C1 soft top

[James R.]

I am working on the soft top for my 58 project. A past owner put on a repro soft top and drilled out the threaded holes for the screws that attach the pads to the top surface of the bows. He/she used rivets to secure the pad. The holes that were drilled go all the way through the bow. Is this correct? It seems that they should not go all the wau through and I either fill, re-drill/tap new holes or use rivets also when I install the new top. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 soft top

James
I would contact Al Knoch interiors and ask them. Dale is usually very good about giving out information.
Terry

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 soft top

I am working on the soft top for my 58 project. A past owner put on a repro soft top and drilled out the threaded holes for the screws that attach the pads to the top surface of the bows. He/she used rivets to secure the pad. The holes that were drilled go all the way through the bow. Is this correct? It seems that they should not go all the wau through and I either fill, re-drill/tap new holes or use rivets also when I install the new top. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

the bows were originaly drilled and tapped thru the entire thickness of the bow metal. rivets wouldn't look good to a judge but would work. not sure if heli-coils are available for the small threads of the original fastners. guess ya dould weld, then re-drill and tap the metal. mike

[James R.]

Re: C1 soft top

Thanks Mike. I think I will try the weld, re-drill and tap plan. If it doesn't work, I could fall back on rivets.
Jim

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 soft top

Does anyone know what the correct, original size of the threads were? Helicoils come in pretty small sizes. To date, the smallest size Helicoil that I've bought/used is 8-32. I don't know if 6-32 or 6-40 is available, but if so, the above sizes would give a person a pretty good range of Helicoils to choose from.
Personally, I'd prefer to go with a Helicoil (if possible) rather than apply the extreme heat from welding on the small diameter bow.

[James R.]

Re: C1 soft top

That's a good idea Tom. I know one of our local shops carry small helicoils (8-32 and 6-32). I will double check the size of the correct screw...I am better at helicoil work than I am at welding.

[Pat H.]

Re: C1 soft top

When I re-did my top, several of the holes were stripped. I re tapped them to the next size and found stainless steel scres with a # 6 head, wroked out great.