Daniel,
I have a 1969 1600 so it doesn't share parts with yours but, ... my roll bar
is AutoPower and it fits quite well. I did just buy the canvas, zip out rear
window soft top but have not had it installed yet. Tom Phelan has run one for
several years and many miles and to my knowledge, no leaks. Cost? Well $395 at
CDM vs. $235 for a one window JC Whitless heavy duty(?) vinyl top that has been
bad mouthed time and time again on this list? I guess you know where I got mine
( and CDM also sells AutoPower bars. ).
My front bow was obviously damaged when I removed the old top. It appeared as
though the PO had pounded on the center clamp from above while attempting to get
the clamp latched. That's probably why my center latch was broken also. The
front bows have a tendency to warp a bit, smile or frown, depending on how well
the clamp tension was maintained. If your bow sits flush with the windshield
header and makes a good seal, yeah, a good body shop can clean and repaint it.
But if it has been damaged or warped. that is another story. Mine went to CDM
to be repaired. They drill out the spot welds and reshape the top and bottom
sections. Everything is lined up in a jig and welded back together, then
refinished and painted. They did an excellent job on mine.
As for Portland, it's just too far from Ohio for me to help with a top shop.
Good luck. Now about those Schroth harnesses, was that in a roadster? Which
harness? And where did you mount the shoulder straps?
Paul
OROC
"Daniel Beatty" <daniel@seaport.net> on 03/23/2000 01:05:57 PM
Please respond to "Daniel Beatty" <daniel@seaport.net>
To: "Roadsters" <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
cc: (bcc: Paul L Kort/Picker)
Subject: Topless and more
I am planning to buy a canvas soft top for my 65 1600. I have a clean frame
and decent front bow. What needs to be done to a bow to prepare it for
install? It looks very straight with little rust. Can just any body shop
clean it up or should it be sent to a vendor?
I am considering the canvas top with the zip out rear window. Are they
worth the extra $$. Does the rear window leak? Are there differences in
the tops from the different vendors?
Does anyone know a place in Portland, OR to get a top fitted? Lots of shop
around here quoting different prices.
Additionally, I am looking for a roll bar. Wife requires it. ;-) I have
used Stroth 4pt harnesses in the past and found them fine for everyday use.
Will get some again.
Thanks,
Daniel Beatty
65 1600 Roadster
71 'DATTO' WGN
Portland, OR
http://www.seaport.net/~daniel/NOWROC/
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