BJ7 top installation problem

[robert_ellison]

I am having an upholstery shop install the top on my BJ7. He is of the opinion that there is some sort of stiffener bar going across the top of the rear window. He says there is a sleeve that appears to be for the insertion of a flat bar.

As it has been years since I purchased the top and I have no installation material I don't know.

Does anyone know of this stiffener bar or any info concerning same?

Also I requested that the window be installed with a zipper. Were they installed using a zipper originally or was it sewn in place?

 

[bighealeysource]

Hey Robert,
I've installed two BJ8 tops and believe they are pretty similar to a BJ7
other than perhaps the zip out window. The sleeve your shop is referring to
sounds like the extra material that is sewn it to allow it to be wrapped
around the rear rail of the top frame. There should be a metal cap that
attaches to the frame rail over the extra fabric as well as the small
retaining clips for the webbing. Believe you can get that from Moss. Not sure about the BJ7 rear window versus the BJ8 top but the BJ8 zipper was sewn into the
top fabric.
Regards,
Mike

 

[richch]

The BJ7 top assembly is indeed quite different from the BJ8 top. The BJ7 rear window was a seperate piece that is held in place at the top of the window assembly with the metal stiffener your man is referring to as well as two over centre suitcase type latches instead of a zipper. An extra meta lstip was incorporated into the design to hold the twin latch anchor points.
If you want a zipper in your back window you'd be further ahead to buy a BJ8 top because that will be far easier than ruining what sounds like a proper to original BJ7 top.

 

[robert_ellison]

thanks for the replies,each quite different.

Aside from the originality factor I am more drawn to a zip in window.

It would be helpful if anyone has photos of the area in question so I can get some idea of the actual set up.

Thanks

 

[AUSMHLY]

Maybe my BJ8 Youtube video will help?
It includes a shot of the interior of the zippered convertible top.
Cheers,
Roger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvjJWjF7ZAc

 

[Johnny]

thanks for the replies,each quite different.

Aside from the originality factor I am more drawn to a zip in window.

It would be helpful if anyone has photos of the area in question so I can get some idea of the actual set up.

Thanks

Hello Robert. I am very familiar with installing the BJ7 original top. If done properly it's as functional as the zipper type. The extra material is folded over the "semi-circle" tube and then clipped in place. Over the inner lip of the semi-circle goes a cut-to-length U-shaped black fur-flex material similar to what goes around the lower dash area. This is important as it protects the top fabric from abrasion when folded down. Far to many AH forget this item. I'll try and get some photos today.

I must note that the PO used a zipper window. Also, the sides get tucked down inside the chrome surround strip. You'll have to reattach the lower bar that gets screwed to the shroud a couple times to assure the sides of the top are flat and not wrinkled.

 

[Johnny]

Robert, here's some photos of the BJ7 top I installed with the toggle switches. Note the furflex strip along the rail that's attached to the top bow. Also note the "flap" of material is folded around the U-shaped metal bar that's attached to the top bow.

 

[Johnny]

Robert, here's a couple more photos.
Note again the furflex strip.

 

[robert_ellison]

Johnny,

What is "PO"?

Also, do you have larger images for the 4 small ones enclosed?

Thanks!

 

[tahoe healey]

I believe it is an affectionate name for previous owner. Or some one we are P*** off at cause he usually did it wrong.
Hey! this is in red! Now I cannot see my spell check. Does it come out as red to you readers?
Just checked and it comes up on the forum as black print. I guess it a Christmas thing.

 

[Johnny]

Johnny,

What is "PO"?

Also, do you have larger images for the 4 small ones enclosed?

Thanks!

Yes, it means previous owner. I do have full size images but I'll have to email them direct to you. Do you have any particular area photographed?
Email me at jlore26@sbcglobal.net

 

[bob hughes]

Robert

My BJ7 came with a zipper rear window in the top, doubt if it is original, it also came with the original type frame that requires the extra riveted bar, it has not got one at the moment. The top also has a flap of material at the bar position. I guess that it is fixed via the missing bar and a few rivets.

Currently the top is removed, but whilst it was on, it functioned as well as a Healey top can, even without being properly fixed by the rivetted bar. As long as it does not rain, who needs a top any way!!

Bob

 

[Johnny]

Robert

My BJ7 came with a zipper rear window in the top, doubt if it is original, it also came with the original type frame that requires the extra riveted bar, it has not got one at the moment. The top also has a flap of material at the bar position. I guess that it is fixed via the missing bar and a few rivets.

Currently the top is removed, but whilst it was on, it functioned as well as a Healey top can, even without being properly fixed by the rivetted bar. As long as it does not rain, who needs a top any way!!

Bob

Bob, you need the flat secured to the 3rd bow to keep the top from "billowing" up in the air, and also to secure the rear window. Once mounted on the bow the metal U shaped bottom of the bar goes to the front. The flap goes around the bar and is secured by U clips (same as on the seat type) then place the furflex over the U shaped bottom. The furflex protects the rear window when the top is lowered, plus gives a more finished look. Check the photos I listed in the other post.