MTFCA Forum

When I nest the bows correctly the third bow is 5/8 wider than the measurements call for. Is this going to bite me in the butt when I put the top on? Or should I build it to the correct measurements and the bows not nest?

Don ellis wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 06, 2023 1:35 pm

When I nest the bows correctly the third bow is 5/8 wider than the measurements call for. Is this going to bite me in the butt when I put the top on? Or should I build it to the correct measurements and the bows not nest?

There seems to be some variation in bow widths. I came across this recently when replacing the front bow in my '25 Touring. Before you decide on any dimension, put the bows in place, as-is, and hold it all together with "C" clamps. Then drape the top material over the bows, for a trial fit. When fitting any top, make your mind up in advance that you'll need to make many trial fits and many adjustments. This is why I do NOT use staples. Once they're in, they're a b*tch to remove. With tacks, you can pound them in 1/2 way and easily remove them in order to reposition or add some stretch to your top material.

The bows won’t nest perfectly.

The fit of the irons and bows to the body is most important.

This thread gives good starting point to fit the structure before trimming.


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