BJ7/BJ8 Convertible Top

[AUSMHLY]

Sooner or later, we all need to replace out convertible top material.

In order to get the best fit of the top material, one needs to make sure the convertible frame is in good working condition, that it raises and lowers with out binding, that it lowers into the rear well and that it clamps onto the windscreen securely. Then there's the how well does it fit question when in the up postition. How's the seal around the side windows and the windscreen.

I spent quite a bit of time figuring out how our convertible top frame works on our BJ7/BJ8 cars. I was in need of a new top, and choose to go with a fabric top, but needed to address my top frame fit issues first. If the top frame does not line up with everything, when in the down and up postitions, then it's not ready to install the material.

I've heard that the Healey top frames are a bit more complex than some of the other convertible frames, so I knew I was in for an adventure. I am thankful to all those here who helped me thru this project. It took me a while to back engineer how it works and figure out what needed to be addressed to correct the problems my top was challenging me to fix.

So for those who are in need of replacing their top, or thinking about doing it, I've searched the archives here on the BCF for you, and will provide the links below. Maybe you'll find some advise or answers that may help you out.

I installed a Robbins Sunfast top on my BJ8. I'm pleased with the fit and finish, and that when driving at speed, it's much quieter than the last top I had, because I addressed the convertible frame issues. Wind noise is at a minimum now and it's acually water tight. Really.

Cheers,
Roger

10.20.10 Soft top to window adjustment
> Soft top to window adjustment? <

01.21.11 How low does the convertible top seat
> How low does the convertible top seat <

04.28.11 Window winder mechanism BJ7
> Window winder mechanism BJ7 <

05.09.11 How difficult is it to lower or raise your top
> How difficult is it to lower or raise your top? <

05.16.11 Top Bow
> Top bow <

05.17.11 Does your window rattle when in the down postition
> Does your window rattle when in the down position? <

06.18.11 Hood frame fit
> Hood frame fit <

12.16.11 Bow wood to window gap
> Wood Bow to Window Gap <

 

[HealeyRick]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Roger,

I'm not sure if you posted this to help us out or to scare us to death from trying to ever do the job on our own. Either way, it worked. Thanks for posting.

 

[AUSMHLY]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Rick,

Sorry, my intentions were not to scare anyone from trying to do the job on their own, rather to offer help in the form of what others have contributed also.

I've gotten a lot of PM's asking for my help, being I spent a lot of time learning about it. So I thought I'd start a post with links that may help others.

How's that saying go...no good deed goes unpunished. :angel:

Cheers,
Roger

 

[HealeyRick]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Roger,

Wasn't criticizing your efforts at all. I was just commenting on what an involved task it is to install the top correctly and get it looking as good as yours.

 

[Johnny]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Really a beautiful job Rick, I'm envious. Maybe now I'll go back and straighten out mine, thanks for all your help with the links.

I do have one question with the sunfast tops. On my BMW Z4 top which is similar, I had to first clean it, then spray a sealer on, actually harder than it sounds. Now the water beads up on the top where as before it didn't. Does water bead up on the sunfast top??

 

[Coastalman]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

A really beautiful top and fit!

 

[AUSMHLY]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Really a beautiful job Rick, I'm envious. Maybe now I'll go back and straighten out mine, thanks for all your help with the links.

I do have one question with the sunfast tops. On my BMW Z4 top which is similar, I had to first clean it, then spray a sealer on, actually harder than it sounds. Now the water beads up on the top where as before it didn't. Does water bead up on the sunfast top??

Hi Johnny, who's this guy Rick?...lol.
My reseach on the web came up with...

A quick word to the wise: If you have the opportunity to protect your convertible top—whether it's vinyl or fabric—do it the very first day you bring it home, before it has a chance to get dirty. Pay special attention to the stitching. Manufacturers use poly-cotton thread—comparatively weak, and always the first thing to go. The stitching needs a UV sealant or protectant, if it's to hold things together for any amount of time.

We have found in our testing RaggTopp is one of the top products on the market. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is also a quality product. Either will restore the repellence to factory specifications and keep your fabric top looking good. Be sure to apply protectant to a clean, dry top. Never saturate; light, even coats are always best. Reapply monthly to maintain an optimum level of water repellency.

Johnny, I can't say if the water beaded on my top from what Robbins applied. I put two coats of RaggTopp sealer on my top before it left my garage. Maybe because my top is new, I found the process very easy. I used the RaggTopp kit.

1. I washed the fabric with RaggTopp cleaner and a horse hair brush.
2. Rinsed it off well with a garden hose.
3. Dryed it with a waffel weave micro fiber towel, and made sure it was absolutely dry by letting it sit in the sun.
4. Applied a light coat of sealer from the spray can. Let it dry, then I applied another coat.

When I wash the top, the water beads.

Roger, aka Rick

 

[Johnny]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Yes, thanks that's what I used also. Sorry about the name change Roger, frequently I have "senior moments".

 

[Legal Bill]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

That is the best fit I have ever seen. I can't even see where the two pieces that make up the window frames butt up against each other. Please come to my house immediately and correct my top.

By the way, how easy is it to raise and lower your top?

 

[davidb]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Roger

Your itemized search thru the archives was very helpful. As usual the photos tell the story better than words. My BJ8 top doesn't fit as well as it should. But with all the apparent adjustments that are possible, and the patience of a crack addict, it'll take a better detective than me to set things right.

So when you're finished with Legal Bill's top, can you fly up here to fix mine? I'll pick you up at the airport. There'll be beer and women.

Great job on your softop. Your garage is frustratingly neat and tidy.

Cheers
DB

 

[Lotuswins]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Roger,

Thanks so much for the references, they are all extremely helpful, but intimidating.....

I just about have the interior done, and tried to fit the top frame, untouched so far by me, to the car. Many issues are apprent right off.

Would you perchance have pictures of the hood frame collapsed in the rear, from the top looking down at the various areas (like where it fits inside the rear trim panel, the rear where it fits inside the curvature of the shroud, and near the seat back edges?

Also, I'm puzzled about where to start on the frame, and since new are not available, and even if they were it would probably require more adjustment than the old, it looks like I'll have to rebush the pivot points. Any tips on doing this little chore? I do have a lathe and can weld so hopefully I can manage most of the work.

I do have one other question that would help, are the short 'S' pieces on the sides of the frame supposed to be flat and straight? Mine seem to have been tweeked a few times and have a shape of their own as well as having worn pin holes.

Thanks for any help,

 

[Randy Forbes]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Not sure if any of your questions can be answered by what I did, but here's an opportunity to view more pictures on the subject. This is the album for the BJ8 top I did a year or so ago: https://www.spcarsplus.com/gallery3/index.php/reMKIII/top_work

 

[Lotuswins]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Thanks so much Randy, I'm always amazed by the quality of your pictures, and the patience it must take to get such detail. Great work.

I've got the top frame apart now, and I'll be making new pivit pins for 6 of the most worn joints, along with new bronze washers. I'll reassemble after being sand blasted, then have it powder coated. I've stamped numbers on each piece to keep it organized, and your pictures will help on installation and putting on the top.

Car interior is now 99 percent done...can't wait to drive it.....

 

[Leo_Speichinger]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

I found the links but cant access them. The old site will not take my user name and password

Leo

 

[Leo_Speichinger]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

I can not access the articles due to it wont accept my password or user name. any ideas on how to access them.

Leo

 

[Lin]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Well, I have a BT7 Roadster, but after reading Roger's articles and the Forum posts, I am tempted to go buy a BJ8 just to work on a convertible top! Great job as usual, Roger. You must have the best fitting top in Healeydom - it looks great. What is your next project?
Lin

 

[rogerappleton]

hi guys
ive just joined bcf and would like to follow the links given to the tips at the top of this post.
i cant seem to get them to work?
seem to point to an older defunct website??
any help much appreciated as i'm about to try relacing my hood.
regards
roger

 

[HealeyRick]

hi guys
ive just joined bcf and would like to follow the links given to the tips at the top of this post.
i cant seem to get them to work?
seem to point to an older defunct website??
any help much appreciated as i'm about to try relacing my hood.
regards
roger

Roger,

This thread will explain how to find those threads from the old forum: https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcf/showthread.php?87567-Finding-Old-Threads-on-the-New-Forum

 

[rogerappleton]

brilliant!! thanks very much.
rog

:friendly_wink:

 

[CanberraBJ8]

Re: BJ7/BJ8 Convertible top Q&A

Well, I have done some work on my top and it is much better than before... but not as good as AUSMHLY's.

I shimmed the frame and without the fabric it fit well - this was a result of
-replacing the bolts/pivot pins for some 10mm high tensile bolts which fit much more snugly than the old worn pins...
-shimming the hood frame
-moving both door glasses up as far as they'd go
-removing the door hinge shim on the right door (which allowed the glass further height as well as moving it forward).
-moving the windscreen a little more upright to match the 1/4 light frames.

https://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p744/356fair/Healey pics/Healey re-trim/null_zpsf980c731.jpg

However, once the fabric was added, the wood trim doesnt align as well under tension. Also There is a bit of wrinkling at the 3/4 corner. Could this be removed? It doesnt seem so from the adjusting I've done. If the fabric is gathered more to the rear to tighten the 3/4 area there is an excess at the rear window...

https://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p744/356fair/Healey pics/Healey re-trim/null_zpsfb996a2a.jpg

Otherwise the fabric is now drum tight and the windows look like they should seal pretty well. It is pretty tight when clipping the windscreen latches though - I doubt my wife would be able to put the top up alone.
Any thoughts?