had a new windshield put in and now the top wont.......

[jonszr1]

go on . i removed my top so that the guy could put a new windshield on and now it wont go back on its like the whole windshield is off by 1/2-1 in towards the passenger side of the car any ideas as to what is wrong .?or does one have to readjust the top when you replace the windshield ?

 

[navy2kcoupe]

I think I would take it back, show them what's up, and have them reinstall the windshield WITH the top back on. It was working before, it's gotta work after! The only change has been the windshield.
Andy

 

[joshwilson3]

I don't see why the new windshield would prevent you from putting your top on since the top bolts down to the frame. Did he also put new weatherstripping on?

 

[Idaho Slim]

go on . i removed my top so that the guy could put a new windshield on and now it wont go back on its like the whole windshield is off by 1/2-1 in towards the passenger side of the car any ideas as to what is wrong .?or does one have to readjust the top when you replace the windshield ?

Had multiple issues with a replacement acrylic top this summer, and found one of the adjustments is in the top where there is a triangle brackett that the securing bolt goes through. This brackett has 2 alignment bolts that moves the brackett left - right - in - out. The top might need adjusted for the new windshield alignment position?

 

[joshwilson3]

Had multiple issues with a replacement acrylic top this summer, and found one of the adjustments is in the top where there is a triangle brackett that the securing bolt goes through. This brackett has 2 alignment bolts that moves the brackett left - right - in - out. The top might need adjusted for the new windshield alignment position?

The top bolts down to the frame. The windshield shouldn't have anything to do with it.

 

[hotmtrsports]

I've had a few C4's and I remember that if they were parked on an uneven surface, it was very hard to re-install the top.

There is also some pressure on the egdes while cleaning the rubber from the old windshield. The combo of both could have put the windshield frame off and was kept that way when the new windshield was installed.

Don't adjust the top to fit the problem. 1/2" to 1" fitment difference is unacceptable and will follow the car with top issues forever.

I agree that you should bring it back to the installer. This time making sure the car in on an even surface and the top is on.

It should also be on their dime, not yours.

Chuck M

 

[Hib Halverson]

Was the car parked on level ground during the attempt to reinstall the top?

 

[boomdriver]

go on . i removed my top so that the guy could put a new windshield on and now it wont go back on its like the whole windshield is off by 1/2-1 in towards the passenger side of the car any ideas as to what is wrong .?or does one have to readjust the top when you replace the windshield ?

Depending on the installer, some pull or replace the A pillar weather strip since its part of the windshield seal/trim around the top. The new weather strip, or even the old one thats been re-installed, can be tough to press down enough the first time to form a seat for the top panel.
Be sure the car is on level ground, as the frame tweeks and makes the guide pins miss the sockets.
Try a different sequence in the bolts....ex: mine likes to have the driver side front tightened most of the way before the passenger side will start. Once those are both started then the rears can be snugged. Trying to start the passenger side first results in tools flying around the driverway....it just won;t go until the other side is started. I'm sure more adjustment would correct this, but I know how to make it go together, so thats good 'nuff for now.

Worst case, your tops front guides might need to be adjusted. There IS a method, but I'm sorry, I do not know it.:confused
I just eye-balled the fit, then approximated the location of the guide plate and moved it and lightly tightened it in place. This is trial & error, but it only took 3 or 4 attempts to get it on. At my age with my crooked spine, I was probably good for at least another 4 or 5 times lifting the top on/off.....
when ever I complain about the effort or fitment now, I also have to remember that it was also much easier 20 yrs ago...

 

[hotmtrsports]

At my age with my crooked spine, I was probably good for at least another 4 or 5 times lifting the top on/off.....
when ever I complain about the effort or fitment now, I also have to remember that it was also much easier 20 yrs ago...

That's what she said...otfl sorry, but you left yourself wide open with that one!!!

Chuck M

 

[boomdriver]

That's what she said...otfl sorry, but you left yourself wide open with that one!!!

Chuck M

..yeah.

still true ! even when "she" is concerned ! at least 4 or 5..

 

[jonszr1]

thanx a bunch for all the responces . i moved the car into the garage where it was totally flat and the top wet on without issue .phew .it never ceases to amaze me how much flex these cars have in them without the top on . dont think i ever would want to drive them with the top off.