Top Bow Question

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aforests
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Top Bow Question

Post by aforests »

I have a quick question. I am installing a new top and bows on my 50 m38. The picture shows my question. Is there supposed to be a hole in the top bow to accommodate the rod coming from the windshield support?

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Aaron
1950 M38 - #MC11328, 24volt, 1948 CJ2A (Lefty)

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Kendall
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Post by Kendall »

Yes there is supposed to be a hole in the top bows.
1951 M38
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1952 M38A1
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wesk
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Post by wesk »

Here's the answer straight out of my photo album. 2nd album in member's album.

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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

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wilfreeman
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Post by wilfreeman »

Are they new bows? The horizontal rod should be just that - horizontal as possible - when installed.

So, if your windshield is at the correct angle (hinges in good shape and frame not torqued), just make sure your rod is horizontal as possible and drill a hole in the center of the bow (slightly larger than 3/8" if I remember correctly? - you don't want it so loose that it rattles in the bow).
Matt
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wesk
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Post by wesk »

I would pay more attention to the taughtness of the top and not so much attention to a level rod. The whole canvas top is one big compromise between taughtness of the fabric and squareness of the door opening.
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

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wilfreeman
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Post by wilfreeman »

wesk wrote: The whole canvas top is one big compromise between taughtness of the fabric and squareness of the door opening.
This IS true! Mine isn't perfectly square for sure. I bought a new set of w/s hinges to help with the slant of the w/s (I'll get around to installing them sometime), which will throw off the level of the rod. I guess as long as the doors close without too much trouble, I'll be ok with it.
Matt
1953 M38a1
1964 USMC M38a1
'51 USMC M100 trailer, '54 M100 trailer, '90 M101a1 trailer
Http://wilfreeman.wordpress.com (M38a1 build blog)
http://m38a1usmc.wordpress.com (USMC M38a1 rebuild blog)
aforests
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Post by aforests »

Thanks for the help all. Top installed nicely.

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Aaron
1950 M38 - #MC11328, 24volt, 1948 CJ2A (Lefty)

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