Wanted: VS Top/Hardware

Also, I'll be making some plexi side curtains a-la-Lane, so side curtains not needed. But if somebody has the little tubes that go in the door top, that would be cool. Why make stuff if it's already out there?

I have an extra set of tensioner's (spelling?) if needed.

Danny - You can get the tubes (ferrules, I think) at any decent hardware store.  Carey can provide you with some nice billet trim pieces for the tops.

Bill, I'll take them. Thanks.

Haven't heard back from Vintage. Let me know how much. I'm in NY.

Thanks Lane, I have been in touch with Carey, I'm going to use their catches for the rear of the top on the clamshell rather than snaps all across.

DannyP posted:

Bill, I'll take them. Thanks.

Haven't heard back from Vintage. Let me know how much. I'm in NY.

@DannyP Hey Danny, Sorry I just came across this old thread...Do you still the tensioner pieces?

I thought VintageSpeedsterParts had the top bows - but  can't find listed.  They have the header bow but now for $195.  Many of their decent prices doubled in last year.  Regretfully, DrClock said he threw some in dumpster when he cleaned his shop to move.

Thanks guys. Bill, hold on to the top tensioner pieces. I may need them, but I'm still not sure.

Greg, I'll have to make my own bows. I'm making a completely custom top, everything is going to have to be one-off, unfortunately. I've decided to add a little fiberglass repair to the header, it isn't much damage.

Oh, the 2 flipper tensioning pieces?  They look like they are cut from angle iron.  Will happly trace a pattern if needed.

Be aware the VS metal bows  must use the VS top and CMC bows must use the CMC top they are mot interchangeble as the radius of the bows and radius of the sewn in bow pockets in the top are a bit different.  ( yes I tossed out 8 CMC metal bows)

Mine are from VS if it matters. Being that DP is building a one off, I suspect it won't matter.

Alan, I'm building a SPYDER top which is a completely different animal than any Speedster top. So no material will be reused, as it's going to be all custom and all new, except for my windshield header.

"Be aware the VS metal bows  must use the VS top and CMC bows must use the CMC top they are not interchangeble as the radius of the bows and radius of the sewn in bow pockets in the top are a bit different. "

I didn't know this.  I used a VS Stay-Fast top with my CMC bows.  I did shorten both bows by 1-1/2" on each side - maybe that makes the difference go away.  Didn't notice anything weird about the bends in the bows, but didn't know what to look for back then, anyway!  It just fit.  Either that or I'm not very picky.

Gordon - Relieved to hear your results with a VS top and CMC bows as that's the bits I have now (uninstalled) and am reluctant to start poking holes for snaps in top/tonneau.  I may have Panhandle Bob with his VS swing by and help me.  We can compare the bows side by side.  I do have a conduit bender if tweaks are necessary.  I do notice that some of the VS tops are 'in" more than I like where they meet the front of the windshield which seems like a leak potential.  

Greg, that's funny...Finish the damn thing!

If you combine CMC / VS bows - top the radius of the bow and top do not match up. I tried one time to re-bend the CMC bows to work with the VS top to no avail....I'm not saying it's impossible but why not just match up CMC or VS components and avoid headaches.

BTW I may be doing a top install on site sometime over the Carlisle weekend for those that want to learn how to do it or tell me what I am doing wrong :~)

Hopefully someone can get it on video! Poking the first hole in a new $400 top is a bit scary.