My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: Spacecrab on January 22, 2021, 04:35:27 PM

Title: Soft Top Door - T Channel
Post by: Spacecrab on January 22, 2021, 04:35:27 PM

Hi guys,

I'm getting a new soft top fabricated but cannot find the T Channels that go under the windshield frame on either side

I must have lost them during the (lengthy) restoration process

Can anyone tell me how long they are? It's for my 54 CJ3b

I'll try get them fabricated if I can't find them this weekend

Thank you in advance,

Title: Re: Soft Top Door - T Channel
Post by: Rus Curtis on January 22, 2021, 09:26:33 PM

Spacecrab,
Are you talking about the channels inside the windshield frame that was discussed on BillT's thread?

https://cj3apage.com/Forum/index.php?topic=4975.0

or are you talking about the channels attached on the cowl just below the windshield like this attached image?

Title: Re: Soft Top Door - T Channel
Post by: Spacecrab on January 23, 2021, 06:46:33 AM

Hi Rus,

Yes those two that go on the cowl just below the windscreen as seen in your pic

I need their length and if possible the hole spacing

Desperate to get the jeep back from the soft top and bow builders  :)

Title: Re: Soft Top Door - T Channel
Post by: Rus Curtis on January 23, 2021, 11:18:37 AM

Added:  I forgot to mention that if your cowl area is original, you should already have the mounting holes predrilled.  The holes in my tub were one of the reasons I went looking for these items.
 BTW, the image I posted first were the "retainers" I spotted in a salvage yard in OK.  The image on this post are those same "retainers."

Added:  It took me a while but I believe I found the parts under, of all places (not under BODY, not under Special Equipment FRONT BODY TOP):

GROUP 31-03   WINDSHIELD
681380    Retainer, door curtain to cowl side panel.......2
Screw and lockwasher, pan hd. No. 10-24 x  1/2"......4
(just to satisfy the nerd in me.....)

As best as I can tell, this "retainer" is the same dimension as the channel on the front of the windshield (runs across the top to hold top) and did find a vendor that is selling "retainers" that should work:

https://www.kaiserwillys.com/replacement-door-channel-lh-fits-50-52-m38

https://www.kaiserwillys.com/replacement-door-channel-rh-fits-50-52-m38

Not sure what your time is worth, but I'm sure a few questions to the vendor could help with having something to start with.  But, since you asked for measurements in case you've got some time and raw materials:

Title: Re: Soft Top Door - T Channel
Post by: oldtime on January 23, 2021, 01:11:52 PM

I have an extra pair of the door channels to sell if your interested.

Title: Re: Soft Top Door - T Channel
Post by: Spacecrab on January 24, 2021, 05:53:37 PM

@Rus, thanks for this, that's perfect!

The nerd in you is helping me so keep it up haha

@Oldtime: I think I'll take your pair, not sure if they'd make it on time due to my location but I'm on a bit of a spares binge for original parts now the main jeep is finished

Trying to future proof the 3b'