Replies sorted oldest to newest
I'm sure its close (if not exactly same) as CMC build manual here in Resources/Library. It shows the bows, header, and the tensioners. You do have to donate to view/download it though.
Gordon did a great write up too.
https://www.speedsterowners.com...e-top-in-a-speedster
I have done 2 SB tops, let me know if you have questions...
Have you tried the search function? It on here. I think Wolfgang posted a picture awhile back. One hole is all you need The hoops attach to the latch that has two holes
Johnny, does this help?
It's from my VS, but I imagine they're all pretty similar. The black piece is a tensioning bracket that keeps tension off the top while attaching the windshield clamps, but tensions the top after it's up.
Only the bolt on the right attaches to the car body.
This is the driver's side - the front of the car is to the right.
Attachments
Easy, just get the holes right.
Attachments
Everything is shinier than yours, Wolfgang (just kidding). But not all of us have 27 years of "Patina"!
John: That's a very easy lever to duplicate. It is just 1/8" by 1-1/2" flat steel stock with a tab bent into it and a couple of holes at strategic locations. If you need dimensions, let us know and I'll go out and measure them. They are mirror images left and right.
The hole placement for the metal bows is critical, cmc and vs are slightly different for correct top material tension....drclock
Btw have you considered moving the drivers side fiberglass kick panel to the outside of the steel rail, this will give you more clutch pedal foot room.
My CMC is the same way , tighter on the accelerator side than the clutch side.
BTW, if you do not have them, the shiny domed fitting between the top lever and the body in Mitch's photo is a Ford(302,351,390) valve spring cup just polished up. You may find something similar at a wrecking yard. When installing my top hardware I did not have the two cups needed and someone earlier on here had asked about them..... Thus armed with that knowledge I went out to our local wrecking yard found an old Ford pickup with a 390 and pulled off 4 cups from a head that was sitting on the ground next to the truck...cost was "free". After cleaning and polishing they look new and like they were made to fit. Other V-8's or engines may also have them, they just need to have enough dome to hold the top lever off the body.
I have a VS top and like Alan said it is critical on the bows hole placement for top tension on I think any other make than VS?
I have an extra set of latches.
For now Bill ..thanks
On my older IM, I have the tension levers too but sometimes moisture / rain allows the top canvas to become a bit slack. An easy cure is to set up a small luggage strap, Velcro strap, backpack strap or whatever and use is to pull the bows a little closer to each other. Big improvement in headroom.
No such problem with the hardtop.... :-)
Some may want / think they need to install a center convertible roof latch at the windshield, but you may be able to get away with something more simple.
I really did not have enough meat on the front top fiberglass bow to attach a regular latch and so made up a C shaped clip to do the job. Mild steel, maybe .065" thick bent into the right shape. Push the roof leading edge down onto the top of the metal windshield bow and install the clip. It works pretty well. Here's a not so good pic of it.