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Running....Now Some Questions!

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M

mxp01

Jedi Warrior
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Gentlemen:

I purchased my 1960 Frog Eye in August, but it never stopped...literally!

We finally got the brakes repaired (after weeks of one silly error after another) and now the car is operational.

We (my son and I) actually will begin stripping the paint off soon to begin the painting process. In the meantime, I think I'll start asking a lot of questions, because I have almost no knowledge of these cars.

- Recently on Ebay, someone was selling some brackets that he claimed were used to hold the convertible top frame in the trunk. The photo and description indicated that these holders were similar to the same holders that hold the frame in place when the top is up/in position, but when stowed in the trunk you would insert the top frame into these holders. Does this make sense?

Also, three, unrelated questions:

- Are there any good sources of reasonably-priced parts manuals? Any recommendations on those posted on Ebay?

- How about a site with "how-tos" for modifications such as front disc brakes, rear shocks, and electrical upgrades (I want to install a radio)? I have seen tips printed on the site, but I was wondering if many of these modifications are collected in one location?

- I need an OE speedo for a 1960 Sprite. Does anyone have a spare for sale? E-mail me if you do.

Thanks,

MXP
(Mike Pennell)
 
This is the place to get all your questions answered, tis late here so I will just answer the first one. There are two types of top bow brackets, one is welded in the car and is near the door at the rear, it is used for top up. The other, a small box kind of thing is screw mounted almost on the floor and is for top bow storage.

Parts manuals Haynes for starters. Amazon. com

How tos, see the threads here and the knowledge base as well. Ask you question specificly and we will pass on info, links and such.

Welcome to the world of Bugeyes and Spridgets. You came to the right place.
 
Never heard of brackets to stow top frame in a bugeye. But that means nothing. I had a case for mine till the roll-bar went in. Now splitting a frame like the MkII's to get in back easily. Will make a bag for it when its done.
 
Ha, top bow stores behind the seats in its own mount down almost to the floor.

I can take pics if anyone else is intrested. Every bugeye I have seen has em. Remember Bugeye top bow does not split in half.
 
Jack:

Thanks for the reply. I've been watching (with envy) your restoration. It looks great!

Is the top bow stowage in the trunk? Can I find the location of the 'small box kind of thing' in the trunk?

By the way, do you have a photo of a Bugeye jack? I got something with the car, but I don't think it is OE.

Also, was the owner expected to simply pile stuff in the trunk like windscreens, roofs, tonneaus, and jacks and let hem rattle loosely, or was there some way to secure these?

Thanks, again,

MXP
 
I have my windows and top and tonneau in padded, vinyl bags and they are not tied down....And this BugEye top bow 2 piece now. Just gotta get the cleanup finished and painted.
 
The top frame fits into 2 small box like pockets about 2" x 3" that were screwed to the rear bulkhead behind the seats.
The frame never went in the trunk.
The top, side curtains, tonneau cover, spare tire, tools, and jack all rattled around in the trunk.
the jack was a triangle type deal with a screw running thru the center, the lug wrench fits the nut on top, the jack went into a hole on the rocker panel and raised one side of the car.
Wrapping the jack in the tonneau, making a bag for the top and side curtains helps. You will learn the art of stuffing things into the spare tire so they don't rattle or travel to the back of the cave never to be seen again.
Radios are cake, but if you car is still + grd, you might want to convert it to - grd, This is a 10 minute job and easier than hooking up a polarity changing device. Makes for a whole world of assorted radios/CD players too.
 
Welcome to another Bugeyista. No real way to secure anything in the boot, but some nice bags would be a good idea (on my list). A good book to get is "Original Sprite and Midget" by Terry Horler. This is the bible of sorts for originality questions.

The top bows originally are a 1-piece unit. There are 2 sets of holes for the bows: 1 near the top of the car, for when you are using the top, and 1 near the floor. If you tip the seats forwards you should be able to see them. I've circled it on the attached picture.

286916-hoodslot.jpg
 

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There are no storage holes for the top bow on this BugEye. They might have been removed prior to getting it in 1968.
 
I have seen those storage mounts on eBay for cheep.
 
correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the original jack "T" shaped, with a simple ratchet "spanner" that fit on top? And jack, I believe the earliest (58?) hood frames were one piece, but later ones came apart in the middle. Both will fit in the "holder" shown in the picture above. Remember to compress the springs, stow, or install top (which ever you are doing), and then release springs to seat stays in channel behind rear cockpit molding, or to tauten top. It is supposed to stop it from rattling around but only minimizes rattles - eliminate rattles by adding some foam padding (like self adhesive weatherstrip from Home Depot) forward edge channel. I also found that a Velcro band wrapped around the middle keeps those parts from rattling against each other too!

-------------------
Mike
59 Bugeye
69 Sprite
 
That T jack was later, the Bugeye one was kinda like an a frame.

Also something in the bottom of the storage part like a small peice cut from an intertube helps out.
 
If I could get to the Tunebug I'd take a picture. I've got an original jack and spanner for it. Not sure I'd ever use it, but it looks cool.

Bugeye frames were always 1 piece AFAIK. The 2-piece started with the Mark 2 Sprite/Mark 1 Midget. These were still sidescreen cars so the top is similar, but not quite the same.
 
You got it Drew.
 
One comment about the jack-- put some grease on the threads now -before you need to use it- and run it up and down a few times. I didn't do that on one of my cars and the dry nut running on the dry screw destroyed the threads (I couldn't even get the tire changed!). Then I put the jack in a bread bag to keep everything clean.
Bill
 
My BE doesnt have the lower storage brackets either. But there is no sheetmetal left where they should be. If someone can shoot a good closeup pic of this, could get me started on duplicating a pair.
 
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