top install questions

It is possible that whoever installed the windshield originally, did so in an odd place.  The distance from the front most top bow bolt, to the base of the windshield on my vintage is 32 inches.  My CMC/FiberFab was similar.  I replace the top with one from Vintage last year,and had plenty of fabric to wrap around. 

What is the distance on yours?

-=theron

you might need to shorten the two bows.  i lowered mine when i first did my top to get a nice "low-bow' profile.

Ensure tensioners are loosened - recall you had lost one and had to fabricate new one.  If your CMC is rare one with wind up windows - the windshield and top bows are indeed taller - suspect by 4-5 more inches of top would be required.  Show a picture that indicates how far windshield is placed forward - and how up-right it is installed as that could also increase length required.  Are the rear mounting snaps already installed?  How far back are they from the rear "seat" edge? Build manual says 1" back. Like Mango said the bows could be shortened - but that cuts down sparse headroom.

this was the only solution I could see when frustration set in last night. you have any measurements off yours so I can compare? lets see that low-down look you got also!

I'll get some pics and measurements up later tonite. the snaps are 1" from seat edge. 

no wind up windows on this one. as far as headroom, I'm not too concerned since the top will be used just for when i park the car or store it in garage. these were made to be topless!!

these are all good suggestions/tips. thanks. hope to get this wrapped up (pun intended) within the next or so!!

https://plus.google.com/photos...hkey=COK6xvShif3ZoAE

and for a zillion more: www.mangosmoothie.ca

I went through this same predicament when I installed a VS Stayfast cloth top (meant for low bows) onto my CMC, which came with high top bows.  

I documented the process of getting the top bows to match the expected height of the top, complete with pictures, and can send you a copy if you email me at speedstahguy at gmail.com so I'll have your return email address. 

It also includes notes about fabricating speedster side windows and some other goodies.

Gordon

The Speedstah Guy from Massachusetts

abso-frikken-lutely gorgeous tub!!

 i'm right at 32in on both sides. after reading a lot of the info sent to me, it looks like i may either have to fab up new bows or cut down the existing ones. I'm thinking of getting some cheap copper or aluminum tubing at home depot, bend some new bows to use as mock-ups, and play around with that for a while until i get the right height/slant/fit to this.

Didn't someone add Heim Joint to the end of the top bows?  Threading the ends of bows and using a heim joint with lock nut would give up to an inch of adjustment. (Was it an early top by Mango?)

i used turn buckles to tighten it up.

those would work too (although you can tighten them without disassembly)