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BJ8 wood bow covering

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tahoe healey

tahoe healey

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I needed to replace the wood bow as the top installer said it wouldn't hold any more nails or screws and was warped. Got the new bow (thanks BCS). I sealed it and now I need to put on the vinyl. The original vinyl is missing so I have no template. The Moss installation tape is worthless on this part. I cannot figure how to wrap the thing. I want it to come together on the upward curved section but that would create many, many dart cuts. Any one have any ideas or pictures? It is going back to the installer to get the new top replace as it is defective. If I do this I save his time at $85 an hour. The rest is under warranty.
Thanks
TH
 
:savewave:
TH pay the 85 bucks [ $85.00 ] to do this easily you need a steamer.
 
The sad part is that once the top is on the car, you see almost none of the linen covering on that front bow. The top and seals cover two sides and the metal frame covers the third. I'm out of town and I am unable to take or send you any pictures in time to help you out. I think Keoke has a good point. If you don't know how, then why try. FWIW, the original was all one piece and did not have darts, but it did have partial seems on either end (about 2 inches on either end) along the front leading edge. There were also flaps to cover the ends. The flaps were extended from the top surface. The vinyl was glued, stretched and folded from the top half of the rear surface, over to the top surface, then to the bottom surface and then to the lower half of the back.
 
Have a look at this, at page three
https://www.rfdm.com/gallery/album208?page=1

It is the strip down of a hood by Randy, it gives you an idea of what is going on, you will have to make your own mind up as to how / if you want to tackle it. I have found some uber stretchy vinyl, not as robust as I would like but it sure gets around the corners with out creasing and I figure that you only see that small section of the rear any way it will do for me. I have already covered the side pieces and they look fab. Talking to a trimmer, the material should have been white, but I have done mine in black.

Bob
 
Hi All,

I as Bob had covered the wood in black rather than white vinyl. Again, although this is not original, I had originally replaced my 64 BJ8 top back in 1970 with a top from Sears (that’s right Sears) and did not like the way the white frame would stand out and detract from the original black top.

Covering the font bow was relatively easy if you start with a larger than necessary piece of vinyl. Keep in mind that vinyl will stretch in one direction and be a little more pliable if warm. The piece I applied was oriented to stretch across the bow rather then along its length. Also, it is not necessary to apply vinyl under the aluminum fixture but should extend under as a means of applying additional hold to the edges of the covering.

This is a job where a perfect execution will never be noticed so it holds little risk in your doing it no matter how much of a perfectionist you are.

Good luck,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
 
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