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Soft Tops Attachments
All
I am (finally) considering a soft for the Cobra and have a couple of queries. I understand that most soft tops attach to the windscreen with a curved c-section of some description. I have seen plenty of images of the latches that fix this c-section to the uprights of the screen but would like to know if there are any over-centre latches that connect the soft top to the channel in the top of the screen. Secondly, how does the canvas attach to the c-section? Clips, sail track, glue?!?!? Alternatively, any information on other methods of fitting the top to the windscreen would be good. Any photos will be greatly appreciated. Cheers Geof |
If you look at the top of the windscreen, you'll see a C shaped channel. In the center, that C shape goes away.
The metal atatchement in the front has a post with a button head. You put the post in the open spot in the middle, and then slide it outwards. The posts are now trapped in the C shaped channel. The fabric is glued to the metal parts in the front. |
ERA's great info http://www.erareplicas.com/427man/top/index.htm
I have and make a few parts for these if there's anything you can't find or make. The header bows are a trick, let us know what you come up with on that. |
My top is held onto the windscreen with press studs along the outer side of top of frame so the roof ( made of the same material as Mercedes soft top) folds over the top of screen to attach. Bows slide into the channel from the centre. Keeps wind and water out, except in extreme conditions when I may get a little water blowing in ( usually over 100kph)
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Mine is the standard one Geof and was easy to fit. Was made up by experienced upholsterer up here. No water gets in and it does not flap. A key issue is the rear bow and how it sits with roll hoops. I lowered mine a bit to create a slightly lower profile. The angle of the rear window is also a choice. Some pics in my gallery. More available if u need them.
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Cheers
Thanks for the info gents.
I am hoping to have a header bow in two parts to fit over the screen. I need this because a full width version will not fit into my boot. Hence the reason I am particularly interested in how the bows attach to the screen in the middle. bobcowan Is your header bow in two parts? It sounds like you have you have a button head on both sides. If so, does the material seal well around the join and how well does the assembly fold up. mickmate Thanks for the ERA link. This image from the link you provided explains a lot of what I am looking for, in the button head in the middle of the screen: http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/data/500/topfit2.gif I have managed to knock up a couple of header bows but am just looking for how to attach them to the screen in the middle. dadndave You might have the solution to my problem (or at least one of them!) in the press studs that attach your top to the screen. What sort of clips are they and where are they attached? I have considered clips but thought that water would stream in between them in the rain. Merv The profile of your top is very nice. How is the material attached to the header bow and does the whole lot fit in your boot? Thanks again Geof |
Geof, my header bow is in two parts (c/o Don P) and the whole set up can be folded and stashed in the trunk in a bag that the trimmer can make up. My marine canvas material is glued on to the header bow. The angle at the rear is important - I liked a particular angle and I experimented with the bows in place and a bed sheet to get the angle that I wanted and then stipulated to the trimmer that I wanted clear sections at both sides as well as centre. The centre section at the rear, where it clips to the 'tear drops' on the body, is a piece of shaped stainless that can be slid into the sewn top. There are available fibreglass or metal sections that shape the rear to the body and over the arches of the wheels. I found that I didn't need that with the right kinds of fittings.
Adjusting the bows may be needed and they can be shortened or even extended a little by placing a short plastic tubing 'sleeve' on the joints. Mine did not need that either. Let me know if you want some interior pics. The one below was before I wet the top and let it 'set' for a couple of days. http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...um/Hood_21.jpg |
I have a big bag of the rivets for the ends of the header bows but I think you'll find the head of a 16 penny nail is almost the same darn thing.
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The old MGs always had wooden front header bows.
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will take photos and post
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