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Does anyone have a picture of the correct strap to hold the top open on series 80 4 passenger touring?
Also a picture of the way it is when top is up.
or is it removed?
Hi Jim,
The top bows and mechanism go ‘over center’ against the tension of the top material. If the top material is too large or stretched, then the top bow mechanism will sag.
The front of the top mechanism is pulled forward and clamped to the top of the windshield posts.
The pulling forward and down on the top stretches the top material against the top bows, the whole top is steel and wood mechanism under tension when trying to stretch the top material. There ARE two straps that are under the top material, and attached to the wood bows, these two straps do not stretch with changes in temperature like most top material, so those two straps are part of the tension along with the fabric..
Greg Long
David Coco might have a drawing of the way a top is tensioned and held rigid..
GL
I first read the question as asking about what straps the top down, in the saddles, when the top is in the down position. Usually these are leather straps that are attached to the saddles, and when not in use are curled up inside same.
Greg seems to be discussing the straps that hold the top in the correct position when in the up position. On later “one man” tops, it is critical that the straps that are in the pads, and the visible front to back straps (if there are such), hold the top bows in the correct position.
In the attached picture, in order for the irons at point 2 to be held up in the correct position (you will see a lot of touring cars where the irons sag at this position and are visible under the edge of top, which is incorrect), then the bow at point 1 must be tensioned correctly, with pad and/or strap “pull”, to the rear bow. The irons are a modified four bar mechanism (the engineer coming out in me!), and only by getting the tension correct on that bow (1 in picture) will the mechanism be locked to the correct point.
Upholstery is very easy to explain in person, difficult to explain in print.
While I’m trying to ease out of doing upholstery (after fulfilling some commitments I already have) as I need to work on my own projects, will be glad to help out and answer any trimming questions that arise. And yes, Greg, you’re still on the “commitment” list!
Speaking of tops, I highly recommend this company if you need any top hardware, leather straps, and so forth. Kim Dawson is great at helping you out with such needs, and has items that are not readily available elsewhere. No, I don’t get a commission, but think that good suppliers for antique car needs deserve a mention.
Yes David you were correct at first I want a picture of the correct strap to hold the top in the saddle when it is down. my top is made and works but I could and will just make something to fit if no sample or picture is available.
Greg this is my car that I had at Kerrville.
I believe that Karl Krouch has leather straps with buckles that would work for you purpose.
I would contact him and get the dimensions of the leather strap and see if they will fit through the slots
in your tie-down saddles.
Greg Long
Jim
If Karl’s STOCK straps do not fit, I am confident that his Amish Dudes can whip up a set to your specification (length, width, thickness, color (black or brown)).
Peter
Definitely see Karl for straps, it was not my intent to take business away from him, but rather to share a catalog that has a lot of early top fittings not easily found elsewhere!