Top bow mesurement help

[AUSMHLY]

I was at the top shop today working with the installer.

I have a copy of a BJ8 TOP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS that I found on the net. First paragraph reads:

This is a scan then pasted in copy of installation instructions for a BJ8 top that were found in an old top box. Not sure if they are BMC or not but interesting none the less...Courtesy of Dave Giffin, Bluegrass Austin Heaely Club.

In these instruction it give the following mesurements.
Spacing between front bow and 1st bow 20 1/4"
Spacing between list bow and 2nd bow 10"
Spacing between 2nd bow and rear bow 7 1/2"
Spacing between rear bow and body line 14 1/2"

I'm installing a Robbins Sunfast cloth top.
When installed the spacing between the rear bow and body line (chrome moulding) is 15 1/2"

Anyone have a nicely fitting Robbins Sunfast that could take that mesurement for me? What is your measurement?

And are your other mesurements the same as what the instructions say?
I'm measuring inside to inside of the bows. Is that correct?

Thank you,
Roger

 

[Randy Forbes]

I'm not an expert on BJ8s (or anything else, for that matter...) but I think how the top bows fit the (sewed)seams of the top are more important than the dimensions.

I didn't have, or use, any dimensions when I fitted the BJ8 top about a year ago. I started at the middle, ensuring that the material fitted the wooden pieces at the back of the side glass. Now fixed in place, I worked the material forward and put a few staples in the header to keep it taut (but enough not to tear them out).

Now I could work the back half of the top, keeping the fabric placed where it matched the bows, then hooking it to the rail that secures the bottom.

Finishing up at the header, by removing the temporary staples, pulling any last wrinkles out and securing it for good.

While it turned out really well (especially for a top that'd been folded in a box for 10+ years) I hope that I never have to do another BJ7/8 top again; that was a bitch! :wink:

 

[AUSMHLY]

Thanks Randy,

I've heard that the BJ8 top frame and the material is one of the hardest tops to get a really nice fit on. The fit being not just how it looks but also being wind and water tight.

Those who know me, understand I strive for the very best.

I'm at the shop now working with the owner. We are not getting these measurements and it would help if someone would take a minute, that's really all it takes, to measure their bows. It can be done laying a measuring tape on the outside of the top, between bows. Does it match these?

Spacing between front bow and 1st bow 20 1/4"
Spacing between list bow and 2nd bow 10"
Spacing between 2nd bow and rear bow 7 1/2"
Spacing between rear bow and body line 14 1/2"

As always, thank you guys!
Roger

 

[1965AH3000]

My 65 reads 22/11/10/16.....but a new top was put on before I bought it.

 

[shorn]

No,
On my Phase 1 BJ8 with a cloth top and measured from the inside, I get 20 3/4, 10, 7 1/4, and 17 1/4. The final measurement is between the rear top bow and the top of the channel. My top fits snug and tight, however, there is a little vertical wave (side to side) in the rear window.

 

[shorn]

The rear measurement from the outside for the rear bow to the chrome strip is closer to 16.

 

[Randy Forbes]

I have this suspicious feeling, that measuring ten (10) cars will yield ten (10!) different sets of measurements...

... that 1965AH3000 is clearly the <span style="font-style: italic">long cockpit</span> model! :wink:

 

[bob hughes]

Roger

I have been talking to the Rawles upholsterer and he makes 'em to fit, he says forget the measurements to a degree and that he generally works off the marks on the old hood. That being said, I think that Rand's way is pretty much the way to go when installing the top and that in principle was what the upholsterer also said.

Bob