C1 Convertible Top Straps

[Stephen M. Moore]

In the process of refinishing the frame and top for my '61. The top that was on the car when I bought it was in rough shape and missing some pieces. The questions I have are related to the straps. Just how many sets of "straps" are there? The AIM and other sources of documentation are not too clear on the strap situation. I know there is a set of straps on the rear bow that are used to hold it up when the top is being put up. Where are the attachment points for these straps - I believe there is a snap on the rear bow, but how do these work? Secondly, the compression straps? Attachment locations and use? I purchased an Al Knoch Top and it includes two straps - are these the compression straps or is there another set of straps that I'm not aware of? One last question, the carriage bolts holding the frame to the brackets on the car -were they bare metal or painted?

Thanks for any help someone can give.

[John M.]

Re: C1 Convertible Top Straps

Stephen,
The compression straps are the straps that are used to hold the rear bow up while storing it. There is a stud-mounted snap that screws through the strap, rear bow weatherstrip, and into a captive nutplate in the rear bow. When not in use, the strap is looped around and snapped back on it self. When in use it is snapped to a snap mounted on the vertical part of the frame directly behind the back of the door glass about 3/4 of the way up. I wish I had a picture of the front snap location to send to you since it is not intuitively obvious, but if you install the strap and fold the rear bow up and loop the strap around the vertical part of the frame you will see the hole the front snap mounts in.
The other straps that you recieved in the kit are the tension straps for the area of the frame from the top pads down to the rear bow. The top pads and the tension straps set the tension of the top frame and locate the bows at the correct location. Properly installed, the top fabric will not carry any more tension than is necessary to get the wrinkles out, while the pads and straps will carry the majority of the strain.
The bolts are not painted since they were not in place when the body was painted, but all the brackets were in place and should be painted. The bolts should be Cad/zinc plated.

Regards, John McGraw

[Stephen M. Moore]

Re: C1 Convertible Top Straps

John - Thanks for the info. I'm planning on having a profeesional install the top, but needed clarification on the straps.