Folding Top cont'd... why wouldn't this work?

[Lee in KC]

In studying the pieces for the top kit I got from Speedway, it seemed to me that I needed to be able to easily detach the fore-and-aft struts from the headboard so they could be folded back.



It occurred to me that folding boat top hardware might work. I found these on a boat hardware site...



They call this a Bimini side mount. It swivels so that it can be used where the attachment point is not perpendicular to the tube to be inserted. Since the fore-and-aft struts from the top bow to the headboard attach at angle, I needed to accommodate that angle. I also wanted to be able to use an easily removable pin or knob on these. You can see the slotted screw in the clevis for which I could substitute a knurled bolt or quick-release pin...



So I would cut off the stock mounting bracket and use the Bimini mount as the front attachment for the strut. Pull the pin and I can fold the strut back parallel with the top bow.





As far as the headboard, I could either leave it in place and detach the top with snaps, or I could used knurled bolts to attach it to the windshield brackets, so that I could quickly detach the headboard and fold it back with the top fabric.

This is what I mean by a "knurled bolt."



So what do you guys think?

[rbsWELDER]

Lee - I had a similar idea, a few years ago. Albeit, I never executed the idea. I don't know why it wouldn't work.

[Big Dog]

The only problem is those bars are what keep your top tight. What I did was put threaded screws in the head board. Then I loosened the lock screws on the other end so they would slide on the bar. I would the slide the bar in to take the tension off of the top. I used knurled nuts to attach the bar to the head board. You also have to be able to shorten the upright bars on the back. Or else it will be too long to set on your bed. My back uprights were two pieces connected with a metal slug. I took the bottom piece and the slug out. I used a piece of 5/8"solid aluminum rod. It would slide up on the inside of the down tube. I drilled holes in the rod so I could adjust the length so the top would sit down on top of the deck lid. If I was home I could show pics. If you can wait til the middle of March I will have access to the pics & can show you what I did.

[23Tzer]

My top is similar to that. I built the frame using 1/2" rigid conduit from lowes and I also used the boat deck hinges and jaw slides to make it fold. Mine uses two more tubes than yours from the rear tube to the center tube using jaw slides on both ends which keeps the cover tight on the frame (I didn't use the set screws on the center tube end so they will slide while folding) . I mounted it on the top edge of the body using deck hinges on the Tzer rather than on the side of the body and it gives it a clean look. It folds easily and rests on the bed cover in the down position. I just brought the top in from the cold, cold shop and will take pics of it tomorrow (in the warm, warm house).

I'll have to learn how to upload pics again. I've never done it on this new site.

[Dewey Burton]

Lee mine is similar, based on Luggy's, but the front mounts are held with pins. But you have to unscrew the head board and roll it back....the ideal would be to swivel the two strut rod in the middle so the front of the top would fold back...the trick is to keep them ridgid while the top is up.

[Lee in KC]

You also have to be able to shorten the upright bars on the back. Or else it will be too long to set on your bed.

Damn, I didn't think of that! So BD, how often did you actually put your top down? Is it worth the trouble?

[Big Dog]

I ended up preferring to go topless but if it rained it sure was nice to have my top handy.

[mike wade]

You topless would be real hard on the eyes.. ................Now your bucket topless that is whole nother ball game..........

Mike

[Jack L]

[quote="Lee in KC"]In studying the pieces for the top kit I got from Speedway, it seemed to me that I needed to be able to easily detach the fore-and-aft struts from the headboard so they could be folded back.
[/quote]

I recently bought a folding top with the frame and canvas from Spirit. I've been delayed by other issues, so it's not on the car yet (and I haven't worked out all the details). The first thing I'll do when I get back to this project is to attach two custom brackets to the header bar and drill the windshield frame for quick-disconnect latches. I purchased stainless latches from McMaster a month ago, so now it's just a matter of finding time to do the work.

Nice to see this concept revived and discussed. I'm all ears when it comes to the best way to make these tops fold. I'll try to post pics of my progress, assuming it actually works as intended.

[attachment=0]latch.jpg[/attachment]

Jack

[Jack L]

Sure wish I could edit that last post...

Jack