Top Bow Assy - Top Rail Hole Location

[Thomas]

On my M38, I have a top bow assembly that is a reproduction. I am looking at adding a winter canvas top with side curtains, but my top bow does not have a hole to locate the top rail that attached to the bow and extends horizontally to the top retainer on the windshield frame.

Questions:
Does anyone have the dimension to locate this hole on the top bow...?
Does the hole go through both sides of the tubing...?
What size should the hole be...?
Or should the hole just be located level with the top retainer...?

I have searched most of this site and others, but cannot find this information. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Thomas Schmelter
Charlotte, NC

[Bretto]

Don't know if this what you are after but it may help some. Just saw this other day.
http://www.odcloth.com/rodwork.html

[RICKG]

The holes (in mine) are 7/16 dia. The hole is centered 25" from
the center of the rivet at the pivot point. The hole goes all the
way thru. I built my rodwork per the link Bretto provided you and
it all fit nice. Just gotta scratch up enough dough to requisition
the top and side curtains..

[oilleaker1]

Nice info., but is the hole location on the bow the same for M38 and M38A1?????????? John

[RICKG]

Nice info., but is the hole location on the bow the same for M38 and M38A1?????????? John

I wont swear on it but the pizzoferrato link lists the vertical rod
supports @ 27.5" for both M-38 and A-1

[Kendall]

The hole does not go all the way through on the three sets of top bows I have. That rod between the windshield and top bow has a 90 degree bend at the windshield and about a 45 degree at the top bow. That 45 degree bend helps hold that rod in the top bow.
Kendall

[oilleaker1]

That 45 degree bend is also held into the hole by a strap that is located and sewn into the top on my M38A1. If you don't have the strap it will come out. The other end at the windshield has a hole that a chain and hairpin clip goes through to hold the 90 in the hole. It rattles going down the road, but works fine. (summer Top no sides or doors) John

[Cacti_Ken]

A strap!!! I have to use a tyrap. Poor quality surpluscity canvas

[oilleaker1]

My A1 top is original and old, wonder if new tops are missing the strap? John