Soft Top Frame

[Swerve]

Just moving some parts around at home for my MWB Soft Top. In the past many people have asked for photos on the rear soft top frame hoop. Here are some photos while the parts are out.

Rear hoop


Difficult corners to copy






Side parts and middle hoop on the MWB



Lower side and Upper side


Middle hoop centre


Soft top frame (front)




Here are more photos of my 73 with a soft top for reference

[bosque]

Just moving some parts around at home for my MWB Soft Top. In the past many people have asked for photos on the rear soft top frame hoop. Here are some photos while the parts are out.

Rear hoop


Difficult corners to copy






Side parts and middle hoop on the MWB



Lower side and Upper side


Middle hoop centre


Here are more photos of my 73 with a soft top for reference

Steve, I might point out that the early 1960's softy frames have a little bit different set up. I do not have an image nor drawing ATM. It is in the 1962 & 1965 Parts books.

[Swerve]

Dave

Yep the earlier models actually have a hole each corner of the tub as it slots in (the hoop)

[RiverPatrol]

Dave

Yep the earlier models actually have a hole each corner of the tub as it slots in (the hoop)

Thanks Swerve, awesome example of an outstanding softie!

There were at least 3 variations of soft top frames from '62 to '69 that I have seen. After about '65 1/2 the frame no longer went through the corner of the tub - it mounted on the top edge like yours.

So where is the picture of your softie topless? Talk about Patrol porn...

[bosque]

Ya know River, that's a question I have had too.
I know I've seen a few shots of tops down on your greenish Patrol from the jeans company commercial shoot but not many more. The real Q for me is how did it function? PITA? Or sensible/practical? How much time to put the top up and down?.....
And, thanks for the tidbit on the fact that there are 3 types of frames...that's some deep trivia.

[RiverPatrol]

Ya know River, that's a question I have had too.
I know I've seen a few shots of tops down on your greenish Patrol from the jeans company commercial shoot but not many more. The real Q for me is how did it function? PITA? Or sensible/practical? How much time to put the top up and down?.....
And, thanks for the tidbit on the fact that there are 3 types of frames...that's some deep trivia.

Removal can be a PITA. If your have assistance, probably the easiest way would be to unbolt the frame at the pints where it joins the body any lift the whole unit off like a hard top. I've never done it that way. I can say that installing the canvas by yourself takes a good 45 minutes. So, I guess it would fall in the PITA category. Now there's a project: video the removal and/or reinstallation of the soft top canvas and frame...

[Swerve]

I agree PITA. I looked at it once and all to hard. Even when I originally dismantled the 72 it was hard. Can't imagine how hard it will be to reinstall the canvas. I like the idea of removing it all in one peice

[bosque]

Ha.
That then makes a debate...
...with all the ups and downs of both hard tops and soft tops which actually is more useable/excels?
I mean, a hard top IS heavy, and it can rust....but it is safer, comes of in 1/2 hour (?), install ditto, sliding widows, quieter, better insulated....
what else? Chime away....

[RiverPatrol]

Ha.
That then makes a debate...
...with all the ups and downs of both hard tops and soft tops which actually is more useable/excels?
I mean, a hard top IS heavy, and it can rust....but it is safer, comes of in 1/2 hour (?), install ditto, sliding widows, quieter, better insulated....
what else? Chime away....

Sorry, a hard top will just never have the charm and appeal that a softie does. No contest in my opinion.

[bosque]

I know what you mean.