Triumph Repair: Spitfire Convertible top window seal, classic convertibles, window seal

Question
Jim,  I have read through the post and did not see one with the same issue.  I have a couple American classic convertibles and have done significant work on them.  Recently saved a older restoration '78 Spitfire from a friend that lost interest and was leaving it outdoors.  It runs and drives well but the seals at the top of the roll up side windows do not seal at all.  The top looks to be about 4-5 years old and everything is solid, even the clear plastic rear windows.  The front of the glass seals right inbetween the flaps and the rear of the glass seals well, just the center of the window is over 1 1/2" below the sealing flap???  There are no attachment points except the front the back cross bar?  It is as the top has shrunk.  Can the top or should the top be attached near the center bow?  I can pull/stretch the top down by hand.  I really have learned a lot reading your replies

Answer
Bob,

Some of the tops had a flap of vinyl attached to the underside that clipped around the top center bow.  Unfortunately the different top manufacturers all seem to do things their own way.

What you describe sounds like the top on my first Spitfire.  A friend's father had backed a boat trailer into the car, ripping a rear quarter window and bending the top frame out of shape.

You might take a look at the various struts to see if there's obvious damage, ie: peeling paint.  

Cheers,

Jim