  The roof itself has some visible age on it.  

Hey Boomer,

I think I may have solved the problem. I pulled the zipper of the window back a little and placed a second piece of material on the inside where the pinholes are forming and I have not had the problem since. Seems like the roof was folding onto the zipper and it was causing the pinholes. Guess I will keep an eye on it over the summer.  (Oz)

cheers
pba66