Read if interested in a bikini top

[bp71k5]

If the 1/4" turns out to be too small, you could probably also open that up a bit using a saw or router.

It does look pretty close. On the long edge, you might have to run it through a table saw (with a good blade for aluminum) or a router to shorten the long edge. It'll depend on where it sits on the windshield frame. You may not even have to do anything to it.

Nice find!

 

[suspectdon]

I wonder if the 8429A7 might work. Its dimensions are:

A 1/4"
B 1 3/8"
C 1/2"

and is 3/64" thick.

That number if for a different style of channel , we need to use style 2 and style 3


richard

 

[Yukon Jack]

Whoops, you're right, wrong style.

 

[Big Blzn]

Fellas,
Here is what I have been looking for for several days and finally found it. I forgot what it's called but this could be used very easily for the windshield part and if the top maker/canvas guy is worth his salt he would know how to fabricate the leading edge of the canvas top to make this work. You would basically make the leading edge of the canvas have a type of piping element (hard rubber or plastic piping) sewn into it and the top slides in and out from the side. This type of thing is used in boating and truck tonnoue (sp) covers all the time. In my opinion this is the best option. Minimal drilling, low profile, easy canvas install, etc. What do you all think?

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/product_listing.asp_Q_CatID_E_409_A_SubCatID_E_433


http://www.rochfordsupply.com/product_listing.asp_Q_CatID_E_407_A_SubCatID_E_430_A_ProdID_E_3517

 

[bp71k5]

That's pretty close to how the STC track works. It's just a different profile.

 

[Yukon Jack]

Big Blzn that looks like a perfect solution! I don't see any downside. Still would have to do a couple snaps on each edge where the windshield curves I imagine but looks very doable.

 

[Yukon Jack]

I wonder if some one made some relief cuts, could that stock be bent enough to even follow the curve of the windshield and then snaps wouldn't be needed at all - now that would be sweet!

 

[suspectdon]

that would be hard to do and have it still functional. The snaps might help positivly position it and lock it in place.

is the shop ready to start taking orders?

I want to order the STC style but not sure on the parts from mcmaster. i guess i just need to how big of a gap is allowable,?


Richard



.

Richard

 

[suspectdon]

Fellas,
Here is what I have been looking for for several days and finally found it. I forgot what it's called but this could be used very easily for the windshield part and if the top maker/canvas guy is worth his salt he would know how to fabricate the leading edge of the canvas top to make this work. You would basically make the leading edge of the canvas have a type of piping element (hard rubber or plastic piping) sewn into it and the top slides in and out from the side. This type of thing is used in boating and truck tonnoue (sp) covers all the time. In my opinion this is the best option. Minimal drilling, low profile, easy canvas install, etc. What do you all think?

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/product_listing.asp_Q_CatID_E_409_A_SubCatID_E_433


http://www.rochfordsupply.com/product_listing.asp_Q_CatID_E_407_A_SubCatID_E_430_A_ProdID_E_3517

I think that might work but how big is it?

it would need to be about 1/4 inch...

richard

 

[bp71k5]

Theres another option at this company.

http://www.hoskinmuir.com/catalog/wallboard_panel.htm

Check out A604-3, about halfway down the page in the (3/16" panels) section.

They also have some in the U channel section that would work if you cut one edge down.

 

[Big Blzn]

I think that might work but how big is it?

it would need to be about 1/4 inch...

richard

If I remember right the round (male) part of the setup that slides into the channel is about the size of a pencil or just a tad bigger. The rubber insert on my post is pretty good, however, I have seen the actual canvas top has its canvas inserted into the groove with a hard plastic/rubber dowel sewn into the canvas top.

I do believe you could, with the proper heat and cuts, contour the rail to fit the windshield frame and still have it be able to slide the canvas into it. Sh1t, if someone on this site can't do it then it probably can't be done.

I reallu think this is the way to go as far as the windshield attachments go.

 

[suspectdon]

cool

 

[Yukon Jack]

is the shop ready to start taking orders?

Yep, he is taking orders, there is a link up a little ways to the classified ad with the order info.

I think a 1/4" gap for a rail would also work.

 

[Yukon Jack]

Sounds like a couple bikini tops have been ordered and shipped out earlier this week! If it was anyone here who ordered one of these, I look forward to seeing pics and your opinion of the tops.

 

[Yukon Jack]

A couple bikini tops have been ordered and shipped at this point and I picked up one for myself and another boardmember who gave me his snap version for a template.

The webbing this upholstry man is using is a good heavy piece and the reinforcement plastic strip for the fastrack style rail is is also great.

I'm very pleased with the quality. Here is an album with pictures of the bikini top designed for the rail system. Again, we are not able to produce the rail so you are on your own if you don't already have one.

The snap style will look identical to these, without the plastic reinforcement sewn into the leading edge.

 

[bp71k5]

Bumping this back up to the top as I'm installing mine now. Does anyone have any pictures of how the fastrac style snaps into the channel? The plastic strip on mine is much wider than the STC channel that was built into the fabric and I can't figure out if I'm supposed to fold the edge of the fabric down into the metal channel or just wedge the plastic channel into the metal rail without folding it. I know that almost makes no sense without pictures...

 

[gaspass]

Gotta cover my kids too.

I spoke to the upholstry guy about a full soft top and unfortunately he doesn't have the tools needed to make a proper frame so he isn't interested in making ull soft tops.

What it I have a front and rear hoop? It's not a cage cause they're not connected. The rear hoop comes up just behind the back seat. He just has to add about 4 or 41/2 feet to the same design to fit mine.

 

[Yukon Jack]

He can definitely make the bikini top as long as you want - just give him a call and get a firm quote before you give him the go.