C2:67 ConvTop Final-final windlace corner

[Gerard F.]

Well it had better be the final, since I've spent too much time on this project.
Thanks Alan and Wayne for the photos.

I know I'm going to get some points off on this top job. I wound up making my own front windlace from some top fabric and some 1/2" foam rubber bead:


Yes, I glued it and hand sewed together. Also tried one with 3/8" beading but it was too small and didn't fill in the gap.

The Judging Guide says that the front windlace is supposed to be a Bison grain material (whatever that is), so I guess it is points off for using matching fabric to the top fabric.

But I kinda of like it with the matching fabric:


Having fun,

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop Final-final windlace corner

That grain is more like long grain leather. It is also on the rear wireon welt.

[Wayne K.]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop Final-final windlace corner

Jerry,

Your top looks great and you've got the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Now, if in the process you figured out a way so that they won't leak when your going down the road at speed in a rain, PLEASE let us know.

[Gerard F.]

Working on that

Wayne,

I know that they all leak, the old one did and I'm sure the new one will.

I noticed when I put the front windlace on, even the bigger one with the 1/2" bead, that there seems to be a bow in the front header of the top frame. The windlace seals nicely against the windshield frame at and around the top latches to the frame. However, along the center of the top the windlace seal to the windshield frame is not as tight. I even tried adjusting the latches for a tighter latching, but no cigar.

I theorize that when driving in the rain at speed, water is driven under the windlace along the center of the top. When it hits the front weatherstrip, it then travels along the front weatherstrip to the break between the front and side weatherstrip. The drip would then hit the driver in the left leg and the passenger in the right.

Just a theory, but I'll have to try it out. I have no solution.

Wonder if anyone else has solved the leak problem?

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Wayne W.]

Re: Working on that

I see three common problems that if resolved will help, maybe not totally stop the leaks. First: The larger bead that most tops come with holds the W/S off of the front bow. If rain blows back there it get by the W/S. Second: Almost all that come in here are missing the plastic guide in the receiver. This allows the top to move forward when latched and gets everyting out of whack. Third: The supplied front W/S is not as large of a cross section as the original. It is obvious if you look at originals. It doesnt even match the side pieces. You can replace it with a larger cross section strip available from trim suppliers.