convertible top adjustment (again)

hey guys, new to the site, I read the tread on adjustment already but it didn't help my problem, I just bought a 69 dart, the top has been replaced and is like new, It opened and closed fine, I noticed a crack in the frame and it was a little rusty, so I removed the top and took out the frame to weld and paint it. I re-installed the frame in the same location without the top on it to get it all adjusted and now when it is fully closed it falls 2" short of the windshield, I tried every adjustment and I cant get it to come far enough forward. HELP!! does the top need to be on the frame to close properly? and the crack was only an inch long and by welding it nothing changed. any sugestions?