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to draw it to the side ties’ connecting points. After mounting the
windscreen rail, I connected the drain channel door post to the large
“tabs” on the front hoop. I then bolted the triangle-shaped corner
brackets (Part No. 345821/22) to the gutter rails, leaving the nuts
loose on the corner brackets. After tightening up the entire assembly,
I added door seals to the drain channel door posts and to the gutter
rails. This required the drilling of a lot of holes and strenuous use of
the rivet gun.
I also installed hoop brackets at the base of each hoop (Part No.
304301), and I mounted front tie downs (Part No. 330578/79) to the
vehicle sides just beneath the front hoop. The tie downs require
drilling two holes each and further use of the rivet gun. Finally,
I mounted two tie down staples to the windscreen rail and two to the
rear of the vehicle to tighten the canvas to the hoop set.
I started at the front of the vehicle and looped the webbing strip
onto the windscreen rail and gutter rail’s “teeth”. With the sides
of the top draped down, I tucked the edge of the canvas siding into
the flange on the drain channel door post. I wrapped the
interior-mounted strap around the front hoop and fastened the
interior buckle.
After draping the canvas down over the rear of the vehicle,
I pulled the two long straps down and tied them off with the two rear
tie down staples. Inside the vehicle, I then pulled the two long straps
hanging down by the rear bulkhead toward the windscreen rail and
tightly tied them off at the two tie down staples.
I mounted two horseshoe-shaped rear tie downs (Part No.
345699) over the tail lights for tying off and tightening the canvas with
the four pre-cut lengths of rope included with the top. While
threading the rope through the canvas is not difficult, it took some
patience. For the sleeve on the top of the canvas’ rear flap, I taped
the rope to the end of a broom handle, allowing me to “push” it
through the sleeve. With the canvas on, I hooked the rope under the
side and rear hasps, respectively, and then tied them off at the rear tie
downs over the tail lights.
While it’s not essential, I plan to apply a healthy coating of
Canvak to enhance the durability and waterproofing of my new
purchase. I also plan to install some wooden dowels into the canvas’
sleeves to make the sides straighter and easier to roll up. While I like
the traditional look of the rope, I will probably replace them with
some bungee cord making it easier to secure the canvas to the
vehicle, particularly in the wet. To help the top retain its shape for a
long time, it’s helpful to really cinch down the top in wet weather and
let it dry, tied down tightly.
Needless to say, with my soft top on, I am thoroughly enjoying the
cool spring weather. Not only is it breezy, but I can roll up the sides
and still have shade. Of course, few vehicles draw more attention
than a Series Rover with its soft top down or sides rolled up.
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