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Installing Robbins canvas top on a BJ8

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BJ8Healeys

BJ8Healeys

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Hello, Healeyphiles -

Has anyone personally installed a Robbins canvas top on their BJ8? Apparently, the barbed clips that attach the rear edge of the vinyl top to the channel won't work with the Robbins top because the canvas material is too thick. If this is true, does anyone have a solution?

Thanks very much. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will have a healthy, happy Healey New Year!
 
Steve,
I removed a Robbins top and replaced with another brand a couple of years ago. I remember that I had some issue with the top clips. I had wide ones and replaced them with thinner ones from a Triumph (door window trim).

Marv
 
Thank you, Marv -

I received a reply from Bob Yule that Autofarm found it necessary to separate the layers of fabric at the rear in order to make the material thin enough to use the original barbed clips, especially at the seams. At the front, they had to do the same to make the material lie flat around the wood bow.
 
Hello Steve, I hope you will take some photos to document your top installation! I am sure there are many people who will venture into installing a new top on there BJ8 Healey sooner or later! I know this subject has been on this forum before, However, every bit of information helps! I will install a new top this coming spring and already researching the proper technique step by step.... I am looking forward to installing my first top gathering as much info as i can before i begin. There is a trick to every trade! Michael, IL.
 
Hi, Michael -
I am not the one installing the Robbins top, but I did receive an inquiry from someone who is. Just trying to help them out, since I have no personal experience with the Robbins top.
However, I have installed a vinyl top on a BJ8 and I have written up detailed procedures on how to do it. I will send those to you later today.
 
Steve,

i too plan on installing a new vinyl top in the new year. Please could I get a copy of your procedures?
Many thanks
 
Certainly, Jeepster. Please contact me at sbyers@ec.rr.com.
Anyone else who is interested in the procedures can also contact me directly and I'll e-mail them to you.
 
Hello All

I recently installed a Robbins Canvas top following the procedure that Steve sent me. It is a project for sure.
Regarding the rear clips the key that I found was to make sure they are new. In fact once you install them some of the tention comes out of them if you try to reuse them.
So make sure you have an ample supply. I believe that I had maybe 32 clip on the rear. And once I was happy with the position on the rear channel I marked the edge where the clip are with a chalk, removed the clips, applied glue, and then reinstalled using all new clips.
I did follow the procedure that Steve sent me but I would like to mention two things. When final fitting to the front bow, the canvas will not strech as much so when I marked it on the inside behind the bow, I only maked it maybe an 1/8" as opposed to the measurement that Steve suggested. Also the front latches have hooks that are adjustable by threading them in or out. I suggest that you adjust to the them middle so you will have some room for final adjustment.
If you want t contact me of line that is fine as I feel trying to explain all in a e mail may leave some unanswered questions.

Good luck and have fun!
 
BJ8TONY, thanks very much for your comments. The procedure I wrote was oriented toward vinyl tops, so I have modified the title to indicate that. With your permission I'll include your comments and recommendations at the end of the article to cover the canvas top.
The recommendation to adjust the clamps to the middle position is a good one.
 
Hello Steve, Thank you for sharing your top installation instructions! I will take pictures and notes as i procede. What type of glue are you using? The 3M carpet type glue? Thanks again, Michael.
 
You're welcome, Michael, I used 3M Contact Cement. If you have any comments or recommendations to improve the procedures, please let me know.
 
Thanks Steve, I will document the installation as i begin, and pass along anything that may be useful! This is my first attempt and i will do this without anyone helping pulling and holding things in place! I may have to get creative!:eagerness:
 
Steve one more thing I would add to your instructions and that would be when gluing the top to the back bow, I would use a roller simialr to what is used when installing dynamat. Rolling from the center to the outside edge.
This eliminates any puckering around the center of the top near the back bow.
Just my last 2 cents worth.
By the way, your instructions were of great help.
 
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