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Convertable top bows

Joe Schlosser

Jedi Warrior
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I have had my BE since 1967 and have had the usual struggles with putting the top up especially with a new one a couple of years back .Orig top was very stretched so it went on relatively easy.
I had a lot of issues last fall when trying to put it up for the winter. I was just trying to keep it stretched out as I never take the car out inthe rain anymore.
Yesterday, I took the top off and notices that the bow supports were spring loaded to allow you to more easily put the top up or down.
I cannot remember if the bow I am using is the original or not. I have stripped at least 3 parts cars over the years so the bow I am using may not have been the original BE bows.
Does any one know when the first spring loaded bow was used or was it always spring loaded and I never noticed???
I think the MKIII used a two piece split bow system.
Any of you Sprite historians care to jump in??
 
If it is one piece and spring loaded it is more than likely original.
The early 9 stud cars did not have a spring loaded frame. According to Horler’s Original Sprite the change from 9 stud to the metal bar and 2 stud windscreen and spring loaded top frame was October ‘58.
 
Thanks
Car is a 1960 so for 50 years I have been putting the top up without locking the bow lower.
That is not very bright on my part.
 
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