I have a manual top on my 68. The top is less then two years old. I noticed today two small slits right where it folds. The car is being painted and it appears that they are punctures. Almost as if somthing was dragged across the top for 3 inches and only piereced the a 1/2 " area in the middle. Could this really be dry rot already. They are clean cuts and almost appear to be done by a blade.

I bought my 68 with a couple of those "slits" already in the top. Turns out the previous owner was folding the top wrong which pinched it and essentially cut the outer top over time.

Tough to explain how to do it right--here's a shot: As you fold the top down it will want to fold inward toward the interior. Don't let it--push the material outward toward the trunk instead. Hope that helps. I'd purchase a reprint of the little convertible top booklet that originally came with the car. It has pictures that help explain it.

Dab a little nail polish remover on the slits, an old-timer who installs tops locally here said it may help prevent them from growing. I did this 5 years ago and they haven't got any worse (along with reading the guide on how to fold the top right).

Not sure if this is your problem, but it sounded familiar to mine.

Thank you!
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