Correct tonneau stud pattern for 427 cobra

[gsharapa]

I think the best way to do this if your Cobra doesn't come with one is to buy one as there are companies that sell them (prices around $ 300.00) and then install it. Just as many said in the past on 1,000ssss of posts these cars were pretty much built as one offs and I would not trust measuring one car vs another to get the correct pattern as there probably isn't a correct pattern! Now if you just want to have the studs and no cover guess that would work...

[CSX3183]

I have an original cover, with thge zipper for the roll bar, I will be happy to sell it, as my plan have changed. kathywillets@hotmail.com

[A-Snake]

As noted on the photo, the top stud is the left outboard of the four in line studs. The next lower stud is 6 9/16" away (center to center) and on a line with the corresponding stud on the right side that is 7/8” forward of the 4 in line studs.

There are now five more on each side to locate.

The next one I’ll locate is the one closest to the rear of the door. This stud is 40 1/8" from the front snap mentioned before. It is 1" behind the door edge.

[A-Snake]

[A-Snake]

Next is the location for the second stud behind the doors. It is located 4 7/8" behind the previous stud. The measurement to the corresponding stud on the right side is 52 3/8” (center to center) The distance to these studs from the front snap is 42 ¾”
There are now three more on each side to locate.

[A-Snake]

Here are the measurements for the last three on each side. The image is of the right side. The 4 7/8”, 3 7/8” 3 ¾”, 3 ¾” are distances between studs.

The curvature of the body in the area of these three studs prevents measuring to the corresponding stud on the opposite side.

These measurements are for original Cobras whether they are leaf spring or coil spring. As Jim Maxwell mentioned, original tops can be moved from car to car. When a new top is purchased the lift-a-dots on the top are fitted to the body studs.

Cockpit dimensions of replicas may vary making these measurements useless.

[DMXF]

Originally Posted by A-Snake

:These measurements are for original Cobras whether they are leaf spring or coil spring. As Jim Maxwell mentioned, original tops can be moved from car to car.

Jim - Not trying to take away from the value of your efforts (admirable), but I, along with some others, have found not all original cars share the same exact lift a dot pattern. Tonnaus/tops will interchange with many cars, but there are some exceptions. The differences, from unmolested cars, are usually small (maybe 1/2"?) and seem to be found with certain more outboard pins.

[1985 CCX]

Mike is right however a good reference will make it look right and it is valuable information!

GREAT work guys and thanks for the help.............