1940 convertible top care and operation

[Automotive Stud]

I just had the top finished up on my car and I would like to use it. I know the snaps should be undone prior to putting the top down. Should the back window be unzipped or left up? Any other tips for the care and operation of the top? Thanks

[glennpm]

Hi,

I unzip the rear window first. I next undo all the snaps, the three latches and then push the header off the three latch dowels. I start the top raising with the vacuum cylinder until almost vertical and then usually push it down the rest of the way by hand. Once over the top when rest using the cylinder, it comes down too fast for my liking.

Glenn

[Ken/Alabama]

I never unzip my rear window, it simply folds over into the well as the top is lowered.

[Automotive Stud]

Nice, thank you!

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Automotive Stud

I just had the top finished up on my car and I would like to use it. I know the snaps should be undone prior to putting the top down. Should the back window be unzipped or left up? Any other tips for the care and operation of the top? Thanks

The '40 manual instructs that the rear window be lowered in to the well prior to the top being lowered. If you don't there remains a chance at breaking the rear screen.
You may want to fold it slowly as has been advised in a previous post and when doing so, fold the material in as nicely as possible.
I'd strongly advise you to put the top in the closed position each time you are done enjoying the sun and wind that day.
True show cars rarely, if ever, have their tops folded down once the car has been restored. There are good reasons for that...

[Automotive Stud]

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Originally Posted by Kube

The '40 manual instructs that the rear window be lowered in to the well prior to the top being lowered. If you don't there remains a chance at breaking the rear screen.
You may want to fold it slowly as has been advised in a previous post and when doing so, fold the material in as nicely as possible.
I'd strongly advise you to put the top in the closed position each time you are done enjoying the sun and wind that day.
True show cars rarely, if ever, have their tops folded down once the car has been restored. There are good reasons for that...

Agreed. When I got the car it had been stored long term with the top down, and someone tried to put it up and broke the latches trying to stretch it closed. This top was actually completed last fall, but the car is a driver and I'd like to enjoy top down motoring from time to time. Until now I've just unzipped the back window for more air.

[fortyonerag]

Watch how the latches sit against the top when lowered. The centre one can wear a hole into the top if incorrectly positioned when down.

This happened to the previous owner of my 41. Might not be an issue with the 40 however.