natas Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 I am installing a soft top to my D90. Got all the sticks done but I cannot figure out how to install the rail on top of the winshield frame. So, I am looking for instructions, pictures or any form of help. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Barrett Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 What do you need to know? My Ninety with Trakkers truck cab roof is sitting outside. Happy to check anything for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natas Posted May 1, 2013 Author Share Posted May 1, 2013 OK, There is a rail called a "header rail" that sits on top of the windsheild frame. This is what holds the canvas top to the front of the vehicle(windshield frame). I need to know where exactly do I bolt it down. I have to drill 4 new holes in the frame and I want to get it right the first time. A picture or some instructions on the net would be great. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Barrett Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 The bolt holes are for the black plastic handles. Have you got sun visors? We can use the riveted brackets for them as a reference point Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Barrett Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Thinking about it I seem to remember doing this... Measure the header rail and put a mark in the centre point. Align this centre point over the middle of the rear view mirror. Mark your holes and drill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Barrett Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Measured it for you The sun visors are held to the windscreen frame by riveted brackets. Using the brackets nearest the rear view mirror... From the centre of your inner handle bolts to the centre of the rivet is 72 mm ish on both sides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eightpot Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 The header rail is a clamp which grips the canvas between the windscreen panel and the header rail. Four bolts pass through the header rail, then through a small spring, then through the windscreen panel and a plastic cam lever screws onto the end - this is what pulls the header rail down tight against the screen top gripping the canvas. I've just checked a header rail here, and working from the edge, first hole is 90mm, second hole is 40mm in, and the centreline is a groove running the length of the rail, in line with a couple of oval slots. having massive pc problems today, so will see if I can upload a photo from my phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Barrett Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Yep. That all sounds the same as mine, or similar at least. Here is the kit I bought, and there are some pictures which might help, but don't get your hopes up too much. http://www.trakkers.co.uk/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1134&category_id=60&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=3 I don't honestly understand why you are having a problem. But it's probably me being thick and assuming too much so I'll explain it a bit better Put the new header rail bracket on top of the windscreen rail. I guess you know which way is out? Line it up so the front edge of the bracket is just slightly behind the top edge of the windscreen rail - mine is just a couple of mm in at the outside and iabout 5mm in on the inside. So that makes the new bracket roughly 7mm narrower than the windscreen rail. Get the centre line of the bracket iin the middle of the windscreen rail and that is where it lives. Unless your bracket is substantially different to mine. The holes are for cam bolts. The slots are for the tie down tails off your fabric roof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natas Posted May 1, 2013 Author Share Posted May 1, 2013 YES! This is my problem "Line it up so the front edge of the bracket is just slightly behind the top edge of the windscreen rail - mine is just a couple of mm in at the outside and iabout 5mm in on the inside. So that makes the new bracket roughly 7mm narrower than the windscreen rail.Get the centre line of the bracket iin the middle of the windscreen rail and that is where it lives" The left and right allignment is not an issue, its how far foward or backwards it sits on the windshield frame. I am thinking that if I line up the slots on the rail with existing holes in the windshild frame, put temporary bolts and nuts in them and snug it, then adjust the left and right alignment and make sure everything else lines up, THEN drill the 4 holes for the cam bolts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Barrett Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Aaaaah, now I get you Natas! The holes aren't in either the new bracket or the windscreen rail are they? Yep, that sounds like a perfectly good plan. Go for it and good luck. Btw, have you just taken off a hard roof? Boy will you notice the difference if you have. Mine is the old 2.5td and the old girl flies thanks to getting the weight of the roof and door off her back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natas Posted May 2, 2013 Author Share Posted May 2, 2013 Aaaaah, now I get you Natas!The holes aren't in either the new bracket or the windscreen rail are they? Yep, that sounds like a perfectly good plan. Go for it and good luck. Btw, have you just taken off a hard roof? Boy will you notice the difference if you have. Mine is the old 2.5td and the old girl flies thanks to getting the weight of the roof and door off her back! Was originally a truck cab, then topless, then a full hard top and now a full soft top. Thanks so much for all the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natas Posted May 3, 2013 Author Share Posted May 3, 2013 OK, I am almost done. I got the header rail mounted last night thanks to all the help. One more issue. The new frame that runs vertically along the door frame where the soft top tucks in both vertically and horizontaly. There is a tab on the top of the vertical piece that is stopping me from tucking in the top completly here is a picture, my finger is pointing at the tab. and here it is installed as is, The top part will not tuck in with the tab there. Is this correct or am I missing something? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natas Posted May 3, 2013 Author Share Posted May 3, 2013 Got it! I emailed the pictures to my supplier (Famous Four) who passed it on the the manufacturer. They said just leave a 2mm gap between the B-pillar and the top rain drip rail and the hood will slip in between. Thanks guys, I will post a pic when its done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris113 Posted May 3, 2013 Share Posted May 3, 2013 On mine, that tab is bent flat against the plate behind it - try 'persuading' it with a hammer or loosening the bolts and seeing if there is any movement. So long as you are careful, the galvanising should be ok. Harry edit: didn't see your reply! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natas Posted May 4, 2013 Author Share Posted May 4, 2013 Now it seems to be too short on the two sides. Each side seems to be about an inch too short to be able to hook the loops on to the catches(not installed yet). I have put her out in the sun to see if that will help me stretch the canvas???? I have readjusted everything to get it as close as I can but I still need about an inch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris113 Posted May 4, 2013 Share Posted May 4, 2013 The hook isn't meant to catch the brass eyelet. Instead, take the loose end of rope, run it back through the brass eyelet then knot the end to stop it pulling back through. You should then have a loop of rope that will meet up with the front hook. Sorry for the poor description, I shall try to find a picture of mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris113 Posted May 4, 2013 Share Posted May 4, 2013 http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/Boris113/media/Landy/IMG_4657_zpsdd72977d.jpg.html'> The galvanised hook on mine may have been mounted 90 degrees out, but this should give you an idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natas Posted May 4, 2013 Author Share Posted May 4, 2013 YES! Thanks so much, I am done! So simple yet...................... Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rakthi Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 A bit late, but Exmoor has a couple of videos on how to fit canvas hoods etc. http://www.exmoortrim.co.uk/videos-showing-how-to-fit-our-quality-products.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natas Posted May 10, 2013 Author Share Posted May 10, 2013 Here are a couple pics. What do u think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 looks neat, the rear flap end should be inside the outer panel. so you have the cover/rear panel end flap/outer panel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eightpot Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 Looks good. To be perfect, those side flaps for the, er, not sure what to call it, back door flap! Should tuck into the pockets, and there will be a slot for the strap to pass through to the buckle. Make sure to keep the hood drum tight all round for a good while, don't let it get wet with any part of it loose or opened or it will shrink. You can relax over time once its had a few soakings and seasoned itself. Edit - oops, didn't spot westerns post : ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natas Posted May 11, 2013 Author Share Posted May 11, 2013 I was wondering about that flap. Fixed, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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