Longbridge BN4 Soft Top

[John Turney]

DW wants to try using the soft top instead of the hard top on our Longbridge BN4. So, I'm restoring the frame and have a detail question. There are two pegs at the bottom of the frame which slide in the slide rails, mounted to the body. I had to buy new ones. Each peg has two washers and a spring. My question is; which order do these go on the peg, going outward from the frame:

• frame, spring, washer, washer, peg head,
• frame, washer, washer, spring, peg head, or
• frame, washer, spring, washer, peg head?

Thanks!

 

[andrea]

https://picasaweb.google.com/112770819864514987162/DropBox?noredirect=1#5615240790063082050
https://picasaweb.google.com/112770819864514987162/DropBox?noredirect=1#5615240199695659330
https://picasaweb.google.com/112770819864514987162/DropBox
On this my Picasa Album you can find this and a lot of Longbridge TOP foto - click on arrow RXandLX--
Hope this help --no hesitate to ask if more help is needed

 

[John Turney]

Thanks, Andrea, just what I needed!

 

[healey106]

John - what top are you using? and Andrea does have the best selection of photos for the Longbridge
jim

 

[healeyblue]

Have both tops for our longbridge, and I'll bet it takes just as long to erect and stow the soft top as it does to remove and install the hardtop. That longbridge top sure is a pain in the @#% to deal with.

 

[andrea]

Hi Jim
I agree with you the erection of the Longbrige TOP are a pain
especially if you are alone, but also in two, if it is raining- now with one intensive self instruction program I am in good condition to fold the TOP
(BUT every time in a different mode)
and in the erection my record time i seven minutes, but can be better if raining increase to stormy

 

[longbridgehealey]

Do you all open the bows and let them recline towards the rear of the cockpit, and fasten the top in place over it, then get into the car and pull the bows upright? It makes it go a lot easier

 

[John Turney]

John - what top are you using? and Andrea does have the best selection of photos for the Longbridge
jim

Jim, I've ordered the Robbins top from Moss in Everflex. It will be at least a month, but I'm working on the frame.

I don't deny putting up and taking down the soft top is harder than the hard top! That's probably why it says on Derek's site;

If you think its going to rain and don`t like getting wet then put the top up before you leave home!

The only reason I'm doing it is that wifey thinks it will be cooler in the summer sun with the top down than with the hard top on. My experience has been different, but some are hard to convince. It may be useful for our Fall Colors Tour in October if it ever rains again in California.

 

[andrea]

My soft TOP was find in France as Old New Part it fit perfectly for dimension BUT the front wooden was secured in the windshiel for a lot of time, but never assumed the correct bending
I must semi close the front RX and then with a lot of effort and tentative I can have also the LX part in a passably position
https://picasaweb.google.com/112770819864514987162/CARINZIATOUR20092014#6062149291638649986
https://picasaweb.google.com/112770819864514987162/ONTheROADAGAIN#5922368199038142402
https://picasaweb.google.com/112770819864514987162/ONTheROADAGAIN#5871442763168092498
Jim
I will follow your suggestion at the next TOP battle - I suppose that also the snaps buttons are in place before the TOP frame erection. I understand correctly??
Cheers

 

[longbridgehealey]

That's right, fasten both the front clips and the rear snaps, hop in and firmly grab the leading bow and pull forward. You will be pleasantly surprised