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REMOVING AND REINSTALLING the Convertible Top Canopy -- TT-105D

At 04:07 AM 2/28/2020, Simon Broom in the UK wrote:
"Is it possible to remove an old hood (in good condition) and put it onto a new frame? If so, any things to look out for"?

Pretty difficult to R&R the original fabric, but not impossible.

Installation begins with wrapping the font wood bow, stapling the material in place and trimming away excess material. Then install steel insert bar at back of canopy to hook onto the tonneau body hooks, pull canopy over top and forward to staple onto front wood bow, and trim away excess material. Install Hidem strip across front to hide the staples. Install LTD female fasteners at bottom sided matching location of studs on the body. And install two screws through fabric onto top of rear steel bow.

Easy enough to remove the canopy. Just remove two screws from rear bow, pull out all the staples and lift off the canopy. Pull out more staples to remove the front wrap.

Not so easy trying to reinstall it on another frame. Problem is that the excess fabric was previously trimmed away, so there is very little to hold onto when re-wrapping the front bow fabric, and even less to hold onto when stretching the canopy forward to attach in front. My idea there would be to go to Joann Fabric and buy some iron-on patch material about 4-in wide and 4-ft long. Iron that onto the underside of the canopy to extend the front edge. Then you have something to hold onto when pulling it forward to attach at front. Then trim way excess of the iron-on patch material.

When finished you will most likely see inside the car a narrow strip of the iron-on patch material under front edge of the canopy above the front bow. Would be nice if it was a good color match. Maybe also buy enough plain fabric (not iron-on) to wrap the front bow so you have some excess to hang onto when stapling, and don't have to re-use the old piece with hundreds of old staple holes.

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