Triumph Repair: Spitfire softop removal, windshield frame, rubber gasket

Question
Hi Jim, i have to get some work done on my '73 1500's soft top i was wondering if you have any information on how to remove the soft top.

Thanks, David

Answer
David,

The soft top is easy to remove from the car.  On the back edge of the cockpit there are two bolts that hold down the rear of the soft top.  Undo those bolts.

Unlatch the soft top from the windshield frame and fold the top down.

The soft top frame is bolted to the door pillars using 1/4-28 bolts... so you'll need a 7/16" wrench or socket to remove them.  Remove the bolts from both sides.  It's a good idea to leave one bolt in the "first" side to support the frame until you finish remove the bolts on the other side.

As to removing the soft top vinyl from the frame, it's held on by rivets through the header panel.  Remove the rubber gasket on the header panel and you'll see some 1/8" pop rivets.  Carefully drill them out and you'll be able to remove the soft top from the frame.


Cheers,

Jim