hood bows

[gnpenning]

I have been going thru the archives on roof bows. What I want to know and can't find are if the where attached and how? I've read some creative was to "reattach" them but how was it done from the factory? Was there a cardboard spacer and what adhesive was used? Is there something simiular on the market?

 

[Quick & Dirty]

I know not of what you speak.

What is a "hood bow"?

This thread is the only search result for that term.

 

[Broncitis]

Hard top / roof bows?

Or under hood bracing?

 

[Quick & Dirty]

That was my first guess as well, but was going to wait for clarification. I know to the Brits a hood is the car top. The bonnet covers the engine. Both top bows and hood bracing are only attached at the outer edges. By welding. The roof bows are for holding the head liner, not as a reinforcement for the top skin. If you don't want the top to bang at highway speeds, close the side windows and open the vents and vent panes.

 

[Broncitis]

The hood bows do add support to the top. not enough to walk on, but enough to keep it from collapsing with a snow load or other small load.

All Bronco hardtops have them, weather a headliner was install or not.

Half cabs do not, but they span is much smaller.

You could try some 3M VHB tape to secure them. Damn strong stuff.

 

[gnpenning]

Sorry about the confusion. Roof bows. 3m VHB tape I'm not familiar with it.

 

[Scoop]

66 roof bows were bolted in. Later ones are all spot welded in place. I'm pretty sure this is one of the 66-only features but it also could have changed in the '69 mid-year transition from vacuum to electric wipers which had some other changes to the top (like windshield frame bolt pattern).

 

[Broncitis]

Sorry about the confusion. Roof bows. 3m VHB tape I'm not familiar with it.

It is a Very High Bond double sided tape made by 3M. Commonly used to attach modern trim and emblems. Also used on smooth side (rivetless) enclosed trailers. The large sheets of smooth fiberglass or aluminum are secured with this tape to the frame structure.

The bows are secured at the edges as Scoop said, but when they get distorted from someone getting on the top or similar, they sag below the skin of the roof and rattle.

If you can carefully pull them down and wedge them in place, then clean off both surfaces and place tape on the bow, you could then push it up against the skin to secure it and prevent any rattles. Make sure you have it clean, and lined up right, it is a bitch to re-position, and after it sets for a day or so, it is there for good!

You can get it at McMaster Carr, but it is pricey. I have seen rolls of it on ebay much cheaper. Just search for 3M VHB tape and a bunch will come up.

 

[gnpenning]

Thanks for the help