mounting the hardtop

[SizzleChest]

i'm looking at making a long drive to buy one and want to be sure i can bring it back on the cruiser with me. On the sides of the tub, there are about 6 small bolts on each side that I assume are for the hard top. How does it secure above the windshield. I have 2 bolts in the upper corner on each side and it looks like there are two places for hooks to mount to. Does that sound about right? Anything else I should check for to make sure I'm good to go? Maybe i'll snap a few pics tomorrow to help with the descriptions.

 

[secretagent]

there are sevral 10mm bolts along the inside lip, two bolts on the outside above the windshield, an L bracket on each side inside and out.

I've driven with only the inside lip bolts and the two outside bolts above the windshield before and had no problems.

 

[SizzleChest]

can u explain the L bracket a bit? not too sure where/what it is...

 

[Chase77]

If you can get the body bolts secured youlll be ok with driving home. I would snap some pics but have mine broke down and packed away. Go to sor and look at the expoded view and you should see the little L brackets if nobody has pics. Good luck and glad to hear you finally found a top.

 

[nuclearlemon]

do you have an early w/s frame (with the vent below the glass)? those are the only ones that had hooks. or are you looking on the inside where the sunvisor bolts on maybe. on 70 and up tops (you had a 78, right?), the top has a lip that sticks down on the front (outside) of the w/s frame and bolts into the outer face of the frame.

 

[SizzleChest]

pics

this is what i'm working with...

 

[Ponce]

HTH. If no one else does I'll try to post some pics tommarow when I get home.

 

[Cryptic]

The bolts are actually 6mm x 1.25mm pitch and don't need to be more than about an inch long (the heads are generally for a 10mm wrench). Go to a local parts store (napa/lordco) and pick up some new ones, don't assume the seller will have them. If it is a later hardtop it will have the ears needed to put a bolt through the upper corners of the w/s frame. That will be enough to get you home. The two bolts outward from the visor attach to a small angle shaped bracket used on the earlier tops.

 

[SizzleChest]

HTH. If no one else does I'll try to post some pics tommarow when I get home.

isn't the black thing above the middle of the w/s on the outside for the washer? I don't know for sure cuz mine doesn't work. there is another empty hole for a bolt on the other side of the black dohickey. i'm assuming that's what u meant.

 

[Tooth Fairy]

Mounting the hardtop sounds painful.

Be super careful with all those bolts too. After having the top off rust and who know's swhat else gets into the holes on mine and I have broken off a few bolts. I also don't use anything other than a 1/4 drive ratchet to keep from over torqueing them.

It may not be a bad idea to throw some anti-sieze on those suckers.

 

[VTFJ40]

isn't the black thing above the middle of the w/s on the outside for the washer? I don't know for sure cuz mine doesn't work. there is another empty hole for a bolt on the other side of the black dohickey. i'm assuming that's what u meant.

2 bolts, 1 on each side of the "dohickey".

 

[Ponce]

isn't the black thing above the middle of the w/s on the outside for the washer? I don't know for sure cuz mine doesn't work. there is another empty hole for a bolt on the other side of the black dohickey. i'm assuming that's what u meant.

Well. What year is your cruiser. Mines a 76 and my washer is on my hood. I guess I didn't look close enough. On mine I have two bolts that attach there.

 

[nuclearlemon]

that is a washer nozzle. also, on the bolts that go in the front...buy a 10mmgearwrench...trust me...it's worth it.

 

[fsusteve]

If that's a channel on the front of the windshield for a bikini top, that has to come off too.

 

[Ponce]

Well I tried to post pics but they didn't seam to go through. Any suggestions? If you would like send me your e-mail address. Maybe that will work.