1954 -- Correct attachment of soft top footman straps?

[Peter R.]

How do the footman straps for the soft top attach to the car? On my car, the chrome loop that bolts to the gas tank cover passed through the same fabric loop on the end of the strap that retains the buckle. In order to remove the straps from the car for cleaning, I had to remove the tank cover and then unbolt the chrome loops. Should the straps be attached this way, or should the strap simply thread, tongue end first, through the chrome loop attached to the car? If it's the latter way, the strap could easily be removed from the car without removing the tank cover. Which way is correct?

Thanks,

Pete

[Peter R.]

Re: 1954 -- Correct attachment of soft top footman straps?

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So here are two pictures, one for each of the alternatives described in words in the original posting. I've checked the archives--I couldn't find the answer there. I've checked the pictures in Noland Adams' books and I've checked the judging manual--nothing helpful found. Anyone know which way is correct?

Thanks,

Pete

[Peter R.]

Re: 1954 -- Correct attachment of soft top footman straps?

I just took another look at Noland Adams' Vol. 1 restoration book and on p. 37 there is a drawing, which shows that the metal footman loop is inserted through the belt loop before being fastened down to the tank cover. So the answer was there, after all.

Of course, the drawing doesn't appear to match the belt configuration shown in the photo at the top of the same page, where the buckle can be seen to be quite a distance from the metal footman loop attached to the tank cover.

Pete