Soft top hardware

[blue sky]

Does anyone have a photo of what I believe are metal straps with pins that are adhered to the front of the soft top that allows the top to be retained to the upper channel of the windscreen? I know there is a pair of chrome plated clamps at the end of these straps which I have a set of. I think Contemporary use to supply reproductions of them when they were in business but I don't know if anyone else does. I checked with ERA and they don't. I will fabricate my own if I know what they look like. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much. Regards.

[Bitten Bob]

Is that what you need ?

https://www.europaspares.com/product...ow___CHB_.html

[Steve Gallegos]

It depends on what make of car you for the length of the bow. I have a Backdraft and bought my bows from ERA.

[blue sky]

Bob, Thank you for the link. Will check with them on the specifics of those bows and how they are attached to the top. Regards, AJ

[blue sky]

Steve, Thanks for the information. I thought ERA made them being that they are one of the old manufacturers still in business. When I contacted them last week they said that they did not supply this. It may have been their intent that they did not supply this without the soft top and bows inclusive. Anyway got a link from another member that I will check to see what they provide. Thanks so much. Regards, AJ

[PaulProe]

AJ
The metal bows that go over the windscreen can be had from Cobra Restorers

Part No. CP1161

You might also be able to get a set from Nick Acton (Mickmate)

They are pricey but they are also pretty complex. They are formed(curved) in three different directions - not an easy piece to fabricate.

Paul

[blue sky]

Hey Paul, Aren't these bows metal and if so they need to be fitted to the windscreen they are being used on. I have a brass windscreen they came from Contemporary Classics during the early 90's. The dimensions and curvature of my screen are an exact match to an original but I have seen some windscreens that are different in size and shape. For all the AC's I had my hands on I have never looked at the soft top and how they fasten on in the front. So I am guessing at what they look like. Anyway, thanks so much for the leads. Regards, AJ

[mickmate]

Hi AJ good to see you on here. I use the ones Bob linked you to. I think the only major differences we see in windsheild shape and size is the SPF's. There are minor differences like the angle of the side post screws but most have the same basic shape and dimensions. They definitely fit CCX windsheilds like you have and they also fit the new CSX's.

[blue sky]

Hey Nick, How have you been. I finally got an idea of what these parts look like. Thought they were made differently. I want to use an old set of the Brasscraft clamps I picked up in the UK years ago since these are nice cast pieces. I saw a couple strange windscreens on cars that came into the shop while I was working on my car. Some were brass and some were aluminum. Originally was thinking that these bows would have to be custom made to accomodate the individual windscreen. Thanks for the confirmation on Europa bows. I believe Europa have distributors in the States. Need to go online to locate. I also need to take some time and run down to Mike McCluskey's shop and see how this whole area is trimed out. Hope all your projects are coming along. Take care and have a great day. Regards, AJ

[PaulProe]

AJ
The bows are metal, they have a stud welded inside the inboard end to engage the slot in the windscreen.

When assembled to the soft top, it is glued and wrapped around this metal piece, then a 2nd metal piece is riveted in to also afix the fabric to the frame. It is kind of a loose fit around the frame of the windshield. Once all this is done, the ends are fitted with the clamps that tie to the side of the posts. When they are engaged, the fabric and studs are pulled tight across the top of the frame.

Hope this helps

Paul

[blue sky]

Paul
When assembling the soft top, do you attach the material to the front frames first, then stretch the top back to locate where the holes need to be punched for the Lift-a-Dot studs, or is it done the other way around. I appreciate the advice.

Regards,
AJ

[mickmate]

Hey AJ Bob has a pretty good how to on it here Fitting the top
Basically start at the back with liftadot posts in the body, then in the top and move forward.

[PaulProe]

AJ
When fitting mine, I found I had to play both ends against the middle. I wanted to keep the seams lined up with the top bows. I lined those up then marked/indicated where the dots would go and also where the front would loop. Used a whole lot of duct (duck) tape to get it to the point I was confident enough to start gluing pieces or cutting holes.

Paul

[frdfver]

I did the same thing as Paul. I had bought the top and side curtains from Cobra Restorers. I first tried the side curtains to get the wind screen angle and position correct, had to move windscreen forward almost an inch. Then put in the top bow ferrels to match where the top met up with the side curtains. Then lots of moving tapeing repositioning. Then studs in the body and top.I also moved the rollbar forward, I didn't want to cut the top or rear window.

Paul T.

[blue sky]

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the advice which really helps. I had a set of side curtains which were used when the aluminum was being cut to position the windscreen and to do the final shaping of the whole cowl area. With the curtains in the door frames I wanted them to tuck in right behind the windscreen post as the door closed. The stud holes in the rear deck were drilled based on a documented template which I still went back and verified. The rear bow mounting position is a given due to the chassis. These are a fixed element. The top I have is a Robbins top I got from them 30 some years ago so I want to see how this lays out. Had good results with there tops back then when using them on other cars. I think I will try working both front and back together before I start punching holes or glueing. I want to get a good taunt fit to avoid as much flapping of material as I can. Have been in cars where it seems like the material is about to blow off although I am sure a lot of that has to do with repairs to body from accidents over the years which alters to attachment positions or body contour. Anyway will let you know how it comes along.

Hey Nick, Thanks for the link. That was a lot of good information. From that I see ERA does supply the front bows even though a message from them last week said they didn't carry them.

Thanks again
Regards,
AJ

[mickmate]

I think ERA is busy keeping up with supplying parts for their own cars. They are loyal to their customers first which no one could fault them for.