Serious help needed !!!! BJ7 Installing a new soft top

[andrewss]

As a new member of the forum I unfortunately don't have access to the old site and their relevant posts. I have just received a new mohair soft top for a 63' BJ7 from AH Spares in the UK to complete a body off restoration. I have removed the complete soft top by removing the springs, three bolts on each side behind the door pillar and rear bar underneath the rear window.

Now the fun begins.... Where and how to do I start to fit the new roof ?????? from the back bar or from the front ???

Despite my best efforts I can't find a video or guide to help...

Any guidance from anyone would be much appreciated....

Regards,

Andrew

 

[HealeyRick]

Take a look at AUSMHLY's awesome post here on the subject: https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcf/showthread.php?79883-BJ7-BJ8-Convertible-top-Q-amp-A He did a great job on his installation and nis top really looks professionally installed.

 

[andrewss]

Rick,

Much appreciated support.... really not looking forward to this job...

 

[CanberraBJ8]

I note that the info is on the old forum records - where is the conversion script Basil is talking about to find the records on the new forum?

 

[HealeyRick]

I note that the info is on the old forum records - where is the conversion script Basil is talking about to find the records on the new forum?

Here's the link how to do the conversion: https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcf/showthread.php?87567-Finding-Old-Threads-on-the-New-Forum

 

[CanberraBJ8]

Thanks Rick.

 

[Tproject]

Two years ago I did the interior and top on my BJ7. The Moss instruction tapes were a great help. When it came to the top (I opted for canvas) after reviewing the tape about 8 times and the old blogs on this site I went to a local shop. The old timer remembered doing a few about 40 years ago. He agreed to watch the tape and did the job for $200. Great job and no stress on my part.
Just confirm as I did that if the shop screws it up they buy a new top. Best $200 I spent in years.

Good luck!

 

[AUSMHLY]

Two years ago I did the interior and top on my BJ7. The Moss instruction tapes were a great help. When it came to the top (I opted for canvas) after reviewing the tape about 8 times and the old blogs on this site I went to a local shop. The old timer remembered doing a few about 40 years ago. He agreed to watch the tape and did the job for $200. Great job and no stress on my part.
Just confirm as I did that if the shop screws it up they buy a new top. Best $200 I spent in years.

Good luck!

WoW...$200 for labor and the top fit good? Consider yourself a lucky lucky guy! Most top places charge $80 an hour for labor. It takes way more than 3 hrs to do the job.

Most shops want $1200 for the job, which includes cost of a Everflex top, remove old top, install new top. Usually 2-3 days.
A really good shop will have to address things like what condition is the metal frame in, the condition of the wood, does anything need adjusting before the new top can be installed. Those thing may increase the price. Do the rubber seals need replacing, add that to the bill. Once the new rubber is in place, back to tweaking the fit of the parts that come into contact with the new rubber. Ah, all good times!

Just a heads up to those who find a good shop, that the quoted estimate may get higher as the pros get into the job. An honest shop will point out areas that need to be addressed and ask if you want them to dig into and fix those things along the way. The quality and fit of the job usually is more expensive than one thought when one brings the car in. However the end product is usually worth it.

If you're a hands on guy and take this on yourself, my hats off to you. I did. I learned a lot along the way and I'm glad I did. It may seem intimidating, but once you start to figure it out, it's just another Healey project that you'll be able to say, I did that.

Best of luck.
Roger

 

[Tproject]

In my case I supplied the new top and rubber. He did say it could be more if wood bow repairs were necessary after he removed the old top. He called the next day and said the top he removed was oem and the underlying structure was in excellent condition so his price was firm. He is an old timer partially retired in his one man shop. Location is a small town in SC and he likes to do classic cars.

I guess I lucked out with him.

 

[Randy Forbes]

I took a bunch of pictures when I did a BJ8 top a while back, you might some of them useful, used in conjunction with something like the Moss Motors DVD on interior/soft trim.

https://www.spcarsplus.com/gallery3/index.php/reMKIII/top_work