Ree - I replaced my top last year and there was no adhesive used on the old
one so I didn't use any on the new one. I am not sure if that is the correct
way, though, but I have had no problems. Also, There was/is no weather strip
on mine, and I haven't had a problem with water there either - water is more
of an issue where there are so many open areas that don't seal well. I do,
however, take my top completely off each year and make sure it is dry in all
those crevices so mildew and rot don't set in - but then I usually keep it
in a garage as well, and I can tell you that makes a big difference by
itself.
Rick Gregory
'74 Spitfire 1500 - FM15447UO
Great Falls, Montana
http://www.geocities.com/spitfire74us/index.htm
eBAy user ID: nucmug
-----Original Message-----
From: Ree Gurley [mailto:reegurley@mindspring.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 1:10 PM
To: Spitfire List
Subject: Soft-Top Retainer
The rear retainer-bar for my soft-top has always been missing; the top
is screwed on through small holes (at each snap position) drilled directly
into the rear cockpit lip.
I just got a retainer-bar via Ebay, wire-brushed it, de-rusted it &
re-painted it. Before cleaning it up, it had some residue (trim adhesive? /
gasket cement? / ?), but now I can't remember which surface had the residue.
My plan was simply to screw/rivet through the snap>outer
top>retainer-bar>inner top (in 3 places) --- and then bolt the retainer bar
to the body via the two big holes provided. However, mulling over the
residue that was on it, I'm having second thoughts. Thus, two simplistic
questions -----
1. Is it SOP to use trim adhesive where the retainer bar fits into the
sleeve along the rear bottom of the top? (or are the 3 screws/rivets through
the snap-holes sufficient?)
2. Should there be a gasket/weather-stripping under the horizontal
part of the retainer-bar (between it and the lip on the body) ?
Cheers, Ree G. in Silver Spring, MD - 78 Spit FM73070U O
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