Soft top mounting problems
11-15-2003, 12:45 AM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Soft top mounting problems
I had just this same problem when I had my YJ. I upgauged the screws and
then drilled new holes near the ends. I do like Earle's suggestions about
the riveted inserts. Hope you find them. Wish I had thought of that
then....
Tomes
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
then drilled new holes near the ends. I do like Earle's suggestions about
the riveted inserts. Hope you find them. Wish I had thought of that
then....
Tomes
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
11-15-2003, 12:45 AM
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Soft top mounting problems
I had just this same problem when I had my YJ. I upgauged the screws and
then drilled new holes near the ends. I do like Earle's suggestions about
the riveted inserts. Hope you find them. Wish I had thought of that
then....
Tomes
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
then drilled new holes near the ends. I do like Earle's suggestions about
the riveted inserts. Hope you find them. Wish I had thought of that
then....
Tomes
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
11-15-2003, 12:45 AM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Soft top mounting problems
I had just this same problem when I had my YJ. I upgauged the screws and
then drilled new holes near the ends. I do like Earle's suggestions about
the riveted inserts. Hope you find them. Wish I had thought of that
then....
Tomes
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
then drilled new holes near the ends. I do like Earle's suggestions about
the riveted inserts. Hope you find them. Wish I had thought of that
then....
Tomes
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
11-15-2003, 08:00 AM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Soft top mounting problems
On or about Fri, 14 Nov 2003, The Hurdy Gurdy Man of bryan@linux.webicommer...:
> Earle Horton <enfermero_diabolico@registerednurses.com> wrote:
>
> > There is an aftermarket kit to replace the holes in the sheet metal with
> > riveted inserts that are threaded on the inside to accept machine screws
> > instead of sheet metal screws. This is considered a permanent repair.
>
> Where would I find such a thing? I don't remember seeing one in the
> Quadratec catalog I had lying around someplace. It sounds like this
> repair kit uses something akin to rivnuts though, and if they go in the
Dreary old J.C. Whitney sells real Rivitnut and Threadsert kits, but they
are expensive. I bought one for a job, so I can write part of the cost
off my taxes, but for a one-time hobby use...
Harbor Freight sells a knock-off rivitnut setting tool that doubles as a
pop rivit gun for considerably less than the real article.
My local True Value Hardware store sells RivitNuts, but not the setting
tool.
I don't think that I'd choose rivitnuts to repair this problem, though.
The rivitnuts stand proud of the surface and might allow the strip to
wiggle, eventually causing more problems. It will also increase the gap
that is supposed to hold the top to the windshield and might allow it to
pop out at speed.
I'm thinking that the right way to fix it is to spring for a new
windshield frame.
> Earle Horton <enfermero_diabolico@registerednurses.com> wrote:
>
> > There is an aftermarket kit to replace the holes in the sheet metal with
> > riveted inserts that are threaded on the inside to accept machine screws
> > instead of sheet metal screws. This is considered a permanent repair.
>
> Where would I find such a thing? I don't remember seeing one in the
> Quadratec catalog I had lying around someplace. It sounds like this
> repair kit uses something akin to rivnuts though, and if they go in the
Dreary old J.C. Whitney sells real Rivitnut and Threadsert kits, but they
are expensive. I bought one for a job, so I can write part of the cost
off my taxes, but for a one-time hobby use...
Harbor Freight sells a knock-off rivitnut setting tool that doubles as a
pop rivit gun for considerably less than the real article.
My local True Value Hardware store sells RivitNuts, but not the setting
tool.
I don't think that I'd choose rivitnuts to repair this problem, though.
The rivitnuts stand proud of the surface and might allow the strip to
wiggle, eventually causing more problems. It will also increase the gap
that is supposed to hold the top to the windshield and might allow it to
pop out at speed.
I'm thinking that the right way to fix it is to spring for a new
windshield frame.
11-15-2003, 08:00 AM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Soft top mounting problems
On or about Fri, 14 Nov 2003, The Hurdy Gurdy Man of bryan@linux.webicommer...:
> Earle Horton <enfermero_diabolico@registerednurses.com> wrote:
>
> > There is an aftermarket kit to replace the holes in the sheet metal with
> > riveted inserts that are threaded on the inside to accept machine screws
> > instead of sheet metal screws. This is considered a permanent repair.
>
> Where would I find such a thing? I don't remember seeing one in the
> Quadratec catalog I had lying around someplace. It sounds like this
> repair kit uses something akin to rivnuts though, and if they go in the
Dreary old J.C. Whitney sells real Rivitnut and Threadsert kits, but they
are expensive. I bought one for a job, so I can write part of the cost
off my taxes, but for a one-time hobby use...
Harbor Freight sells a knock-off rivitnut setting tool that doubles as a
pop rivit gun for considerably less than the real article.
My local True Value Hardware store sells RivitNuts, but not the setting
tool.
I don't think that I'd choose rivitnuts to repair this problem, though.
The rivitnuts stand proud of the surface and might allow the strip to
wiggle, eventually causing more problems. It will also increase the gap
that is supposed to hold the top to the windshield and might allow it to
pop out at speed.
I'm thinking that the right way to fix it is to spring for a new
windshield frame.
> Earle Horton <enfermero_diabolico@registerednurses.com> wrote:
>
> > There is an aftermarket kit to replace the holes in the sheet metal with
> > riveted inserts that are threaded on the inside to accept machine screws
> > instead of sheet metal screws. This is considered a permanent repair.
>
> Where would I find such a thing? I don't remember seeing one in the
> Quadratec catalog I had lying around someplace. It sounds like this
> repair kit uses something akin to rivnuts though, and if they go in the
Dreary old J.C. Whitney sells real Rivitnut and Threadsert kits, but they
are expensive. I bought one for a job, so I can write part of the cost
off my taxes, but for a one-time hobby use...
Harbor Freight sells a knock-off rivitnut setting tool that doubles as a
pop rivit gun for considerably less than the real article.
My local True Value Hardware store sells RivitNuts, but not the setting
tool.
I don't think that I'd choose rivitnuts to repair this problem, though.
The rivitnuts stand proud of the surface and might allow the strip to
wiggle, eventually causing more problems. It will also increase the gap
that is supposed to hold the top to the windshield and might allow it to
pop out at speed.
I'm thinking that the right way to fix it is to spring for a new
windshield frame.
11-15-2003, 08:00 AM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Soft top mounting problems
On or about Fri, 14 Nov 2003, The Hurdy Gurdy Man of bryan@linux.webicommer...:
> Earle Horton <enfermero_diabolico@registerednurses.com> wrote:
>
> > There is an aftermarket kit to replace the holes in the sheet metal with
> > riveted inserts that are threaded on the inside to accept machine screws
> > instead of sheet metal screws. This is considered a permanent repair.
>
> Where would I find such a thing? I don't remember seeing one in the
> Quadratec catalog I had lying around someplace. It sounds like this
> repair kit uses something akin to rivnuts though, and if they go in the
Dreary old J.C. Whitney sells real Rivitnut and Threadsert kits, but they
are expensive. I bought one for a job, so I can write part of the cost
off my taxes, but for a one-time hobby use...
Harbor Freight sells a knock-off rivitnut setting tool that doubles as a
pop rivit gun for considerably less than the real article.
My local True Value Hardware store sells RivitNuts, but not the setting
tool.
I don't think that I'd choose rivitnuts to repair this problem, though.
The rivitnuts stand proud of the surface and might allow the strip to
wiggle, eventually causing more problems. It will also increase the gap
that is supposed to hold the top to the windshield and might allow it to
pop out at speed.
I'm thinking that the right way to fix it is to spring for a new
windshield frame.
> Earle Horton <enfermero_diabolico@registerednurses.com> wrote:
>
> > There is an aftermarket kit to replace the holes in the sheet metal with
> > riveted inserts that are threaded on the inside to accept machine screws
> > instead of sheet metal screws. This is considered a permanent repair.
>
> Where would I find such a thing? I don't remember seeing one in the
> Quadratec catalog I had lying around someplace. It sounds like this
> repair kit uses something akin to rivnuts though, and if they go in the
Dreary old J.C. Whitney sells real Rivitnut and Threadsert kits, but they
are expensive. I bought one for a job, so I can write part of the cost
off my taxes, but for a one-time hobby use...
Harbor Freight sells a knock-off rivitnut setting tool that doubles as a
pop rivit gun for considerably less than the real article.
My local True Value Hardware store sells RivitNuts, but not the setting
tool.
I don't think that I'd choose rivitnuts to repair this problem, though.
The rivitnuts stand proud of the surface and might allow the strip to
wiggle, eventually causing more problems. It will also increase the gap
that is supposed to hold the top to the windshield and might allow it to
pop out at speed.
I'm thinking that the right way to fix it is to spring for a new
windshield frame.
11-15-2003, 07:39 PM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Soft top mounting problems
I had the same problem with my 91 YJ I just bought same self tapping screws
and put one between the old ones then filled the old holes.Holds great and
you can see it even if the top is off.
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
and put one between the old ones then filled the old holes.Holds great and
you can see it even if the top is off.
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
11-15-2003, 07:39 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Soft top mounting problems
I had the same problem with my 91 YJ I just bought same self tapping screws
and put one between the old ones then filled the old holes.Holds great and
you can see it even if the top is off.
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
and put one between the old ones then filled the old holes.Holds great and
you can see it even if the top is off.
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
11-15-2003, 07:39 PM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Soft top mounting problems
I had the same problem with my 91 YJ I just bought same self tapping screws
and put one between the old ones then filled the old holes.Holds great and
you can see it even if the top is off.
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
and put one between the old ones then filled the old holes.Holds great and
you can see it even if the top is off.
"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:e6Zsb.39532$E9.27851@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
>
> Yet another issue in the continuing saga of the repairs on my brother's
> 1994 Wrangler YJ (although I will be taking it out for a drive tomorrow,
> so at least some progress has been made). On the top of the frame that
> holds the window glass there's a long strip of what appears to be painted
> aluminum that screws down and holds the front lip of the soft top in
> place. This strip has ripped out several times now from the stress of the
> top pulling on it... I've repaired it before, but the repairs keep failing
> and so I am now wondering if there's some sort of aftermarket kit
> available that replaces this part with something that won't pop loose.
> Basically the body screws that hold the strip down against the frame
> simply rip out. Previously I just up-sized the screws and used a bit of
> silicone adhesive to hold it all in place, which worked for a while but
> certainly not forever. If I do repair it again I'm thinking about
> drilling entirely new holes and using aircraft structural rivets in
> addition to the screws, but many of the old screw holes are hopelessly
> bunged. I could weld them closed and re-drill them, but I'd rather not.
>
> So, if anyone has any suggestions for aftermarket kits or just general
> repair tips for dealing with this situation (I get the feeling it's
> probably a common problem, judging by the design) please do let me know.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan
11-17-2003, 05:52 AM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Soft top mounting problems
Lee Ayrton <layrton@ntplx.net> wrote:
> Dreary old J.C. Whitney sells real Rivitnut and Threadsert kits, but they
> are expensive. I bought one for a job, so I can write part of the cost
> off my taxes, but for a one-time hobby use...
They're available through a number of places local to me, but I was hoping
for a complete solution in kit form that would reduce the amount of time
I'd spend collecting parts and tools. It sounds like no such solution is
easily obtained, though.
> I don't think that I'd choose rivitnuts to repair this problem, though.
> The rivitnuts stand proud of the surface and might allow the strip to
> wiggle, eventually causing more problems. It will also increase the gap
> that is supposed to hold the top to the windshield and might allow it to
> pop out at speed.
I was thinking larger holes would need to be drilled into the strip I'm
trying to hold down so that it continued to sit flush against the window
frame, and then use good sized washers with the bolts screwed into the
rivnuts to hold it all down. Which wouldn't be too bad a modification to
do, I suppose, but I'll have to look into it. Aircraft structural rivets
would be cheaper than rivnuts, and probably more permanent as well.
> I'm thinking that the right way to fix it is to spring for a new
> windshield frame.
That'd increase the pricetag on the repair by an order of magnitude,
though, plus introduce the added complexity of getting the frame painted
to match the current body color. And in the end I'd still have the same
flawed design that would inevitably wear out again in a couple of years
like it did before. It sounds like I'm going to have to roll my own on
this repair. With no kits conveniently available and the prohibitive cost
of a new window frame, it's back to the drawing board with me. That's
alright, though. I've had good success with my repairs so far, so I'm
fairly confident I can make a lasting repair on this one as long as I'm
willing to give up on a search for a quick fix and just go with something
that takes a few days instead of a few hours. Thanks for all the
suggestions!
Bryan
> Dreary old J.C. Whitney sells real Rivitnut and Threadsert kits, but they
> are expensive. I bought one for a job, so I can write part of the cost
> off my taxes, but for a one-time hobby use...
They're available through a number of places local to me, but I was hoping
for a complete solution in kit form that would reduce the amount of time
I'd spend collecting parts and tools. It sounds like no such solution is
easily obtained, though.
> I don't think that I'd choose rivitnuts to repair this problem, though.
> The rivitnuts stand proud of the surface and might allow the strip to
> wiggle, eventually causing more problems. It will also increase the gap
> that is supposed to hold the top to the windshield and might allow it to
> pop out at speed.
I was thinking larger holes would need to be drilled into the strip I'm
trying to hold down so that it continued to sit flush against the window
frame, and then use good sized washers with the bolts screwed into the
rivnuts to hold it all down. Which wouldn't be too bad a modification to
do, I suppose, but I'll have to look into it. Aircraft structural rivets
would be cheaper than rivnuts, and probably more permanent as well.
> I'm thinking that the right way to fix it is to spring for a new
> windshield frame.
That'd increase the pricetag on the repair by an order of magnitude,
though, plus introduce the added complexity of getting the frame painted
to match the current body color. And in the end I'd still have the same
flawed design that would inevitably wear out again in a couple of years
like it did before. It sounds like I'm going to have to roll my own on
this repair. With no kits conveniently available and the prohibitive cost
of a new window frame, it's back to the drawing board with me. That's
alright, though. I've had good success with my repairs so far, so I'm
fairly confident I can make a lasting repair on this one as long as I'm
willing to give up on a search for a quick fix and just go with something
that takes a few days instead of a few hours. Thanks for all the
suggestions!
Bryan
