Q: SO-42 poptop material colour...?

[LAGrunthaner]

Thanks biggestdaddyo, I have been so frustrated and now because of you I'm feeling better. Maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

[biggestdaddyo]

[LAGrunthaner]

Thanks Chris working on it this weekend

[Major Woody]

Use those plywood wedges and spring clamps so that you have the whole thing clamped in place the way you want it before driving any staples.

[LAGrunthaner]

[crofty]

I found it easier to start in each corner after you made sure it was centered, then work your way around that way.
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[srfndoc]

Trust me, having a poptop is huge when camping. Being able to stand up for changing or stretching is nice plus the added screened ventilation really helps.

Once you get this all done you will be good for another 20 years.
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[LAGrunthaner]

Installed and I don't know how. It will need more massaging but no time for that right now. Reposting on my build thread as I don't know how the black plastic gasket is supposed to stay in place. I will never ever own a poptop again as they are a total PITA, hardtop or sub hatch only. I hope to change my mind once I use it for camping and find standing up a benefit.

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[BarryL]

Never have I done one but what if you were to measure the distance around the poptop surface then gently pre stretch on the sewn part until one of those cloth mercantile tapes measured around the sewn part would equal the same? I have had to do that with MG top stuff before attaching them.

[nlorntson]

[LAGrunthaner]

After lots of pulling last night it did get better but I'll have to "massage" a bit more this morning as the really nice rental staple gun goes back to Home Depot today. And yes I have the plastic strip at the top as well as the gray plastic strip for the bottom. I was lucky to buy an original grey strip from someone who rarely lists on this site many years ago. None of the parts I have gathered were cheap but I was patient, selective and purchased original high quality which is why it has taken so long to get this done.
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[delx23]

[LAGrunthaner]

Finally located a decent staple gun to rent but having some trouble "after stapling in the yellow poptop from GOwesty.com. It is short and I pulled it going around......contacting them now. Am I doing something wrong?

Not sure what to do, is it possible they made it short?
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[LAGrunthaner]

Nails may be what I use because I'm not happy with how my electric stable gun is working out. Or at least under the plastic strip

[jeremy57ride]

Do not jump around with the staples. I centered the front window screen and worked around in one direction. Again- I recall just catching the black seem with all of the yellow material exposed. Once you've stapled the front part of the material... center the side screen on one side and staple that side... and repeat on the other screen side. Finally, staple the back, which frankly is what it is... at this point it may not come out perfect, but hopefully the screens will look fit.
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[crofty]

Mine is nailed to the wood per original. Id only do that after you install the canvas completely.
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[LAGrunthaner]

I'm pretty sure this is correct so just checking before I pop the staples in. Biggest problem now is the fit, it seems short going around, note lower left of last photo. Is there a method to getting it in? Like with putting lug nuts on a wheel do I go back & forth for fit or start in one spot and try and stretch it into place?

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[LAGrunthaner]

Now I see what I have wrong. yea, yea that's the perfect photo finish, thanks crofty.

I finally located all the hardware and halted the install because I need new elastic lock nuts which I am guessing will be difficult to locate.

[hitest]

Think hoodie. You more or less drape the canvas over your head and staple it upward- remembering inside vs. outside. While you are stapling- you are looking straight out into blue sky through your open top because it is hanging over your head like the veil of a freshly revealed bride!

I started after numerous test fits from the center of each straight section- working toward the corners to get the tension close. Then you pull it back over yourself and let it hang from the tack strip- if that makes sense.
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[crofty]

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