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JPSmit

JPSmit

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so, went to punch the holes for the snaps on the back of the top. tenex snaps don't line up :madder:

the "center" two snaps are about 1/2 - 3/4 in. closer than they should be. so,

1. can I stretch canvas?

2. if not, the problem is that the tenex snaps fit my tonneau and my top cover perfectly so I really don't want to move them, leaving

3. moving the tenex on the top itself

am I missing something? any other ideas?
 
Oh and I failed to mention, bent the top frame too :wall:
 
JP, step away from that car!

Time for a beverage of choice and a moment's pause, I think. :thirsty:
 
JP,

Do you mean that there are small holes pre-punched in the top, and that the spacing isn't the same as where the studs are on your car?

If so, then YES, I know what the problem is. Drop me a line, or a call (613 762 9724)
 
no holes prepunched in the top. these are the 3 per side tenex fasteners which were already installed when I bought the top.

BTW - frame is straight again phew - now where's that beer
 
Hi JP,
I recently installed a top exactly as you are describing. It was frustrating, but I hope you haven't done anything too rash yet. When I went to install the top, I thought, 'There's no way this will fit.' Moving the Fasteners is possible and frankly it's easy, however, if you're quite sure the body of your car has not been messed with (ie: the fasteners are in the original place on the body) then I would strongly advise against it.

What I think it REALLY needs, is a lot of elbow grease and possibly some added heat. I used my mother's hair dryer, AND A LOT of elbow grease. I honestly thought it would never go on... but here I am telling you that it's tough. Please, download this video:

https://frobac.com/images/videos/SDV_0011_WMV%20V9.wmv

and see what I mean. Note: It looks MUCH easier than it is. Note the pacing and forces used. Also, note that I fastened an entire side, and then the two furthest from that side. I thought this was easiest.
 
But Tim, is yours vinyl? JP's got a canvas top; canvas doesn't stretch!

JP, the spacing changed... somewhere around '74, if I remember right. If your fasteners don't line up... either they've sent you the wrong top, or your car has been changed over the years. Let me know if you need to verify the correct measurements for the later cars.
 
tosoutherncars said:
But Tim, is yours vinyl? JP's got a canvas top; canvas doesn't stretch!
Click to expand...

Sorry, yes mine is vinyl. However, I'm not entirely convinced canvas doesn't stretch. In fact I've found a stress/strain curve for various types of canvas:
1.
stress6a.gif


Even if we assume we're dealing with the worse case ("Weft"), JP is still only looking at approx. .5in/30in (2%) strain. Which, according to that graph would only need at most 100 or so pounds.



Image:
1. Padfield, T (1996). Stress, strain and craquelure. Retrieved May 9 2009 from: https://www.natmus.dk/cons/tp/strstr/stress6.htm
 
Canvas does stretch if wet.
 
I may try to wet it - though I'm concerned that it will shrink again when dry. The added issue is that there is at least 2 layers at the edge plus the window just a few inches above the seam of which I don't want to stretch.

At this point the most viable options are

1. try to stretch
2. reposition tenex
3. move to Arizona

I'm currently leaning to #3
 
tosoutherncars said:
But Tim, is yours vinyl? JP's got a canvas top; canvas doesn't stretch!

JP, the spacing changed... somewhere around '74, if I remember right. If your fasteners don't line up... either they've sent you the wrong top, or your car has been changed over the years. Let me know if you need to verify the correct measurements for the later cars.
Click to expand...

Thanks Duncan, don't think I need to - I know the holes are correctly placed and the tonneau/ parade boot are original
 
yes two of mine dont line up either and i have the fancy canvas one
 
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