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Top Brackets and B-Post Trim Panel

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jjbunn

jjbunn

Jedi Knight
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I have been attaching the B post vinyl and then the trim panels this weekend. The panels are now fitted, but I need to open up three holes in each, for attaching the soft top hinges (using three hex head countersunk bolts).

I'm not at all sure how best to do this. Roger Williams is no help - he doesn't cover it at all.

How does one ensure that one drills holes into the vinyl covered trim panel in exactly the right place? Also, since the hinges have some up/down adjustment, I assume the holes in the trim panel need to be more like slots?

This is a very visible area of the trim, and I'm keen not to eff it up!

Thanks!
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]How does one ensure that one drills holes into the vinyl covered trim panel in exactly the right place? [/QUOTE]

In cases like this, one would use the original parts for ones template, if one managed to have or keep them.
 
Brosky said:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]How does one ensure that one drills holes into the vinyl covered trim panel in exactly the right place?
Click to expand...

In cases like this, one would use the original parts for ones template, if one managed to have or keep them. [/QUOTE]

The car came with all the interior stripped out :frown:

I suppose I can get close with measurements, and since the holes will be mostly covered by the bracket anyway, their placement is maybe not too critical.
 
Surely someone can post a photo of the area for you, Julian.
 
Julian, just feel the hole through the vinyl and cut out the hole with an Exacto knife. The bracket more than covers the areas of the holes, even with up/down adjustment. Too, those 3 bolts that hold the hinge plate in place should not be hex-heads, they are counter-sunk holes that hold slotted, flat headed screw bolts. You don't want anything sticking out above the level of the bracket, it <span style="font-weight: bold">will</span> bind and scratch your frame. The bolts in question are available from TRF for sure and prolly the other big vendors.
 
dont drill holes, the drill bit will catch the vinyl and you will then have a big rip, pull the pannel back a tad so you can see the holes and then push a nail or An Awl works better through the pannel, wollow it out till you can get the bolt/ screw to go through the pannel, once you get one lined up you should be able to go through the hinge for the other holes
 
TR6BILL said:
Julian, just feel the hole through the vinyl and cut out the hole with an Exacto knife. The bracket more than covers the areas of the holes, even with up/down adjustment. Too, those 3 bolts that hold the hinge plate in place should not be hex-heads, they are counter-sunk holes that hold slotted, flat headed screw bolts. You don't want anything sticking out above the level of the bracket, it <span style="font-weight: bold">will</span> bind and scratch your frame. The bolts in question are available from TRF for sure and prolly the other big vendors.
Click to expand...

The bolts I have work fine: they have countersunk heads as required, and fit flush with the bracket when tightened.

The problem with feeling through the vinyl is that the trim panel is plywood-backed. I may end up inserting the bolts halfway without the panel in place, putting some paint on their heads, and then pressing the lined-up panel against them, so marking it in the bolt head positions.

I'll make an attempt at the job soon, and post some photos, which should make it clearer.
 
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