Convertible Top Straps Question

[Jeff Troy]

I was touring again and had to table my progress for a few years. Back on it now and the car is nearly completed, but one component of the convertible top install has me puzzled. My kit has two straps, each with a typical buckle on one end and a rectangular fitting on the other. The manual is unclear as to how these straps are fitted around the main and secondary bows. Can anyone please clarify this for me? Thank you.

Jeff Troy
759 New Holland Ave.
Lancaster PA 17602
717-917-3670
jefftroy@aol.com
www.bandmix.com/jefftroy

[billnparts]

On mine, the rear bow slides into a sleeve sewn into the top. There is an opening in that sleeve near each end where you take that strap and loop it over the rear bow. Then just loop it over the front bar and adjust with the buckle to where the top looks right.

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[Jeff Troy]

Thanks Bill,
That’s what I’ve done, although the drawings in the manual make the straps appear to be not just looped around but looped and closed around both bows. This cannot be done without adding an extra buckle to each strap, so I thought it best to ask for help before proceeding.
I bought this unbuilt kit in 2004, did all the work on the glider, and hung most of the primary glass parts soon afterward.  Between a few medical setbacks and getting back on the road again (Chubby Checker tour) I only started working on the car again in May of this year.

I removed and corrected all the glass components, and got it all done except for the top, curtains, tonneau cover, and dash/instrument wiring. Only thing missing from the kit was the wire harness, so I’m building one based on a Bradley GTII harness. I built my Bradley GT in 1976 and followed up with six rebuilds or complete restorations over the years, so I’m very comfortable with VW based electrical. My GT is now on its fourth engine (1776) and fourth VDO speedometer, and has 647,000 actual miles behind it.

Again, thank you for your help and clarity  Much appreciated my friend

warmest regards, Jeff

Jeff Troy
759 New Holland Ave.
Lancaster PA 17602
717-917-3670
jefftroy@aol.com
www.bandmix.com/jefftroy

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