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Raise hardtop up 1/2” off pipe

Posted: Feb 22nd, '20, 17:02
by kross1
Hello All
My hardtop need some TLC. After 37 years of LETS MOUNT THAT HERE the top needs some help. The top rests on the aluminum pipe and makes the top and aluminum hard to keep clean. If I tackle this in the spring I would like to rest the top on 3/4” round, 1/2” tall spacers. There are about 12 bolts holding the top down. Any thoughts? Pros cons?

Thanks Kenny

https://imgur.com/a/hHOU29C

Re: Raise hardtop up 1/2” off pipe

Posted: Feb 22nd, '20, 18:30
by Tail Chaser
I wonder if you could use teflon or even fiberglass instead of aluminum. It would be that much less to oxidize. Buy a solid stock use a saw to cut, could even use a belt sander to grind the curve of your tube as if you were making a welded joint.

Re: Raise hardtop up 1/2” off pipe

Posted: Feb 22nd, '20, 19:05
by kross1
Great idea but already have spacers Just have to bevel them. Just wondering if it will be a strength issue.
Were would i get fiberglass Stock ?
https://imgur.com/a/4RwG8Kd

Re: Raise hardtop up 1/2” off pipe

Posted: Feb 22nd, '20, 22:03
by Tony Meola
https://www.mcmaster.com/fiberglass

For that type of job probably Mcmaster-Carr

Re: Raise hardtop up 1/2” off pipe

Posted: Feb 23rd, '20, 00:44
by Carl
6 of one1/2 dozen of the other. Both will work fine.

Re: Raise hardtop up 1/2” off pipe

Posted: Feb 23rd, '20, 04:50
by Yannis
You may want to use rubber or teflon washers to avoid contact between different metals and minimize rattle.

Re: Raise hardtop up 1/2” off pipe

Posted: Feb 23rd, '20, 04:58
by kross1
Thanks all
I like both fiberglass and rubber ideas..

Kenny

Re: Raise hardtop up 1/2” off pipe

Posted: Feb 23rd, '20, 21:12
by Carl
Yannis wrote:You may want to use rubber or teflon washers to avoid contact between different metals and minimize rattle.

If tight, as they should be, there will be no rattles.

Aluminum tube with aluminum shim is one material, SS bolt makes two.
Aluminum tube with rubber or teflon material is one, SS bolt makes two.


Not saying it's a bad idea, nor a good one, just saying....