Classic/Antique Car Repair: 59 FORD RETRACTABLE

Question
QUESTION: brad
i have a 59 ford retractable,the roof hangs up when retracting off of the windshield header. i noticed the threads on the roof jacks are different,how many threads should be showing,i assume they should be the same,i noticed when the roof sets down on the windshield header the screw jacks are hitting a 1-1/2 inch to the right and doen approx. 3/4 inch down from the centerline of the female jack threads. if i need to adjust the screw jacks can you advise me on the correct way to do this?

thanks
john

ANSWER: I have a question or two before diving into this question. First has the car been in a total restoration with the body off the frame? How long have you owned the car and has the top been a problem for a while? Has the car had any extensive body work? Let me know and we will go from there.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: no i do not think my car had a body off restoration.there is some monor patch work on the doors and fenders. i have owned the car for about six months and the car came with the problem i mentioned above. i think the guy that ownedit before did some thinks right on the car but not so much on the roof work

thanks
john

Answer
These tops are a real bear to alighn. The main alighnment to get the top centered is the mounting for the two hinges at the back of the top. But before that is tackled the rubber body mounts between the chassis and the body should be checked. They can be worn and causing the body to sit a little unevenly on the chassis. That could twist it enought to cause the missalignment. If you are going to attept this project I would invest is a Ford Factory body manual. Not Motors, Chilton, or any of the other aftermarket manuals but a Factory manual.