top installation woes

As predicted, my softtop installation is not as simple as the CMC manual makes out

The hinge method where the 2 bows come together in a little plate is not too elegant. Has anyone got a better idea?

The bows simply bolt to the body, and aside from being a bit awkward to do single handed it is just asking to damage something. Surely there is a better idea here as well. Perhaps a stainless studded plate of some sort?

The instructions call for 8 upholstery studs around each side of a central stud drilled 1 inch back of the rear seat. This puts the 8th stud right at the edge of the door. Is this correct?

Only one metal bow gets bolted to the tub with a 1/4" spacer to keep it away from rubbing the carpet, the other bow is mounted to the metal tension flipper. Some times, I need to redrill to relocate the hole to get a better bow to top fit. I have also had on some to remove the bow to body bolt and with with the top up and with a helper move the top around to get a better position and tension....
(check for proper side curtain fit against the top flaps before you continue) then drill a hole in the tub and bolt it there. Space the studs-male snaps evenly around the body with the one nearest to the door moved back so as not be positioned on a top flap.
Gordon has good top install instructions. ~Alan

Like Alan said - agree even the CMC drawings leave you open to interpretation. They never give good reference point when they give "precise" measurements. Alan can you take photos when you do top on current project?

Why not leave last snap off til you fit side curtains? Someone (maybe Gordon) covered the raw steel bows with heat shrink tubing - would give more finished look, Guess the hinges would look nicer if made from stainless steel with stainless steel hardware.

Seems you are following this:
https://www.speedsterowners.com/library/cmcmanual2/images/cmc93.jpg

Bob:

log into speedstershop.com, look under speedster tech and go to the second sticky; 'Speedster Related Technical Articles'

Under Exterior articles is one showing, in detail with lots of pictures, how to install a Stay Fast top from the bows on up, on a CMC.

You'll have to register first, if you're not yet a user, but they'll bring you up right after that and you can get to the article.


gn

Greg, Sure I can and will but Gordon has already done the foot work over on www.speedstershop.com ~Alan

robert - check out my site. i had the same problem and took a crapload of pics as i resolved it.

Paul - what is the link to your site?

Try this: www.mangosmoothie.ca