Need to verify that I have the proper Soft Top Frame

[GaRoadsterRookie]

I was lucky enough to get two Soft Top Frames with my project car. One has a broken frame member with no top and the other is fully intact but the top is in bad shape. Neither was installed on my car when I got it and the owner was not available for questions (he had passed away). The frames are not exactly the same. When I tried to fit the one with a top on the car, it just didn't seem to fit. I am concerned that the good one may not be the right one.

There seems to be at least two differences in the frame that concern me. The length of the bar that attaches to the bolts behind the seat (one is 9" and the other is 10" to the first welded piece) and the adjustments knobs that are part of this same piece.

How can I verify that this soft top frame will work on my high windshield car?

[sports imports]

low windshield cars (65-67) have two clamps , late cars (68-70) have three clamps.

Ross
sports imports

[notoptoy]

^ On the header portion that connects to the windshield.

[GaRoadsterRookie]

Both of these had 3 clamps on the header portion. Maybe these are just manufacturing variations over time. So, it sounds like both of these should work on my 1968 High Windshield 1600.

[sports imports]

take a picture of the clamps and that will determine what car they fit. The 1500 3 seater also has 3 clamps but its a chrome frame and a wooden bow.

Ross

[GaRoadsterRookie]

There is definitely no chrome or wood on these frames. I have attached a picture of frame #1. I removed the header from frame #2 last night.

[bmccarthy67]

Your pic is a high windshield front bow (three clamps) as Ross stated. The size variation thing you mentioned is interesting.

v/r

Buddy

[GaRoadsterRookie]

Thanks for all of the help. I just got some disappointing news though. After disassembling both front headers/bows on the frames, neither one are good. One is too rusty and one has been bent such that it cracked the metal. This could not be seen with all of the plastic covering. Bummer.

Anybody got a header for soft top frame for a high windshield?

[notoptoy]

I believe many people have repaired the cracked headers before. Search here, or maybe someone will chime in?

[GaRoadsterRookie]

I just found an article on the cracked soft top headers at the datsunroadster.com site. They indicate that they can typically be repaired by a body shop but they may have to take it apart. Sounds expensive but the used ones are expensive too. This appears to be a weak design by Datsun.

http://www.datsunroadster.com/PIC_PAGES ... 0_info.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[notoptoy]

Yes, it does appear to be a weak design, that is why I was aware that many had repaired it. It doesn't have to be that expensive, if you find a good welding shop, they should be able to fix you up. You don't need it to be pretty as it gets covered up - so don't waste time or money making it perfect, just functional.

[Datsun.David]

I did mine myself with bush league welding skills and a chunk of scrap steel. If you are going to take it to a shop, you can save yourself some cash by doing the simple prep yourself. Grind off the paint as best you can both sides of the crack for six inches back. If they need to patch the top of the bow, make sure they grind it fairly smooth as the welds and plate from my hack job were visible when the vinyl top was stretched on to the frame.

[GaRoadsterRookie]

Does this one look like it can be saved? It has the big stress fracture and dents in the front from deforming (I guess).

Thanks for the feedback.

[zippy67roadster]

It looks like a good candidate for repair as it is not too out of shape and the crack isn't more than half way through.

[Linda]

Scott,
You should see what gets repaired on thes cars!

Linda