I cleaned and treated my top to some 303 in readiness for full-on top down season. While doing this I noticed on the driver's side where the C-pillar would be that the edge roll was turned back on itself. It is also showing wear where it is rubbing on the top of the rear quarter panel.

I tried lowering the top and raising it in increments to avoid the folding. Was able to make it work, but as soon as I lowered it the next time, the fold came back.

Any suggestions on how to avoid this and/or adjust the top so it does not rub? My top is in very good condition and I do not want to ruin it with something so seemingly simple.

 

I think that's going to be a tough issue to rectify. My wife is currently in Florida with her XK8 so I don't have it here to go peruse the same spot in order to brainstorm ideas. Perhaps the best alternative is to attempt to insert some sort of flexible dowel inside the seam of the top stitching in that particular area. That would provide more support and structure to the fabric, yet bend when necessary as the top opens or closes. The dowel may need to be made of a flexible plastic, but one strong enough to bend in both directions without weakening and eventually snapping in two....

 

Jon89,

Looked at it some more and I don't see a feasible way to get a wire inside the edge as it is sewn into itself. Will try after supper to see if maybe there is some way to clip it back.

By the way, the passenger side just barely kisses the inside of the quarter panel and doesn't seem to be close enough to harm the rolled edge. Don't see any difference between the two sides other than proximity to the side of the car.

And no codes BTW

 

I have seen the quarter panel rubbing wear on other XK8/Rs, including a bit on my own. The folding issue seems less common though.

I am not sure how much of this is a factor, but there are tension straps on either side, wrapped in foam. They are under the headliner over the rear quarter panels. This is unfortunately the same crappy stuff used for the headliner. Because of this the top becomes a bit slack over time in that area as the foam shrinks away. When I restored mine it helped smooth out some wrinkles a bit over time.

 

Thanks, I'll have a look at those straps and see if they can be tightened.