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Author Topic: Soft Top Door - T Channel  (Read 1713 times)

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Offline Spacecrab

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Soft Top Door - T Channel
« 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,
Restoring a 1954 CJ3b

Offline Rus Curtis

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Re: Soft Top Door - T Channel
« Reply #1 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?

'54 CJ-3B "Green Gruntt"
Bantam T3-C

Offline Spacecrab

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Re: Soft Top Door - T Channel
« Reply #2 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  :)

Restoring a 1954 CJ3b

Offline Rus Curtis

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Re: Soft Top Door - T Channel
« Reply #3 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:



« Last Edit: January 23, 2021, 08:39:05 PM by Rus Curtis »
'54 CJ-3B "Green Gruntt"
Bantam T3-C

Offline oldtime

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Re: Soft Top Door - T Channel
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2021, 01:11:52 PM »
I have an extra pair of the door channels to sell if your interested.

Offline Spacecrab

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Re: Soft Top Door - T Channel
« Reply #5 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'
Restoring a 1954 CJ3b