Record For The Most Clamps??

I think you need a few more....

Just kidding, looks good.

If Vince replied to this, there would be clamps on a naked female......

Frank,

I am an apprentice woodworker.  You can not believe the amount of clamps it takes to make some curves.

Art

Danny, if you could only see my collection of photo's that "Can't" be posted...

And this was just to glue the new canvas top onto the header rail.....

I'm a woodworker too. You can never have enough clamps.

Agreed. When I restored that 55 teardrop - I think I had 50 clamps on that hatch.

I hope (not trying to be a wise guy) that you used Gorilla Glue brand glue!

As a woodworker all my life,  its the best glue on the market, water proof ,(just as much as the wood), dries hard ,easy to sand with no creep at the glue line ,and will hold the curve as long as it has time to cure! Glue one side only ,and dampen joining piece!  Water is the catalyst for the curing of the glue!   Yellow glue is a NO-NO!!!

This was a contact cement.  First time I ever used.  Wow, what a smell off that stuff. This isn't woodworking, I just used the beadboard slats to follow the curvature if the header rail on the top to make sure there is pressure.

I just did the same project but only used 12 clamps ... lowers head in shame

Sorry Frank, I must have misunderstood what you were doing. I thought you were actually making the piece itself. As for the contact cement ,I'm sure it will hold unless it gets subject to real hot weather and then it may loosen up. Clamps fooled me ,because usually working with contact cement does not require any clamps, but I see your just making sure you have plenty of pressure on the  area.  (:    I hope you read the directions well, as each side of whatever your gluing up must be almost dry to the touch ( no transfer to fingers ) BEFORE ,the two pieces are stuck together. If contact cement is wet, no good adhesion will take place. Hence the name  ( Contact Cement)     Stu.

Disappointed not to see a few hose clamps and some duct tape!

Thought about it Greg but there was no room...

OK, so the clamps must be doing something good, but I've done several different tops for people and never used more than a couple of vise grips and two bungee cords.  

Frank:  if you want to read the article I wrote on installing a VS top on a CMC, (I know....it'za little late) email me and I'll send it to you.  It even shows you how to make a pair or side curtains.

Gordon,

Clamps and slats are all in place to hold canvas in the header rail valley.  Just wanted to be sure there was some pressure there.  Got a bit carried away.  Once I get the top at the right tension and the frame location set I'll have to make side curtains.  I was told the easiest way is to make templates and bring to a glass shop and have them cut Lexan and finish edges etc.  I'd like your take on it though.

Thanks,

Frank

Gordon, next winter I want to put a new top on my VS to freshen it up a bit.  If your article shows the way to install the snaps I'd appreciate a copy.  Thanks in advance.

Frank--this is a good time to add a third, center windshield latch if it's not already too late.  Makes a world of difference in the rainproof department.