I'm a little reluctant in asking such a basic question but I am at my wit's end. The top on my 1957 XK 140 is rarely, if ever, in the raised position since it is strictly a warm weather car. Over the winter the top was put up and I can't for the life of me get it to return to the correct folded position. Would someone please outline the correct sequence for folding the top? I have checked all the forums and You Tube videos but this seemingly basic procedure doesn't seem to have been covered. Thank you all.

 

When I had my MG Midget, the Owner Handbook had instructions on folding the hood. Maybe the XK140 handbook also has instructions; assuming you've got one, of course.

 

Drophead, not OTS I assume? My 140DHC's top goes down only one way, with the folds appearing naturally as the hood is lowered. Each section between the frame elements should be gently pushed inwards, maybe with a fine cloth over the rear screen. The ease of lowering is dependent on the hood to some extent - has it recently had a new hood? How many layers of wadding does the hood have? My car was retrimmed by Aldridge a year ago, and I had them use only two layers of wadding instead of their usual three. This was because I like to see the faint outline of the hoodsticks in the raised top - I don't like the 'mohair hardtop' look. Even with two layers the top is a push to get down enough to fit the cover.
The key with any soft top, in summer or winter, is to store it with the top up to counteract any shrinkage. The hood maybe doesn't go down as far as you might think it should, but the cover will keep it down.
Hope that helps,
Roger

 

Thank you. Very helpful.