BN6 -BN7 soft top

[BlueRidge1]

Hello,

I tried a trial fit of the soft top on the Healey a couple days ago and it appears to be to short . The top was new about 7 years ago and has never been installed. It has been stored inside in a conditioned area and appears in new condition. When I slide the metal anchor bar through the rear base of the top and then fit it over the two chrome tear drop shaped retainers on the rear deck of the car the top comes about 4" short of the texan fasteners on both sides. Could the Anchor bar be to long? Is it possible the top has shrunk and if so will it stretch? I do not know the who mfg the top as it came with the car when I purchased it in 2003. The top frame was for a four seater model and I purchased a new BN7 frame from Moss. It does appear that the top is for a two seat car. The frame is the removable type like the bn6 had not the one that is fastenened to the car. Any suggestions?
Thanks Bob

 

[Bob Claffie]

Hi Bob: Yes those tops do tend to shrink after being folded up for an extended period. But first, are you sure the top frame is bottomed in the mounting holes ? A couple inches at the frame would stick the roof waaaay up. The roof on my 100/6 was extremely taut when I first put it up after a couple years being folded up. (Older original top). Several days in the hot sun with tension brought it close to fitting but the last inch or two was touch and go whether the material would stretch or the stitching would split. I'd be tempted to shave the legs on the frame a little at a time to ease it. Bob

 

[Randy Forbes]

I bought a tan top off Ebay for really cheap, mostly just to see if I liked the look with that color. No telling how old it was when I got it, and I waited several more years before fitting it a couple years ago. It too was a little tight in the same area as yours, but the original top frame has some adjustability for height.

 

[Johnny]

Sounds like you have an AMCO top. They were period correct replacements when new. I suggest you stretch the top out first in the house. I used a small portable electric heater and laid the top on the installed frame and walked away for about an hour. You'll be surprised how much it stretches. The frame itself should have an adjustable bolt in the legs. Screw them all the way up to begin. Now, with the frame on and the top nice and warm hook the retaining bar as before, then PUUULLL from the front until the material stretches around the header bar and anchor with a few nails or staples to the underside of the header bar. Now move to each side and PUUULL again until they fit. You'll have to mark with chalk where the turnbuckle goes. Don't give up, it'll stretch in shape.
How about a photo??

 

[BlueRidge1]

Thanks Guy's I will post some pictures when I get the top back out maybe this weekend. I don't think that the top will even reach the texan fasteners after attaching the anchor bar even with the top frame left off the car completly. I'll check all the things mentioned in all the answers. Johnny, are you talking about the top on your green car or your red car? Mine would be the same as your green car and I know it is the same as Randy's and Bob's car. I can't locate any tags or markings on the top but I did see a name on the window iside a sideways diamond <Regalite> The material appears to be a canvas.

 

[Johnny]

Yes, my green/white Ah is a BN7. Sorry I don't have any installation photos but here's a couple pics after installed.