Retro fitting a ragtop to a 90

[NicTheOrange90]

Purchased a complete setup from someone who had a ragtop and swapped it for a truck cab.

Got the tin roof off today and the six bolt holes on the front screen surround, dont seem to like up with the supplied header rail.

My motor is a 1987 and the donor was two years older so the fittings should be same.

Mail question is the six 6mm bolts that held the roof on to the screen dont seem to line up with the header rail... I had hoped that the plastic "grab handles" that you would see from the cab would go up into the header rail and that would be it. But this is not the case... In fact the rail seems like it should be fitted with the holes at the front (which I dont think they should) Any suggestions? Is it just a case of drilling holes to mate the two together?

Finally, how does the canvas actually fit to the header rail?

Thanks in advance

[western]

There's 3 header rails for the screen top

upto chassis number AA221093 MTC6626

from ----------------- AA224094 MTC9773 both for canves tilts.

& RRC8597 for a Vinyl tilt

[NicTheOrange90]

There's 3 header rails for the screen top

Ill take a photo tomorrow, it seems that new header rails are iro 80 quid, but if there is no other way... Ill also see if there is a part # on the supplied header.

All wheel trim have a bit on their page and it looks like mine is the one the left of the three pictures. (the age would also fit)

http://www.allwheeltrim.co.uk/Frames.html#Defender

ta

[muddy]

my header rail only has 2 of the clippy rthings holdin i on and i just do them up with a 10mm spanner better than using the clips i reckon. if you lay the soft top on the bonnet with the inside facing up there is a squishy bit(technical term) on the front on the hood this fits in the half round under the rail, you then clamp the rail down, flip your hood over, i like to make sure its allighned to the back/taught before doing the little 'D' clips up (these are a right PITA and i would buy a few spare ones) thats about as far as i can advise as i have my 3 man tilt on and have never fitted my full one. althought after that i fit the rear tensioners and then the side flaps(wrap around front hoodstick) and final tie my rope acrros the bulkhead.

[NicTheOrange90]

Well, I got out on the Landy again today, and after having a look with Mr De-Walt, all the holes seem to line up!

Have a new problem which Ill show once I have attached it in the next few days - I wanted some extra protection at the back, but limited budget means not able to get a full roll cage. I managed to get a second MoD roll bar (like the one that the seat belt attaches to) and have mounted it at the back. Mr Grinder saw to the bits we did not need, and 1/2 the bracket/tube as it would go thrugh capping. I aim to strengthen them from underneath down to the tub, but it should be a little bit better than the rear hoop, but not as good as a roll cage (not bad for twenty quid though !)

[Guest diesel_jim]

Well, I got out on the Landy again today, and after having a look with Mr De-Walt, all the holes seem to line up!

Have a new problem which Ill show once I have attached it in the next few days - I wanted some extra protection at the back, but limited budget means not able to get a full roll cage. I managed to get a second MoD roll bar (like the one that the seat belt attaches to) and have mounted it at the back. Mr Grinder saw to the bits we did not need, and 1/2 the bracket/tube as it would go thrugh capping.

I did that on my 90, i managed to get hold of a "middle piece" from a 90 SV which connected to the front and rear rollbars...

[NicTheOrange90]

I did that on my 90, i managed to get hold of a "middle piece" from a 90 SV which connected to the front and rear rollbars...

Like it, like it.

Mines done now, had to fabricate the lower bracket to attach to the tub (where the strut joins at an angle)- where did you get the middle bit and have you any part numbers ? I came to same conclusion about a bar betwen front and back but your option is much better!

Been p*ssing it down for a while so not had time to finish it off but will get the camera out when it stops raining.

[Guest diesel_jim]

I git the middle bit from old sodbury years ago. the chap assured me it was from a 90 SV, but i've just looked on microcat, and the only bits that relate to the cage are the two "side rails" (that go between the military rollbard) which are part # STC1379

i can't find the "cross" piece on there...

I'm not using it anymore anyway, i've since rebuilt that 90 without the rear piece, so if you're interested make me an offer (it's just the side rails and the cross piece that i've got left, not the military rollbars)..

[NicTheOrange90]

I git the middle bit from old sodbury years ago. the chap assured me it was from a 90 SV, but i've just looked on microcat, and the only bits that relate to the cage are the two "side rails" (that go between the military rollbard) which are part # STC1379

i can't find the "cross" piece on there...

I'm not using it anymore anyway, i've since rebuilt that 90 without the rear piece, so if you're interested make me an offer (it's just the side rails and the cross piece that i've got left, not the military rollbars)..

Blimey thats good timing...

Just got off the phone with my man who makes his own roll cages, he says he could make me a bit like that for £35.00... so if we assume Im gonna pay £15.00 for postage on yours, that leaves the balance for you ... would you take twenty and wrap it up in paper\cardboard for me? if so me me your paypal details and ill send you the money and organise parcelforce for when your ready.

cheers,

[Guest diesel_jim]

Pee-emm sent.