[jthomson]

Hey All,

I checked the forum and believe I might be the first one with this problem. All help will be monumentally appreciated! Here goes.

First pic shows the area. As you can see in the 2nd pic, the bolt (3rd pic) that was holding the lever to the top bow has come out. That hole is stripped. I tried a cheesy fix with some JB but it didn't hold long. Any advice?

By the way, I really enjoy reading about how you all can get together and help each other with your projects. Wish I lived on one of the coasts! Sigh.... it's lonely here in Iowa..

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[tamathumper]

Definitely not a spot for JB Weld or epoxy. Probably going to take a heli-coil or time-sert to fix that.

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[jthomson]

Thanks,

I should be able to remove the lever to get at the bow, correct? Or do I have to take the bow off?

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[tamathumper]

I'd want to take it off just to avoid all the metal shavings from getting down into the mechanism and all over the top. And knowing me I'd drill a hole through my top.



You'll have to drill the hole out slightly oversized (assuming there's enough material to do so), then tap it (causing more shavings), then insert the repair coil. All those steps should be done as straight as you can, which is probably going to be a lot easier off the car than on.



With all that being said, it's up to you. Nothing says you *can't* do it while the top is on the car. Does putting the top partially up give you any better access? BTW, do you still have the washer that goes between the lever and the bow?

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[jthomson]

I sourced the washers locally. What would you say is the degree of difficulty to remove the bow? Now to find someone who is a wiz at heli-coil! Thanks, jt

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[tamathumper]

What would you say is the degree of difficulty to remove the bow?

Sorry, no idea.

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