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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?

Yes there is supposed to be a hole in the top bows.

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

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).

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.

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.

Thanks for the help all. Top installed nicely.