Correct tonneau stud pattern for 427 cobra

[A-Snake]

With the rear view mirror having different mounting locations on cars perhaps the snap that is location in the front cowl in the horizonal position would be a better reference point. It should be the midpoint of the top of the dash area.

There are a total of 16 lift-a-dot studs used for the softtop. An addtional four are needed in the front cowl for a tonneau plus the one snap I mentioned above.

Four of the lift-a-dot studs on the rear cowl are in a straight line. The rear edge of the cockpit opening at that point is also straight so these should be easy to locate. The centers of these four studs are 13 3/8" from the cockpit edge. The center to center of these same 4 studs are 8" apart. (Total span 24") To check there location, measure from the horizonal snap on the front cowl to the most outboard of the four studs mentioned and it should be 49 1/4". If the two outboard measurements are the same, you can then use the 8" spacing between them.

Have to run right now but I will post later on locating the remaining studs and some pictures for reference.

More later

[A-Snake]

I'm not an artist so I hope this makes sense.

The reference point along the line at the bottom is the horizontal snap that screws into the front edge of cowl over the dash. (Just below mirror)

The horizontal line above that is the edge of the rear cowl. (Back of cockpit)

There is a straight line of four lift-a-dots located 13 7/8" behind the edge of the rear cowl as mention in my last post. The back of the cowl at this point is a straight edge. Again the two outboard studs of these four are 49 1/4" from the front snap.

Now we will reference the next two Lift-a-dot studs. One on either side of the four in line studs. These next studs are 6 9/16” away (center to center) from the stud next to it. These studs are 50 3/8" from the front snap. We can't give a reference for these two studs from the back of the cockpit as that line now starts to curve.

Belore we go on to the "next row" of studs, are there questions? There should be as this is getting confusing to me

[ERA Chas]

It strains credibility that the cars had precisely and consistently installed studs, one to the other.

We know all the stories, left side of nose different than right, five or more different flair designs, paint colors according to what was on the shelf that day, stripes by eyeball, hood rivets the same way...on and on. These are wonderful handmade creations with everything that implies.

I'd just do an installation that was reasonably close to the configuration and make sure the top/cover was nicely taut with a minimum of wrinkles. That's what I did on my fakey car.

[A-Snake]

Fair enough ERA Chas, I'll end the attempt to describe the stud layout.

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by A-Snake

Fair enough ERA Chas, I'll end the attempt to describe the stud layout.

A-Snake,
Please don't stop just because of one person.There are others, including me, who want the full set of "original" measurements.
I for one appreciate the time and effort you are giving.
Regards,
Paul

[DanEC]

Also, is it possible to expand this to include the side curtain recepticle layout in the door? My driver door layout is different than my passenger door layout and I'm pretty certain that means I need to corrrect one of them.

Thanks

Dan

[dlampe]

I am interested also. I don't even want a top or tonneau cover but I want to install the pins for the original look. I am looking forward to the rest of the details.