At 11:05 AM 3/2/99 -0800, Mark Sinclair wrote:
>Question on soft-tops.
>I need to replace mine and was wondering if the later type with the fixed
>frame which folds down behind the seats is a replacement for the earlier
>remove, fold and put in trunk type.
>Anyone gone down this path?
>Anyone got a frame or complete top for sale?
Mark,
I'm not to sure how doable it is. But it really shouldn't be that hard
to modify the car. The fold down frame is held to the body with 3 bolts
just behind the "B" pilar. So you will probably have to make a template
and a mount pad to put in there. In addition, there are 2 holes drilled
(with nuts under them) in the rear deck rim to secure the back of the top.
I don't remember them on my 67 - it had 2 little chrome C pieces that
the top slid into. Then there is the matter of how the top attaches to
the windscreen. On my 67, there was a bead in the top that slid under a
lip on the front of the windshield. On my 77 there are 2 latches that
latch into 2 zirc like fittings that are mounted to the top of the windshield
frame. This will also require drilling 3 holes and finding some way to afix
nuts for the zirc fitting.
However, I would really rather have my top come off and store like my old
67. When you fold the top down, you practially loose the storage space
in the jump seat as the top is sitting there. I used to through my
brief case and groceries back there instead of in the trunk. Also I could
carry an extra individual or 2 - albet unconfortably. Not so with the
top that folds down. In addition, my folding top has several cuts/punctures
where it has gotten caught in the mechanics. This you didn't have to worry
about with the old tops. Also you have to be pretty careful of the clear
plastic windows. If it is too cold when you try to put the top up or down
you can crack the window. Again I never had this happen with my 67.
behind the
>
>
John T. Blair WA4OHZ email: jblair@exis.net
Va. Beach, Va Phone: (757) 495-8229
48 TR1800 65 Morgan 4/4 Series V
71 Saab Sonett III 75 Bricklin SV1 77 Spitfire
www.team.net/www/morgan bricklin.shel.olsy-na.com/bi
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