Soft Top Boot (Cover) Zippers

[DD (CA)]

Can anyone explain the functionality of the zippers in the soft top cover?

The originals are seized or worse.

 

[michael-king]

They close the side parts to the rear flap. Keeps the cover from flapping and stops you from seeing the folded top between the gaps. They zip from front of car upwards towards the back.

 

[DD (CA)]

and if they were... not functional

how would this affect that function as described? Basically, I'm considering stitching the zippers in place, but they wouldn't zip. They'd look "right". lol...

I just don't yet understand how if they were fully zipped at all times, why would you unzip them I guess is the question. ;-)

Thanks Michael

 

[tiger260]

HTH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y38FrsNE4Tc

 

[Warren]

Wow

Thanks for the reminder of why I'm not even putting a top on my MK1a. The next guy can do it

Looking at the video reminded me of how bad a plastic window is. Just laying the fabric over on top of the window causes swirls and abrasions on the top.

 

[michael-king]

how would this affect that function as described? Basically, I'm considering stitching the zippers in place, but they wouldn't zip. They'd look "right". lol...

I just don't yet understand how if they were fully zipped at all times, why would you unzip them I guess is the question. ;-)

Thanks Michael

If you made the rear one piece it would eventually tear or pull trough from the padded roll. When you fold it open the rear part goes forward and the side parts fold in.. If it's all joined it's going to bunch heavily at the point where they join as the sides are holding in at a pinch point... Hope the explanation makes sense, I've folded mine forward while all zipped up.... It's not meant to operate like that.. Just strains as the sides try and stop the rear.

 

[65beam]

zippers

rub a bar of face soap on the zippers to keep them working good. the replacement boots on my cars have never been unzipped since installed. if the top is lowered right it's a simple matter of snapping it down.

 

[michael-king]

if the top is lowered right it's a simple matter of snapping it down.

The issue for the zips is not covering the top... Putting it back down to the body is allowing it to go back to its natural shape

The issue is pulling it forward to open it and operate the soft top... Lifting it forward bunches it up at the leading edge where they are at their most acute.

 

[HolyCat]

rub a bar of face soap on the zippers to keep them working good.

Soap might contain chemicals that could react with the metal in the zipper. A store selling scuba equipment is likely to have wax designed for use on zippers. Other potential sources of wax include old candles or the wax sold for canning purposes.

 

[DD (CA)]

kind figured it was hinge mechanism

ala 65beam, but also understand your suggestion Michael.

Unfortunately, while I'm plenty familiar with the soap trick, these are too far gone. So... I think I'll have to swap out.

Thanks guys,

 

[65beam]

Soap might contain chemicals that could react with the metal in the zipper.

if the soap reacts with metal I wouldn't want to use it to shower. I like my old skin. I have a couple boots made by Martha several years ago that have plastic zippers.