Ali Jenkinson

Hi Folks, I've done some investigating and as suspected, there's more than meets the eye at play here (I'm learning this joy as a new owner of an older car, it's an adventure!). I'm really pleased (and grateful for all the help) I checked here first as I think project hard top can take a back seat to project windscreen frame / bulkhead rebuild - after all, it's a spring/summer car really.... right? 😂. At least I know I've got a great condition MkIII hard top, which I'll stash to one side for a later date. Having loosened all the bolts inside and outside the car the windscreen won't shift more than a few mm - suspect the below is why. Someone has had a great time with the filler and... other foreign substances. There are also some suspicious welds on the A pillar (image 4) that suggest the body sag people have mentioned. The other side doesn't look much better -

So many helpful pointers and comments above, thank you very much gentlemen. @KevinR I hadn't spotted that the top of the windscreen is an early MkIII fitting, will this cause issues later down the line? I'm happy to replace if sensible (it's not in great nick anyway). As suggested I've focused on aligning the bolts at the back (I've not got my hands on the correct spacers and fitting yet), the below images are the result, suggesting the windscreen rake is rather out. I've also tried the windows (didn't think of that, I've always got the wound down!) and there are issues there too. It's a bit tricky to see but there is a lot of overlap when the windows are fully wound up and the door won't close (1st and 2nd image below). This also points to the windscreen rake being off I think? When I wind the windows up, as high as they'll go with the door closed, there's a significant shortfall (3rd image). I can adjust the window mechanism a bit but I'm guessing start with the windscreen alignment then do the windows if needs be?

Hi All, first time poster - new member and new owner, apologies if I've not quite followed due process. I'm planning on restoring a MkIII hard top I've got my hands on. Before I do I thought I'd better check fit (roughly as it's not got all rubbers on etc) and things seem way off. All signs (as well as previous owner) point to this being a MkIII hard top so I can only assume it's the car - before I commit to a strip down and repaint (and buy all the rubbers and head lining bits) I thought I'd check with much wiser, more experiences souls than I if I'm about to make an error. I've attached some photos to illustrate the issue at hand. Please may anyone who's come across this problem or has some understanding of what I'm dealing with shed some light? Any help gratefully received. All best wishes, Ali.