I'm replacing my 92's top per the (awesome) badcab instructions/bradnic assist with photos. (BTW...I turned those instructions into a PDF so I could have a binder out in the garage. If anyone wants it, I can share or post a link)
I put on new tension straps. I measured very carefully against the old straps, stretching them out and laying flat to get accurate measurements. Still, when I put the first one on, I thought it was a little, maybe a lot, tight. I eased off on the second strap measurements by a smidge, maybe a centimeter plus. It seemed better.
I thought they were tight because I had to do some persuasion (pushing) to get the alignment pins of the locks into the recesses on the windshield. Took a little pushing but seemed ok, and I though - maybe they'll loosen up over time.
So I went ahead and started gluing in the top anyway. Center of rear rail, front rail and C-pillar corners glued in. And, it seems worse - nice tight top for sure when I push the front rail down to latch it! But with the top extended for latching, it doesn't just sit down onto the latch points waiting to be locked, as it did with old top (and on my daughter's 89 vert which I conveniently have next to it in the garage now). It sits up by about 2-3 inches and while I CAN get it closed, it...seems too tight.
Is this normal? DO the straps/top loosen up? I still have access to the riveted ends of the tension straps in the rear rail - haven't glued over them yet - and I *think* I could drill out the rivets, put new holes in with a little more length/less tension, and all the work that entails on the crossbars.
Thoughts anyone? Thanks!
I put on new tension straps. I measured very carefully against the old straps, stretching them out and laying flat to get accurate measurements. Still, when I put the first one on, I thought it was a little, maybe a lot, tight. I eased off on the second strap measurements by a smidge, maybe a centimeter plus. It seemed better.
I thought they were tight because I had to do some persuasion (pushing) to get the alignment pins of the locks into the recesses on the windshield. Took a little pushing but seemed ok, and I though - maybe they'll loosen up over time.
So I went ahead and started gluing in the top anyway. Center of rear rail, front rail and C-pillar corners glued in. And, it seems worse - nice tight top for sure when I push the front rail down to latch it! But with the top extended for latching, it doesn't just sit down onto the latch points waiting to be locked, as it did with old top (and on my daughter's 89 vert which I conveniently have next to it in the garage now). It sits up by about 2-3 inches and while I CAN get it closed, it...seems too tight.
Is this normal? DO the straps/top loosen up? I still have access to the riveted ends of the tension straps in the rear rail - haven't glued over them yet - and I *think* I could drill out the rivets, put new holes in with a little more length/less tension, and all the work that entails on the crossbars.
Thoughts anyone? Thanks!
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