switch to soft top

[frodobaggins]

if someone close wants to trade thats even better mine is solid od in color looking for same or od camo soft top in good condition. the reason i want soft top is to me seems to be easier to take off by myself

Let's swap pics. I live in Ruston La.

 

[Robo McDuff]

I wonder if the 'options' varied from manufacturer to manufacturer? Oh well, drilling a few holes is pretty darned easy

Robo McDuff: If you need some measurements just let me know - the Deuce is right out front and easily accessible.

James

Yes please, would be good to have. Thanks

 

[MacGowan]

Yes please, would be good to have. Thanks

Okay, here are the measurements for the holes at the top of the windshield frame: from driver's side to passenger's side

 

[MacGowan]

More showing from driver's side to passenger's and the distance between each 'bow':

The other pics are to give you a rough idea of the angle at which the bows are installed from rear to front.

...the rear of the frame where the bows install should be pre-drilled, so the only measurements you should need are the front measurements.

 

[MacGowan]

Just to let you know: if you order the soft top new from a surplus dealer you'll get it with white talcum powder and glue visible on the seams on top. Not a big deal, but it'll look pretty ugly for a while... until the talcum comes off with the rain. I plan to re-seal when the glue eventually comes off, as it's meant to water-proof the top. I believe the talcum is applied as a means to prevent the top from sticking together while in packaging.

Hope these photos help, brother.

James

 

[Robo McDuff]

Great pics, thanks. What are those bows made off, just bent metal tubes?

My new canvas soft-top was just folded and packed in plastic, no talcum in sight. Looked like the real military NOS

 

[MacGowan]

The bows are made of, what seems to be, cold rolled steel. They are bent to support the top... hmmmm... I should just take some photos of the bows in the morning. Should be pretty easy to fabricate if you have all the measurements and some very basic metal working equipment.

How did you manage to get a new soft top without the talc? The box mine was shipped in was NOS - correct part #, etc... It's not actual canvas, rather it's vinyl.

I'll take those pics in the morning when I get a chance. Don't forget to post pics of your work and your truck!!!

 

[MacGowan]

Looking over the website listed in your signature - - AWESOME PROJECT!!! I'd give my left one to be over there to lend a hand!!

James

 

[Darwin T]

let me check around here i may be able to get one for a swap of your hard top.

 

[Robo McDuff]

Looking over the website listed in your signature - - AWESOME PROJECT!!! I'd give my left one to be over there to lend a hand!!

James

Thanks for the offer; working with your left still on would be more helpful through

As to a metal shop with stuff, I think that once the truck is in the Czech Republic, I have all I need, actually out-sizing and out-aging the truck needs and seniority. My stepson is a blacksmith working with old and big stuff (I need to update his website). His workshop in the woods actually has a professional lath, every welding equipment type existing, power presses, power hammers, forges, sand-blasting and spray-painting stuff, a 50-ton repairing ramp and even a traveling winch (trolley, traveling crab, whatever the correct name) strong enough to raise and move the entire truck and then some.

Just take a holiday and join the fun here in the Czech Republic (That is where the real restoration will take place).

As to the soft top, it really is the old-type dark green canvas soft top in an open plastic envelope. Did not put it on yet because I did not want to get it dirty while repairing the truck. Did took it out of the plastic though and folded it open. No talc to be seen

If you want to see some impressive forging work, have a look at this gate my son made.

 

[MacGowan]

That is some AMAZING work!! ... and access to all those tools -> I need a bigger shop and more MONEY!

The following are the pics I promised:



GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PROJECT!! I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE COMPLETED VERSION!!!

James

 

[MacGowan]

Just fyi: My top is NOT NOS, rather it's brand new. I wish I could've found an actual canvas top.

 

[Robo McDuff]

Mine costs around $210 (blame a bad exchange rate, it is 150 Eur). Shipping would be possible, but I am afraid they only have green, not tan. Although green is original for my truck, I would not mind having a tan soft top and cover. It certainly looks very fitting on your truck.

 

[Robo McDuff]

Do you have to put any special stuff on a new canvas top to ,make it water tight, or something on the lines that slip into the frame to better preserve them?

 

[Z71]

You can apply tent fabric water proofing spray to the top.

 

[docharley]

If some one has a complete hard top they want to trade I'll gladly give you my hard top. I have a 71 model A2. Love the soft yop on my wrecker.

 

[Maverick1701]

only problem i cant post in classified not enough post

are you close to ft polk?
Im going to be down there in a few days and have a soft top that I dont want anymore

 

[bjsmith]

no im 3 hrs from ft polk

 

[frodobaggins]

are you close to ft polk?
Im going to be down there in a few days and have a soft top that I dont want anymore

no im 3 hrs from ft polk

May could ask oldmechanic to hold it. He lives real close.