Ci Troa Soft top and bows

[Roastchestnuts]

You sure you want to put a top on that?!

Can I hand deliver the punch tool and get out for a surf session?

Hahahaha that would be a fun I have not surfed in a month actually! And yeah having the soft top on will be a bummer. But it rains out here often really randomly and I hate the stress of being able to jump up and put a tarp over it. I am going to buy a little temperary carport this summer I think though. once I get my top in Ill Pm you about borrowing that punch tool.

 

[Chungas Revenge]

Those of you taking your hard top off to go to a soft top…when you take off the hard top does the back end of your cruiser come up giving you some rake?

Riding on the heavy OME springs w/Billy shocks and Anti inversion shackles (2 1/2”-ish lift) + aluminum body stem to stern. IMHO, no noticeable water bug stance.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Riding on the heavy OME springs w/Billy shocks and Anti inversion shackles (2 1/2”-ish lift) + aluminum body stem to stern. IMHO, no noticeable water bug stance.

View attachment 3628681

I am drooling! That looks so good. Did you get the door straps from BTB?

 

[Chungas Revenge]

I am drooling! That looks so good. Did you get the door straps from BTB?

Yes BTB. I thought about 1/2 doors. They’re nice, but for that “look”, the straps IMHO are ridden’ ole school .

Not so much on the safety factor though..

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Yes BTB. I thought about 1/2 doors. They’re nice, but for that “look”, the straps IMHO are ridden’ ole school .

Not so much on the safety factor though..

I am about to pick up some quick release hinges but these straps would be cool to have... IDK if they will work with the quick release hinges though.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Just got a message on my phone with a tracking number! the top has shipped.

 

[405]

Just got a message on my phone with a tracking number! the top has shipped.

Looking forward to your review!

 

[Chungas Revenge]

I am about to pick up some quick release hinges but these straps would be cool to have... IDK if they will work with the quick release hinges though.

It’s a pretty simple apparatus. Gonna go out on a limb here and say, a man of your skills could make it work.

 

[whisky]

Here are a few photos. The tool works flawlessly and you can see how clean the hole is. Since the top is slightly long there is some waviness front to back which I already expected. When folding the tabs over some of them protrude into the opening. This was interfering with the eyelet seating fully on the fastener. In one photo you can see I clipped the tip and that solved the issue with the buckles not twisting. It’s hard to say if the tool was worth the price but it sure made it easy to make the holes with the top in place. I’m going to use it to make some straps for my jump seats as well. After I got done it was time for a bath.

Photos got out of order posting from my phone but I’m sure everyone can figure out the process

 

[KennyBob]

I've been having an issue with the nylon straps on the rear of the side windows coming loose while driving. I'm sure there are cheaper options out there but these are nice. 1" Pin Ladder Lock - https://austeremanufacturing.com/products/1-pin-ladder-lock They can be ordered with the pins uninstalled and I used a C clamp to press the pins in but they suggest a Knipex plier if you have it. I need to cut the buckle rings from TROA off now that I know it will work.

View attachment 3628462

Looks like I’ll need to do the same. My top was attempting to remove itself while driving at speed. Cool find. Did you go forward with this hardware and is it still performing well?

 

[whisky]

Looks like I’ll need to do the same. My top was attempting to remove itself while driving at speed. Cool find. Did you go forward with this hardware and is it still performing well?

It doesn't budge. I only put two on at the rear of the tub. The back window doesn't come undone like that since it's not catching the wind.

 

[EWheeler]

The bows are another can of worms and I knew going in that there would be some massaging needed. The door bows in this kit don't attach to the normal windshield captured nut and instead are bolted through the outer edge where the soft top snap or bolt would be. I believe OEM door bows are two pieces and this is a single piece.


I'll try to get some detail photos this weekend and update this thread for everyone to see.

Can you elaborate, or share photos on the door header issue and resolution?

If you look at the interior photo facing the windshield in post #27, it appears to me the TROA door header connects to the factory L-bracket at the top of the windshield. Was yours different?

I robbed the photo and am re-posting here for convenience:

 

[whisky]

Can you elaborate, or share photos on the door header issue and resolution?

If you look at the interior photo facing the windshield in post #27, it appears to me the TROA door header connects to the factory L-bracket at the top of the windshield. Was yours different?

I robbed the photo and am re-posting here for convenience:

View attachment 3667364

Mine is not connected that way but it could've been installed improperly. I'll try to look closer today or tomorrow.

 

[J40Fan]

Does anyone have measurements with pictures for the footman loops? Specifically for a 1977 model 40.

 

[J40Fan]

Just got a message on my phone with a tracking number! the top has shipped.

I was on the island early June 2024, I saw your rig with a tarp over it. Was tempted to see who owned it, and if was for sale. Nice looking machine

 

[cims1970fj40]

I’m about to pull the trigger on ordering a TROA top from @RevISK. I’m going to be running OEM bows from overseas to accommodate hard doors.


Like others mentioned I also don’t like having loose material hanging and was wondering if anyone other than Aussie had successfully results in getting it tight. I’ll be running the rear roll up. Thanks

 

[thatcabledude]

I’m about to pull the trigger on ordering a TROA top from @RevISK. I’m going to be running OEM bows from overseas to accommodate hard doors.


Like others mentioned I also don’t like having loose material hanging and was wondering if anyone other than Aussie had successfully results in getting it tight. I’ll be running the rear roll up. Thanks

I have everything needed to fit my top now. Bows just need a little refurbishing/paint. I will let you know how it goes soon hopefully.

 

[thatcabledude]

@whisky how much to rent that tool?

Don’t absolutely need it, but sure looks satisfying to use!

 

[Malleus]

Twist-Lock Deluxe Lever Hand Punch Tool

This Common Sense Deluxe Lever Hand Punch Tool is designed to save time when installing more than a few Common Sense fasteners.

www.sailrite.com

This is the hot rod version with a hot rod price. I don't have a shop or garage. Gotta do it all in the carport. I don't want to swing a sledge near the truck if I don't have to so the hand tool should alleviate all that. I was able to mock it up on the hardware and it will fit what TROA provided and what I bought locally that matches the OEM twist-locks. The opening in the TROA provided hardware is larger than OEM twist lock. I should have some time this weekend to get this done.

Holy price point, Batman! I need to find a sail loft...

 

[cims1970fj40]

@whisky how much to rent that tool?

Don’t absolutely need it, but sure looks satisfying to use!

Have you done your top yet?