early BN4 question - top & header rail

[Vespa]

Hi,

So, I've got a few questions about the early BN4 top. First concerns the strapping. I've seen cars that have the strapping fitted just between the two rearmost top bows. But, I've also seen cars with strapping fitted to the two rearmost bows, then laying over the front bow, and them onward to the header rail. So what is correct? And, related, is it correct that the strapping is attached to the underside of the two rear bows, and does not go over the top of those two bows? The top frame I have is missing the strapping, but has the little clamping plates on the undersides of the two rearmost bows. Also, if the strapping does go up to the header rail, how is it attached up there? Does it go over the top of the wood bow (vinyl covered), then curve back under the wood bow between the bow and the aluminum plate that is fitted along the bottom of the wood bow? Lastly, where does the actual fastening of the top material get fastened to the header rail? Is it tacked on the underside or is it tacked along the front edge, and then the tacks covered by the strip on the front edge that gets those little chome end caps? Details, details. details......

Andrea Villa - your page with the photos of the convertible top assembly of your BN4 are great!! Thanks so much for having that page!

- Paul B.

BN4L/35517

 

[andrea]

Hi Paul
I have added some photos today to my album to help you. https://picasaweb.google.com/112770819864514987162/AHSOFTTOP
I have learned a lot from DEREK 100six site in the section Longbridge TOP from the instructions(and photos)for Erecting and Stowing the TOP
https://www.healeysix.net/Longbridge Top.htm
"Restorers should note that the everflex top is attached to the frame by two tapes which are sewn to the top itself.
The tapes are fastened to the back two bows but not to the front one."
"Your frame description appear correct, webbing is sure only from rear and central "rear bows" https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wYgn3Sb8sKRIKTRrqLqd89MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
webbing fitted over and then around the bows and then fastened with the clamps
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FkR4YuP1BLyKue24ZNFhktMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
NOTE Webbing length must be calculated for exactly fit the rear sewing line of the top over the rear window
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XOfOvfEccXOJvKi9hY8lHdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

But a pair of webbing are also under the TOP as this oldest ph, from the central bow to the front
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wuVpivRoyfzYgwyeYaM10tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/clkVctib86bQe_K4DR4EBtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
This webbing are sewn to the bows webbing only on central bow -as appear from this ph https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j1xQgde1iPp8evl_IgRXGNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
also this two webbing length must be calculated as the central bow is firmly in erected position when the windshield clamps are closed

When I beginning my AH restoration I have realized that the nearest BN4, are at more than 400 Km from me, and my car are complete, but sure NOT unmolested, so I have collect a lot of photos for my help, in a very chaotic archive, from various source on the web, share this info with AH people on this forum is a pleasure for me.

NOTE: validity of my suggestion aren't a BIBLE on the fog of Longbridge cars production-
corrections, and added info have cordial welcome

 

[Vespa]

Andrea, thank you VERY much! (molte grazie!) Your photos and descriptions helped very much. I see now how the straps for the top frame go on, and how my friends BN4 100-6 has come with a new top that is the wrong one! The early BN4 top frame is very strange - I can see why BMC did not use it for a very long time. I had MANY questions about the top, top frame, top material, header bar, latches, etc., but I think your photos have answered ALL my question. THANK YOU!

Paul B.
Bensalem, Pennsylvania, USA

Hi Paul
I have added some photos today to my album to help you. https://picasaweb.google.com/112770819864514987162/AHSOFTTOP
I have learned a lot from DEREK 100six site in the section Longbridge TOP from the instructions(and photos)for Erecting and Stowing the TOP
https://www.healeysix.net/Longbridge Top.htm
"Restorers should note that the everflex top is attached to the frame by two tapes which are sewn to the top itself.
The tapes are fastened to the back two bows but not to the front one."
"Your frame description appear correct, webbing is sure only from rear and central "rear bows" https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wYgn3Sb8sKRIKTRrqLqd89MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
webbing fitted over and then around the bows and then fastened with the clamps
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FkR4YuP1BLyKue24ZNFhktMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
NOTE Webbing length must be calculated for exactly fit the rear sewing line of the top over the rear window
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XOfOvfEccXOJvKi9hY8lHdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

But a pair of webbing are also under the TOP as this oldest ph, from the central bow to the front
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wuVpivRoyfzYgwyeYaM10tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/clkVctib86bQe_K4DR4EBtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
This webbing are sewn to the bows webbing only on central bow -as appear from this ph https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j1xQgde1iPp8evl_IgRXGNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
also this two webbing length must be calculated as the central bow is firmly in erected position when the windshield clamps are closed

When I beginning my AH restoration I have realized that the nearest BN4, are at more than 400 Km from me, and my car are complete, but sure NOT unmolested, so I have collect a lot of photos for my help, in a very chaotic archive, from various source on the web, share this info with AH people on this forum is a pleasure for me.

NOTE: validity of my suggestion aren't a BIBLE on the fog of Longbridge cars production-
corrections, and added info have cordial welcome

 

[andrea]

Hi Paul
just one correction NOTE
TOP front webbing. probably was fastened to the central bow- also, NOT sewed to the rear webbing,
haven't find trace of sewing on the remain of webbing on my TOP frame
Cheers