Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or painted

[robert_ellison]

in the wooden top bow (front, at windscreen) covered in a vinyl or only painted?

Robert

 

[vette]

I'll have to look at mine, but off hand I think it is covered.

 

[shorn]

covered on a BJ8

 

[GregW]

Guess the next question will be "What Color" or is that colour? My BJ8, with a OEW paint job, has an off-white vinyl wrap on the wood.

 

[shorn]

The color is off-white to creme. i believe that British Car Specialists carries the correct vinyl, but I found mine at Phoenix upholstery in Vancouver, BC. I can recommend Phoenix for any interior work.

 

[robert_ellison]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

Hi Shorn,,

Looking at your picture it's difficult to tell what (if anything) is painted or covered. In one set of instructions it says to cover the aluminum channel with fabric, you say the bow itself. Can you be a little more specific.

Also, if you have any pics of things like how the top is connected on the sides, or in the rear, or if there are some metal trim pieces at either side of the front bow, anything would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Robert

 

[GregW]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

Hi Robert,
Wasn't sure if you were asking me about more photos or Shorn. I don't have many, I didn't want to disassemble my top until I welded the wheel arch bases on. Here is one that shows the side from the inside. You can see where the wood is covered in the vinyl more clearly. The vinyl is the same color in the first shot I posted.

 

[robert_ellison]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

Greg,

Thanks for the side shot.

Does anyone have any info re. actually replacing the top? I have gotten advise from Moss that it is so difficult I need to have a pro do the job. The quote I got was $600.00 for installation only. Needless to say, I would prefer to do it myself unless it actually is that difficult.

Appreciate the feedback.

Robert

 

[shorn]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

The top is difficult to replace, but can be done. The problem is that if you make a mistake and make an incorrect cut, you have ruined the top. I had a pro do mine (cloth, rather than vinyl). He did a fair job, but I didn't think he stretched it well enough in back, so I worked on it myself. Not sure I would want to do the whole job myself. You would need instructions as to where to start, which I beleive is at the rear bow. I think the pros figure it is about a 7 hour job (thus the $600). If you do it yourself, make sure you know exactly how you took the old top off (how it was applied). Macgregor, in Canada, 18777776381, carries a correct replacement for the furflex/rubber molding that presses on the aluminum top pieces (not cheap, but a correct color).

 

[Jerry]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

Does anyone have any more pictures of the wood pieces and how they fit vs the window? I was putting my wood pieces back on and wound up the window. The curved wood piece does not fit well againist the glass. Is this typical?

Thanks

Jerry

BJ8

 

[andybj8]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

Robert
Heres several photos of mine being 'disassembled'. I took pics as I took each piece off such as the wood, ali trim etc. Might help a bit.

https://www.austin-healey3000.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=482128

cheers Andy

 

[andybj8]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

Robert

forgot, heres some installation instructions, dont know how good they are:

https://www.healey6.com/Technical/Werner/BJ8%20Top%20Installation%20Instructions.pdf

cheers Andy

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

Have installed two tops on two different BJ8s in the last two years. It is (to me) about the hardest job on the car, but can be done with patience. Recovering the wood pieces (I did black but original white vinyl)with the top took me three days on the last one. I bought a Kwik top last, will not buy another. Install top with clips pushed on just enough to hold top on the rail and sit in place to make sure you are even on both sides. After that it goes pretty quickly.

Marv

 

[Jerry]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

I fitted two of the wood pieces yesterday but the curved ones don't fit so well, or it does not make sense how they fit. But I stumbled onto Andy's web site last night and it makes more sense. We bought the car all taken apart so I don't have pre- pictures. I noticed that the wood pieces don't follow the window when it is up all that well. It could be I don't have the metal frame into the right position yet.

Looks like a pain job.

Jerry
BJ8

Thanks for the help.

 

[Johnny]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

Robert, I installed the Amco top on my BJ7 without too many problems. I agree with all the former posters. Study the photos carefully. Here's some other tips you might find useful.

Start by installing the webbing on the bows first. Don't glue the webbing as the site says. Lay the top on loosely and leave in the sun to warm up. Clamp the top to the front and rear, and the sides.

I started at the rear, centering the rear window against the metal frame. Actually, there was a weld their at center. Having the rear window in first helps to align the side portions. Don't cut any excess off the bottom of the top at this point. Just install a few clips to hold in place.

Stretch over the sides and clamp in place. You'll have to adjust the fit at the rear about 3 times before you'll get it right.

Don't screw the top onto the side posts until you install the rubber tips on the ends. Try rolling up the windows and adjust the side posts until they fit correctly around the windows.

Good luck. The job can be frustrating but really not too bad. Took me two evenings.

 

[John_Progess]

Re: Wood convertible top bow- Is it covered or pai

Robert,
I purchased the Moss video tape of interior installation for my restoration. It is a usefull tape and covers the top installation well although they did cover the top wood front rail in black. It is worth the purchase. Have a good day!

John