RE: Softop Install
tstiffy(at)pulsenet.com
Fri, 14 Jun 96 18:44:22 PDT
Paul,
I've also started to install a new soft top on my Series I. When bought the
car last fall, it didn't have a soft top with it, only the frame. I
purchased a new top and windshield frame gasket from Sunbeam Specialties. I
have the top attached in the rear with screws that were still there. When I
got to attaching the front to the front bow, I stopped. The gasket I
received appeared to be made with grooves to fit into a channel.
However,there was no channel with the frame. I could be wrong, but I think
the top material should bend over the bow and be held in place with this
channel. The top of the bow had dry glue residue on it. I ordered the
channel from J.C.Whitney....Yea, I know what your thinking,but the channel
the they sent looks really good. It's polished aluminum and shines like
chrome. The rubber seal fits nicely into it. The only thing I'll probably
have trouble with is bending it to fit the arc of the front bow. I might try
to slot the back side that will be hidden to allow me to bend it. After I
bend it to match, I plan to put a coating of "counter top glue" to the bow
top, and attach the top with no. 6 sheet metal screws through the channel.
After it sets, I'll slid the gasket into the channel and that should be it.
What I don't know is how much I should stretch the top to avoid wrinkles. I
don't know how much the material will relax after it's on for a while. Does
anyone out there on the list know? Does anyone think my method is ok? Please
let me know before I step off that cliff.
Tim Stiffy
Alpine I
---------------Original Message---------------
When starting to lay out the softop material to install on my Series V, I
found that the previous softop material is connected via rivets to the bar
that holds the top to the windshield. I was hoping to find screws. My
thought is now that I have to drill out the rivets and find screws to
replace them. Is this correct? Any specific type/size of screws I should
look for? Should I also use some type of cement/glue? Any other
suggestions?
thanks
----------End of Original Message----------