Acme hard top thread

[mhinchliffe]

Well, I got around to trying my hand at "glass" work. Not too bad at all. Read up a bunch on it and let 'er rip. I'm going to do another layer either tonight or tomorrow. I made a pattern out of all things a paper towel and used that to cut my glass fabric to approximate shape and size. This stuff is MESSY from the stray glass fibers to the resin that is what I compare to wild honey. It's the same color and consistency and just as sticky! Big take away from this so far has been to use aluminum foil. Works just fine to line a plate for mixing and lay flat on the bench to saturate the cloth with resin. I'll shoot more pics after the second coat. Here's where I am up until this point;

 

[mhinchliffe]

Ok. So I got the second coat on with a resin topcoat. Sanding with 60 grit makes quick work out of the drips and high spots. It’s far from perfect but it’s a ways better then the bondo that was in there.
Primer and paint on the inside to follow then I’ll put the carpet in when it’s on.

 

[mhinchliffe]

Worth noting is that when I removed the brace I had to hold it at 59” it only sprung open 3/4”!
Structurally I think I did nothing but good for the top. Now to huff some more spray paint ?

 

[mhinchliffe]

We’re getting there. I need more white semi gloss to finish.

 

[mhinchliffe]

Between rattle canning the top and his Derby car I think I killed what little brain I had lfet. I misspelled that on purpose to be funny.

Top mounted as soon as I can get a second set of hands here to help. Little people are no good for these type of projects.

 

[mhinchliffe]

Well, Mrs. CJ8 and I were able to set the top on yesterday afternoon. I've got to fit it, bolt it and screw it to secure it, fit it some more and then the carpet can get put on it. One thing that really stands out is just how spacious it is inside with the hard top versus the soft top. I think I'm going to like it very much.

I have to get SS hardware for the back gate, install rear gate weatherstrip and make some striker plates for where the gate latches go into the top.

 

[Kim Dawson]

Top looks great. I like the Acme Full Top. Mine does get a little condensation on the underside when it's sitting out in damp weather. Maybe your carpet idea will solve that problem.

 

[mhinchliffe]

Top looks great. I like the Acme Full Top. Mine does get a little condensation on the underside when it's sitting out in damp weather. Maybe your carpet idea will solve that problem.

Kim,
Do you mind to post up some pics of front attachment to the windshield as well as door fitment to the top. I've got a gap you could put your fingers in on the passenger side.
Thx in advance!

 

[Kim Dawson]

 

[Kim Dawson]

When I got my hardtop it didn't have anything to attach to the windshield. I just made two Stainless Steel brackets. Just like a CJ7, you have to remove some screws to take it off. Now the popular way is to put the latches from McMaster-Carr on for quick removal. My ACME has two locking handles for the hatch which is a little more unusual it seems.

 

[mhinchliffe]

Thanks Kim!

 

[mhinchliffe]

Here's what she looks like......I had to shim the doors up and adjust the hinges to close up the gaps I had. They're still there but nothing I can't live with.

 

[Kim Dawson]

Great looking hardtop. Great looking Scrambler!

 

[John N]

Just to be sure, you did remove any track on top of the windshield frame for the leading edge of any soft top or bikini top? Right? That would keep the front edge of the hardtop from seating properly.

 

[mhinchliffe]

Sure did John. Good reminder tho. I took it off first then moved on to the sides for the soft top. Really digging how quiet it is compared to the soft top. Just my luck that the milder temps are coming back here in NC this week, go figure. Next hurdle is the carpet.
Thx to all for the replies and suggestions.

 

[ag4ever]

Jeff Scherb used a double plate mount on his overlander top to pull the top down on the windshield. I can't find a image quickly, but think 2 angle iron clips with bolts pulling the flanges together.

I used latches to pull my stock half top tight to the windshield. The latches don't stop the side-side movement, but pull it tight against the seal. Jeff's method would eliminate side-side and up-down movement.