Soft top question

[Wade Hoagland]

Greeting all a general question about 68 brow, I am looking for an old one for a project . But I don't know if these are specific to years, currently I do have one in good shape for my top but I want an extra to make a custome bikini top, as everyone know you are cooking in the sun with top off
And thought a single stretched piece from brow to just beyond roll bar placed in tension would be nice,for around town.
Just a thought has anyone tried this, had it over to a guy who makes boat covers and he thinks it would work,
Any input would be appreciated
Thanks all

[datsun1500]

The issue is the top bow will not stay attached to the windshield. The top frame pushes it forward, without the frame it just flops backwards as soon as there's tension on it.

That being said, you don't need it, it's overkill.

This is how you make it. Have 3 grommets on the edge that line up with the 3 clamps. Run a bungee loop (picture a hair tie) from one peg, through the grommet, to the other peg. Put grommets on the roll bar side and do the same around the bar. They make loops with balls on them for this exact purpose.

Google Jeep spider web shade, and you'll see what I mean.

[Wade Hoagland]

Now that's a great idea easy to use and store , have you seen one in use

[datsun1500]

I tried it with a bow years ago, that's how I know it won't work

I have a spider web shade on my Jeep now, works great. When I saw your post, I thought of my Jeep and figured that's how I'd do what you want on a roadster.

[carlkaty]

Wade, I was just going to make a bikini top, Datsun 1500 thanks for chiming in. I need to change plans.
Wade, hope to see you this year at Watkins.
Last chance to order this years Datsun shirt! Dave said that he has to order Wednesday See the post for the 30th Watkins roadster meet.

[datsun1500]

Carl, I'll bring up my Jeep shade so you can see how it works.

[carlkaty]

Good deal! See you at the Glen!

[notoptoy]

Someone on here did build a Bimini top, Gregs2000 maybe?

[Gregs672000]

Yes, I do have only the bikini for my car, a 67.5. It uses the stock windshield bow and latches. It connects with arms to the rear soft top clips (the middle ones, not the one closest to the rear bar), and uses a wrap with snaps to attach to the padded rollbar. It works well and really helps to cut down on wind or sun, but it will not keep you totally dry. My only change would be to make the arms adjustable so you can further tighten the top. It tends to stretch some from heat and wind while driving, but it sure is easier to use than the soft top I never did. I have a lot more room behind the seats and can store 2 folding chairs and the top no problem. If you send me your cell phone number I can text you some pics.

I have not looked closely at a later car bow but am somewhat familiar... I don't see any reason why it would not work just the same.

[carlkaty]

Tom, thanks. Bimini top. I will remember that. I didn't think bikini looked right. Another example of the class of folks that frequent this site. No drama. No corrections that end with dolt. Oh Oh, might have to look that one up! Hope you get to Watkins Glen one of these years. Thanks, Carl

[carlkaty]

Oh no, Greg posted while I was typing! Guess we can use either word.
Typing, another thing that happens slooowly.

[theunz]

In the marine world the proper terminology seems to be Bimini, odd as that's where your most likely to see a bikini

[notoptoy]

I have a Bimini on the boat, so that was what was natural to me. Though Bikini goes better with my screen name!

[Alvin]

I snapped this one at Solvang:

[datsun1500]

I have not looked closely at a later car bow but am somewhat familiar... I don't see any reason why it would not work just the same.

The low windshield cars actuall clamp to the windshield, the 68-70 clip to the brackets. They need support from the rear in other to work. If you put just the bow on and clamp it as soon as you pull towards the rear (which would happen to secure the back of the top) it just pulls off. The pressure from the frame is what keeps that from happening, remove that and it fails.