Bug Eye Hard Top query??

[nomad]

Ive acquired a hardtop for my BE that is very rough but was cheap! I've a couple oc questions. First is there supposed to be any metal loops at the back of the hardtop to latch on to the cleats the soft top hooks to? None on this top.
Second,though I have had quite a lot of experience with working with fiberglass, I've never worked with OLD fiberglass. I've heard it is necessary to groove out any cracks in the gel coat before refinishing. Is it? If it is then I have a lot of work ahead of me.

Kurt.

 

[Nelson]

I don't believe that the hardtop needs the rear clips. My hardtop just sits on the rear deck. The clips are there to allow tensions to be put on the soft top and the hardtop already has its shape so no tension is needed. The other fastenings hold the top in place.

My top has never needed any work so I can't offer any advice on that matter.

 

[apbos]

Doc and Tony walked me through it a few years ago. Hardtop 101
Paul

 

[jlaird]

Hard top is held on in rear by clamp things that go through the soft top bow mounts. Kinda like hooks with tighteners similar to those used on old screen doors.

 

[Hairyone]

is it a DanDare hardtop? like mine
somewhere on there are wome photos of the hooks.
I works well, but it's much noisier with the top on.

 

[jlaird]

I guess I was partly wrong, thats the hooks. bet I could make them with garage hangers from ace.

 

[nomad]

Hairy one, I could'nt get the picture of yours up but if memory serves it is just the regular BE hardtop. It did'nt look as if there was any loops at the back but every other top I've seen had them. As mentioned its rough but does have a glass rear window and mostly usable seals since I imagine the replacements are impossible to find. I will have to get educated on fiber glass refinishing.

Thanks,
Kurt.

Midget 50 bound for now!