Re: Softop Install
Tony Leeming (tleeming(at)mail.island.net)
Fri, 14 Jun 1996 21:01:17 -0700
tstiffy(at)pulsenet.com wrote:
>
> 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
I seem to recall that the guy that installed mine got the wrinkles out by
steaming it with a kettle on the inside. That was a few years ago and
they are back!! Good luck
Tony Leeming SeriesII