On the Midget top, the frame link on each side in the area you describe is
not flat, but has two bends in it. The result of this is to apply a
bending moment to the link, especially if the joints are not lubricated
properly. The bending moments applied over time result in a metal fatigue
crack at the rivets. I have a spare frame with the link cracked on each
side.
Steve Byers
Havelock, NC
'73 Midget GAN5UD126009G "OO NINE"
'66 BJ8 HBJ8L/36666 "TARHEELY"
'63 BJ7 HBJ7L/20111 ("Resting" the last 10 years)
"It is better to remain silent, and be thought a fool,
than to speak, and remove all doubt." -- Mark Twain
----------
> From: Nory <Nory@webtv.net>
> To: G Graham <ggraham@edcen.ehhs.cmich.edu>
> Cc: mgs@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: Article on installing top
> Date: Tuesday, September 16, 1997 1:59 AM
>
> I have that issue (and the article). I can run off a copy at work and
> mail it to you if you e-mail me with your address.
>
> While we're on the subject of tops, I have two top frames that are both
> broken in the same place: At the joint by the passenger side window
> (hits the SO in the head all the time). Is this a major stress point or
> something, or is it just my dumb luck?
>
> -NORY
> Don't assume that because you have found one problem, you have found the
> ONLY problem.
>
> '74 Midget & '71 parts car
> '94 Ford Ranger
> '86 Ford Escort
> '89 Ford Probe
> '96 North American Shepherd
> http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Way/9101
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