Hey folks,

Pulling my hair out trying to figure out the triangle bolt locator. What does it thread in to? I tracked down some backing plates, but they're only about an inch and a half long, knurled, and threaded for the two tapered head mount screws. It seems like I'm missing something here. Also, I dread the thought of how I'm going to hold the backing plate in place for assembly. Any suggestions?

Cheers,

tbw

 

This is on a 69.

 

Well the community wasn't much help here, so I had to fabricate. I cut tabs out of a strip of 1/4" 1" wide steel. I used the trim pieces to mark centers for the holes. I drilled and tapped by hand, resulting in crooked threads, but whatever. The t-tops latch okay, I will most likely make another set using a drill press when I have one available.

Pro tip: paint the brackets before installing them to inhibit rust.

Whatever backing was behind where the brackets installed, was in the way so I smacked it with a hammer until I could freely position the brackets.

Tools required:

3/8"-18 NPT tap, "F" drill bit
10-24 tap, "25" drill bit
steel wire
magnetic pickup tool
small flathead screwdriver
#2 phillips screwdriver
Curse words, small
Curse words, large
automotive primer
sealant for between the trim piece and the body (use weatherstrip adhesive or other sealant at your discretion)

See following photos:



Send a wire down through the top hole, and fish it out the bottom. Attach is to the bracket with a 3/4" hook, with the hook facing rearward. It makes it easier to remove the wire later.



Once you have fished the bracket into rough position, use a magnetic pickup tool to hold the bracket in place while you remove the wire (carefully!).



Now use a screwdriver to hold the bracket in place, and remove the magnetic pickup tool.



Next we run the wire back through the bracket, this time fishing it out the back, to serve as a place holder / safety net. We can now remove the screwdriver.



Slip the trim ring over the wire.



Using the wire, and perhaps a screwdriver to assist, position the threads such that you can install the hardware.



Voila.

I hope this helps someone who finds themself in the same boat I was. And, thankfully, this will filter up to the top of google search results for "T-Top triangle bolts" making the research process that much easier.

You're welcome.

the blonde weasel

 

Also - when shaping the retention bracket, the critical dimension ends up being the section between the 3/8" thread for the triangle bolt, and the outer body, laterally. Remove material here liberally so as to avoid multiple install/removals. The strength of the bracket is really only important lengthwise, as force applied to the triangle bolt is exerted downward along the axis of the bracket. With 1/4" steel, you won't need more than about 3/16" material toward the outboard edge, and the part will still be plenty strong.

tbw