[Healeys] top frames

Sat Aug 27 21:58:33 MDT 2016

Gentlemen:

I have just recently been fighting with this very problem on my freshly restored BJ8.

It seems that on most BJ7 / BJ8’s, in order to have a nice, relatively wrinkle free soft top installation (when it’s up), it has to be installed relatively tightly, and most are a bear to get latched.  I’ve seen more BJ8 owners struggling with their soft tops recently – most of us are ageing (a bit!), and don’t have the finger / hand strength that we once had.

There are 2 components regarding this thing:  getting the latch hook to ‘snap’ over the fixed hook on the windshield frame, and then lifting the ‘tab’ on the latch itself to haul the top frame forward and lock it to the windshield.  You may have noticed that there is enough force when doing this to visibly move the windshield frame rearward – that top frame applies a lot of force!

I have – just recently - learned (at the Penticton Rendevous Meet) of a couple of techniques that promise to help.  One is to file a bevel on the latch hook to help it slide over the fixed hook.  Thanks to Kent Lambert of Oregon for that tip.  If you sit there and simply look at the bits as they engage, it will be immediately obvious where the latch hook needs to be filed.  I have just done this, but haven’t yet tried it out.  It may need further work, so I can’t yet comment.  When I was doing it, it seemed to make a big difference, but the top was already up and stretched (and it was a warm day).  Of course, once all the filing is done, the hook will have to be re-chromed. (at least mine will be).

The second item was a small assist handle made from a short length of appropriate sized conduit flattened at one end to slip over the latch ‘tab’ for additional leverage – thanks to John Wilson for that little tip.  Haven’t gotten to that part yet, but I bet it will nicely solve the problem.

One other tip, which really applies to any Healey:  when the car is to be stored for any length of time, the top should be up and fully latched to combat shrinkage. ( that way, you can regularly check if you are getting weaker!)

PS – I have installed a clutch pedal extender on both Healeys in order to be able to get the seat back further and still be comfortable operating the clutch.  Makes a huge difference, and I’m not all that tall.

Earl Kagna
Victoria, B.C.
BJ8, BT7 tri-carb

From: Mike 
Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2016 4:45 PM
To: insidedim at aol.com ; Healey List 
Subject: Re: [Healeys] top frames

Thanks, Bill.  I was hoping for something easy, as usual.  I am able to get it together, but it takes a lot of effort.  I don't like to drive it with the top up, anyway, as the vision is terrible.  I do have a mirror on both fenders, which helps, but don't feel comfortable with the top up.  I'm too tall for LBCs, anyway.  I can't put the seat all the way back and still work the clutch properly, and so I stick up with my eyes level with the top of the windscreen.  Wish the seatback would recline further.  Complain, complain!  My third AH, you would think I like them.

Mike

On 8/27/2016 4:30 PM, insidedim at aol.com wrote:

  Hey Mike, 

  The only easy adjustment is the bolts at the latch that you describe.  Have you run out of threads?  

  The convertible top frame is bolted to the body just behind the seats with 3 bolts on each side.  You could eke out a little adjustment by loosening the 3 bolts and move the entire top frame forward a tad if it will go.  

  Another point of adjustment is the windscreen itself which can be moved forward or backward a little and even tilted a bit.  Too much adjustment here and your windscreen could hit the chrome vent window  on the door glass frame.  Follow the windscreen frame down into the door jamb and you'll see 2 bolts there.  

  A third way is to undo the vinyl at the rear where it's attached by little spring clips.  This will involve removing the entire seat back assembly from the deck to get to the u shaped metal that is screwed to the rain gutter.  Not a fun job. 

  A 4th way is to remove the hidem strip across the front of the top where the front wood bow is attached to the aluminum piece that rests on the top of the windscreen, then loosen the vinyl and move it back a tad.  

  Be forewarned that any or all of these adjustments can get you into a lot of hot water if not done incrementally and with a lot of forethought.  Ask me how I know!

  Bill
  BJ8   

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Mike mailto:phoenix722 at comcast.net
  To: Healey List mailto:healeys at autox.team.net
  Sent: Sat, Aug 27, 2016 6:28 pm
  Subject: Re: [Healeys] top frames

  While we're on the subject, my BJ8 top is extremely hard to latch onto the windscreen.  Is there an adjustment other than the little bolts at the latch?

  Mike

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