Top Frame Hook Angle

[74 Thing]

It is hard for me to tell from this photo, but does the top frame hook (that screws onto the windshield frame) run 90 degrees to the flat edge?

I started to get a small drip from rain water at the top and since the seals appeared to be good I was taking a closer look at the latches and hooks.

http://www.thethingshop.com/TOP-FRAME-HOOK-BRONZE/productinfo/181871385B/

Both of mine have the hook pulled up and the angle is well over 90 degrees (probably more like 120 degrees). Probably from just 20 years of usage. There is also a small stress crack underneath each hook-again probably wear and tear.

I guess there is no way to repair unless I can straighten them and then weld the stress crack. They are orig 181 parts so that is why I may go through the trouble to try and save them. Not sure if these are bronze or not though.

Thanks for any info/suggestions.

[wbailey2112]

As I can recall the hooks on mine are at 90 degrees or close to 90 degrees from the mounting plate. Based on spots where the black paint has worn off they do appear to be made of brass or bronze.

One tip that I received from the previous owner was to unlatch the two latches at the bottom of the windshield before attempting to latch the top frame to the top of the windshield. This seems to make it a little easier to line things up and to close the top latches. This method also seems to be a little less stressful on the top latches but because my top frame is not perfectly straight it is still sometimes a challenge to close the top latches.

[74 Thing]

Thanks for the info-I guess I will be on the look for some new hooks.

[Joe 20]

I replaced mine with the stainless steel ones from TTS. Cost more but worth it in my book...lifetime guarantee and very durable.

[74 Thing]

Yes, that is what I read. The stainless ones from The Thing Shop come with the latches as well and having a lifetime guarantee shows that they must be a quality item (and I am sure more durable then the stock ones).

[Windisch]