white top boot fits badly... need help

Hello,

I have a top boot in white. This fits very badly. It's a lot of trouble to pull over the top.

I'm always drenched in sweat after I put it on.

Can someone recommend a boot that fits well?

Thanks for recommendations

Greetings from Germany

Duck

That's a very common problem. I never put mine on for that reason.

Try leaving it in the sun before putting it on. It'll get softer. Or heat it with a hair dryer.

That is why I always tried to leave my top up during the colder months. I even hated to ever fold it. Like Mike (Luxstang) said - leaving the cover in the sun helps tremendously!

Mine (factory original) has some extra padding right under where the latches are...

Ray

These days it seems Distinctive Industries (corrected as per OMS note, Oops!) is the largest supplier of boots to vendors. Last year I rode the merry-go-round with them regarding a new boot for my 73 (a tear and the snaps kept breaking) but I will be remiss if I don't mention they were extremely responsive to the issue and handled the problem promptly and with courtesy. We went thru three replacements in as many months because the snaps kept breaking or popping thru the nylon retainer strip. The actual fit was, if anything, a bit loose in the final product. The first one was too tight and tore in the passenger side front inside corner - even after I let it lay in the hot sun for 45 minutes. The next couple were cut a bit looser, so that issue was resolved.

My experience is the boot is always a bit tight in the beginning of the season after the car has been tucked away for 5 months of winter. Once it spends some time in the sun, it conforms (stretches) just fine. Obviously, the boot should never be a struggle to install resulting in being drenched in sweat or ripped fabric. It usually takes me about 3 minutes to install the boot (with foam pads) once the top is down.

There is an outfit called Convertible Top Guys who advertise that they make them to order. Their price is about $50 more than TMI. I do not have experience with their product, possibly someone in the forum can chime in. They are located in Rhode Island.

Yes, it definatly is easier if the boot is warm.

I start with it buttoned on. The section above the rear seat in place. I center it as best as possible.

I then start at the back center and get this tucked under the molding. You can then move in one direction or the other towards the corner. Don't try to 'pull' it rather 'roll' edge under as you go. The corner is the hardest.

I picked up a new one from OMS. It's a tight fit, it actually ripped slightly at the inside corner seams but it's not easily noticed.

One of my parts cars had the hockey sticks and stainless trim in the rear drilled and snaps installed for that reason I would guess. They seem to be about 1/2" too small, lol. Over time I guess they do shrink.

David

Pm nailpounder. He had to go through 3 manufacturers before he found one the fit.

We had the same issue and fixed it by making the factory dents deeper in the tops of the inner wheel houses.

Ford beat the top of the wheel houses down to make room for the top frame. We

took a big hammer and made them about 1/2 inch deeper. This lets the top frame sit lower and makes more room for the boot.

We can drop the top, snap on the boot, and then bump the top switch just a bit to take out the slack.

Paul of MO

These days it seems TMI is the largest supplier of boots to vendors. Last year I rode the merry-go-round with them regarding a new boot for my 73 (a tear and the snaps kept breaking) but I will be remiss if I don't mention they were extremely responsive to the issue and handled the problem promptly and with courtesy. We went thru three replacements in as many months because the snaps kept breaking or popping thru the nylon retainer strip. The actual fit was, if anything, a bit loose in the final product. The first one was too tight and tore in the passenger side front inside corner - even after I let it lay in the hot sun for 45 minutes. The next couple were cut a bit looser, so that issue was resolved.

My experience is the boot is always a bit tight in the beginning of the season after the car has been tucked away for 5 months of winter. Once it spends some time in the sun, it conforms (stretches) just fine. Obviously, the boot should never be a struggle to install resulting in being drenched in sweat or ripped fabric. It usually takes me about 3 minutes to install the boot (with foam pads) once the top is down.

There is an outfit called Convertible Top Guys who advertise that they make them to order. Their price is about $50 more than TMI. I do not have experience with their product, possibly someone in the forum can chime in. They are located in Rhode Island.

Click to expand...

Bill, you bought the boot from me and the company that sent you multiple replacement boots was Distinctive industries not TMI.

We had the same issue and fixed it by making the factory dents deeper in the tops of the inner wheel houses.

Ford beat the top of the wheel houses down to make room for the top frame. We

took a big hammer and made them about 1/2 inch deeper. This lets the top frame sit lower and makes more room for the boot.

We can drop the top, snap on the boot, and then bump the top switch just a bit to take out the slack.

Paul of MO

Click to expand...

Paul, that's probably the best fitting advise.

There were fit issues when the cars were new, now with tops being replaced, different materials, out of adjustment or having 40 year old tops on them. It makes it hard to make a boot that fits all the cars due to the variables.

These days it seems TMI is the largest supplier of boots to vendors. Last year I rode the merry-go-round with them regarding a new boot for my 73 (a tear and the snaps kept breaking) but I will be remiss if I don't mention they were extremely responsive to the issue and handled the problem promptly and with courtesy. We went thru three replacements in as many months because the snaps kept breaking or popping thru the nylon retainer strip. The actual fit was, if anything, a bit loose in the final product. The first one was too tight and tore in the passenger side front inside corner - even after I let it lay in the hot sun for 45 minutes. The next couple were cut a bit looser, so that issue was resolved.

My experience is the boot is always a bit tight in the beginning of the season after the car has been tucked away for 5 months of winter. Once it spends some time in the sun, it conforms (stretches) just fine. Obviously, the boot should never be a struggle to install resulting in being drenched in sweat or ripped fabric. It usually takes me about 3 minutes to install the boot (with foam pads) once the top is down.

There is an outfit called Convertible Top Guys who advertise that they make them to order. Their price is about $50 more than TMI. I do not have experience with their product, possibly someone in the forum can chime in. They are located in Rhode Island.

Click to expand...

Bill, you bought the boot from me and the company that sent you multiple replacement boots was Distinctive industries not TMI.

We had the same issue and fixed it by making the factory dents deeper in the tops of the inner wheel houses.

Ford beat the top of the wheel houses down to make room for the top frame. We

took a big hammer and made them about 1/2 inch deeper. This lets the top frame sit lower and makes more room for the boot.

We can drop the top, snap on the boot, and then bump the top switch just a bit to take out the slack.

Paul of MO

Click to expand...

Paul, that's probably the best fitting advise.

There were fit issues when the cars were new, now with tops being replaced, different materials, out of adjustment or having 40 year old tops on them. It makes it hard to make a boot that fits all the cars due to the variables.

Click to expand...

Plus you can have fun with the big hammer!

Thanks for yours suggestions and tricks.

I see, a suitable Top boat it will not probably give. except custom-made products.

Greetings Duck