Correct tonneau stud pattern for 427 cobra

[A-Snake]

Originally Posted by Jim Maxwell

Sorry to not have gotten back to you regarding the pattern. I told you I was slow. I will try to get it done this weekend, although I am working both days.
I have owned 4 Cobras (3-289's and 1-427) and the tonneaus are all interchangeable. How do I know? Because I have done it multiple times. I just grab one when I go out on a road trip and I don't care which one I grab. The windows also have fit every car.
I beg to differ with those that think that the studs were placed and then the lift-a-dots were installed on the tonneau to match. That would be next to impossible to get right.
What does make sense is there was a pattern and the provider of the tonneaus used that pattern to install the lift-a-dots on the tonneaus and the same pattern was used by the guys in the factory for the studs.

Jim

Jim,
I totally agree that a pattern was used for the body and tonneau when the cars were built. Replacement tops and tonneaus from non OEM manufacturer are produced without the lift-a-dots in place. I've installed lift-a-dots on replacement tonneaus to match the stud pattern on the car. If you want to save a lot of time and grief, buy a punch that is designed to cut the holes for the folding tabs on the lift-a-dots.
http://canvasdealer.com/lift-the-dothandpunch.aspx