Convertible top frame

[frankcasola]

Does anyone have a original convertible top frame for sale complete with hardware and mounting brackets . Frank 714-801-3992

 

[michael-king]

For mki or mkia?

 

[Doug C]

For mki or mkia?

Mike, how can you tell the difference? Thanks - Doug

 

[65beam]

frame

Mk 1 and series4 Alpines had the cable to hold the top to the side rails of the frame. Remove the inside upright covers on a MK 1 and you'll find the mountings for the cable and spring. Mk 1A and series 5 Alpines had the Velcro to hold the top to the side rails . The frame with the Velcro will have holes for rivets to hold the Velcro covered metal strip.

 

[Doug C]

Mk 1 and series4 Alpines had the cable to hold the top to the side rails of the frame. Remove the inside upright covers on a MK 1 and you'll find the mountings for the cable and spring. Mk 1A and series 5 Alpines had the Velcro to hold the top to the side rails . The frame with the Velcro will have holes for rivets to hold the Velcro covered metal strip.

Thanks - will a Mk 1A and series 5 Alpines top work on a Mk 1? Thanks again

 

[65beam]

top

Thanks - will a Mk 1A and series 5 Alpines top work on a Mk 1? Thanks again

Yes. The difference is cable versus Velcro. The cables used on the early tops are a broken piece waiting to happen. You would need to use the later top with the Velcro on the sides in order to secure it to the side rail Velcro. When Doug Jennings restored my series 4 in 2013 he used a series 5 top frame .

 

[michael-king]

Doug,

Given the detail in your resto and the fact yours is a very early car you may want to get an early frame and use the wire. You can still get the vynil tops with the allowances for the tension cable. Not sure on the fabric tops.

A series 3 alpine soft top frame will also work.

Another note is the early tops have 3 pirelli webbing straps to the header rail the later cars 2.

 

[65beam]

frame

If 100% correct is not needed you can swap out the header rail and use the early one that has three straps. Other than the indentations for the webbing they're the same.

 

[frankcasola]

Soft top frame

It is for a 1966 Mk1A. Thanks for all your help Frank

 

[Doug C]

It is for a 1966 Mk1A. Thanks for all your help Frank

So Sorry Frank hijacked the tread... asking about the difference of tops.


Guys/Gals out there lets find Frank a top for a Mk 1A

Cheers and Happy Holidays

 

[frankcasola]

Soft top frame

No problem, I found it quite interesting. I might of found a frame, but needs the front bow latches. Does anyone know where I can find some ?

 

[Warren]

Exacty why

It is hard to pigeon hole any posting,try doing this to the whole cluster F pile that was General Tiger Discussion was on this forum prior to the moving and editing I did. This information has value and shows that this forum can be better than the email list,better than Fakebook because it is searchable. To make it better this thread AFTER our OP gets his part could be taken care of by any Admin. to a just the facts version.




Cables are 1X19 wire with a vinyl coating and are a terrible yet correct part for an early car. They went to the later fixing methods because it made a bad top a little better. Doug's car is rather personalized and the top is a disposable part of the car just like tires. Tops are like tires cause guys pick the color and fabric they like as well as the back window is easily damaged.

 

[65beam]

frame

I have several top frames of both versions in one of my parts buildings but I'm in Ohio.

 

[Maliburevue]

Latches

Frank,
I have several sets of the forward latches. What level of quality are you looking for, driver, nice, show?
Gary

 

[frankcasola]

latches

Nice condition latches would be find

 

[Doug C]

eBay top

There is one on eBay that has been powder coated black - might be worth looking at.

 

[DD (CA)]

One other note.... MKIA tops are N/A

The fabric pattern (exterior weave) and interior color (tan/grey) differs from both the earlier and the later vinyl cloth types... Most won't care.

If you care about how the vinyl dash material is also not correct, then this bothers you. ;-)

If not, its a much easier existence...

Wish I didn't need one also...

EDIT: Powder coat frame might be fine, but it 'should be' grey

 

[michael-king]

That powedercoated frame is incorrect color, they also coated the latches and tension rods black too...then there is the outrageous asking price.. Iirc earlier this year rick muller gave one away for beer money... Literally.

If you need a frame contract eric G ( 65sunbeam) Robert zjaarsman ( look up on saoca forum) or maybe Albert Mason ( saoca) Smitty in CA may also have some

 

[Warren]

Me too

I gave away two or three. I may have one spare left not counting the one on the roller I have. I also have several sets of screen garnish. Beer money would be nice.