Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly : The Sprite Forum : The Austin-Healey Experience

Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #1 This topic is about my 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite
BUCKSHOT1 David Richbourg New London, NC, USA Sign in to contact 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite 1971 Jaguar E-Type Convertible	Topic Creator (OP) Mar 18, 2015 10:06 AM Joined 14 years ago 8 Posts

I cannot get the overcenter clamps to fit properly to latch down the top. I have tried 2 sets of new clamps from AH Spares with same result. The clamp is nowhere near correct to allow it to fold over to "lock " The clamps fit into a moulded "pocket" on the fiberglass top, therefore there is no way to slide them forward. Anybody have any ideas ? Thanks. I have been looking for another car with Hardtop to compare but no luck so far.

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #2
CaptRandy Randy Alkins Randy Alkins Warrington, PA, USA Sign in to contact 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 BT7 "MoonLight" 1966 Austin-Healey Sprite	Mar 18, 2015 01:00 PM Joined 13 years ago 538 Posts

Is that a nut and bolt at the back of the clamp? If so maybe you have to loosen it off until the clamp engages then engage the clamp

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015-03-18 01:00 PM by CaptRandy.

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #3
pixelsmithusa Gerard C San Francisco, USA Sign in to contact 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe 1946 Austin 10 1953 Morris Minor Series II 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite & more	Mar 18, 2015 01:21 PM Joined 14 years ago 1,284 Posts

I have found the AH Spares ones to be a little too short also., even when you are all the way forward in the mounting holes.

Gerard

http://gerardsgarage.com/

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #4
BUCKSHOT1 David Richbourg New London, NC, USA Sign in to contact 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite 1971 Jaguar E-Type Convertible	Topic Creator (OP) Mar 18, 2015 01:28 PM Joined 14 years ago 8 Posts

That will not work. The clamp base sits in a molded pocket and can not be seated properly after you try to clamp it. Look at a hardtop and you will understand.

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #5
BUCKSHOT1 David Richbourg New London, NC, USA Sign in to contact 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite 1971 Jaguar E-Type Convertible	Topic Creator (OP) Mar 18, 2015 01:29 PM Joined 14 years ago 8 Posts

I am not aware of another source, do you know of a source for the clamps.

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #6
pixelsmithusa Gerard C San Francisco, USA Sign in to contact 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe 1946 Austin 10 1953 Morris Minor Series II 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite & more	Mar 18, 2015 02:05 PM Joined 14 years ago 1,284 Posts

In reply to # 174825 by BUCKSHOT1 That will not work. The clamp base sits in a molded pocket and can not be seated properly after you try to clamp it. Look at a hardtop and you will understand.

What will not work? I didn't make any suggestions. I think having owned Bugeyes and the hardtops for almost 50 years, I understand them just fine.

Gerard

http://gerardsgarage.com/

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #7
BUCKSHOT1 David Richbourg New London, NC, USA Sign in to contact 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite 1971 Jaguar E-Type Convertible	Topic Creator (OP) Mar 18, 2015 03:21 PM Joined 14 years ago 8 Posts

Some how my answer to Captain Randy got sent to you , sorry about the confussion. If you will read the whole thread you can see his suggestion that I was responding to. Thanks for your help.

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #8
pixelsmithusa Gerard C San Francisco, USA Sign in to contact 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe 1946 Austin 10 1953 Morris Minor Series II 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite & more	Mar 18, 2015 04:58 PM Joined 14 years ago 1,284 Posts

OK, thanks for the clarification. That's why it's sometimes good to reply using the "Quote" link.

In reply to # 174828 by BUCKSHOT1 Some how my answer to Captain Randy got sent to you , sorry about the confussion. If you will read the whole thread you can see his suggestion that I was responding to. Thanks for your help.

Gerard

http://gerardsgarage.com/

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #9
CaptRandy Randy Alkins Randy Alkins Warrington, PA, USA Sign in to contact 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 BT7 "MoonLight" 1966 Austin-Healey Sprite	Mar 18, 2015 05:50 PM Joined 13 years ago 538 Posts

Gerard, looking at his first photo I was not sure if the clamp was bolted and thus movable. Thought that might have been a way to solve it. Looking at the bolt post in the back I thought it might have some movement to allow an adjustment by loosing it to allow it to move forward as the nut would be loosened.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015-03-18 05:51 PM by CaptRandy.

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #10
pixelsmithusa Gerard C San Francisco, USA Sign in to contact 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe 1946 Austin 10 1953 Morris Minor Series II 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite & more	Mar 18, 2015 06:54 PM Joined 14 years ago 1,284 Posts

Randy,

Ive attached pix of an original latch and holes in the top. The holes in the fiberglas have some adjustment, but probably less than double the width of the screw diameter.

I believe the reproductions are slightly too short from the pivot point to the hooked end. If I can find the repro latches from AHS, I'll post a comparison.

In reply to # 174831 by CaptRandy Gerard, looking at his first photo I was not sure if the clamp was bolted and thus movable. Thought that might have been a way to solve it. Looking at the bolt post in the back I thought it might have some movement to allow an adjustment by loosing it to allow it to move forward as the nut would be loosened.

Gerard

http://gerardsgarage.com/

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #11
CaptRandy Randy Alkins Randy Alkins Warrington, PA, USA Sign in to contact 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 BT7 "MoonLight" 1966 Austin-Healey Sprite	Mar 18, 2015 08:52 PM Joined 13 years ago 538 Posts

Gerard, thanks for photos, thought the bracket would have adjustment where the screws go through like on a bonnet hinge.

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #12
66healey ben kenion moorestown, philadelphia, USA Sign in to contact	Mar 21, 2015 02:08 PM Joined 15 years ago 57 Posts

I had the same issue placed the clamps in a vice and flattened them a bit, now they work fine

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #13
Jim Gruber Apollo Beach, FL, USA Sign in to contact	Mar 22, 2015 07:53 AM Joined 15 years ago 2,650 Posts

Ben

Can you elaborate a little more on exactly what you bent and flattened? Thanks.

Jim Gruber - Apollo Beach, FL
Bugsy IV - '60 Bugeye - 1,275+.040 and a 5-Speed - CA Car - 2nd Owner from new - Driving It Like I Stole It!
A truly rust free, garaged in Los Angeles for 57 years Bugeye
Mr. MAX - '04 Miata MAZDASPEED w Factory Turbo - Zoom Zoom Fun and Fast!

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #14
RedDuck Richard P. Jacksonville, FL, USA Sign in to contact 1963 Austin-Healey Sprite	Mar 22, 2015 10:10 AM Joined 12 years ago 234 Posts

David,
Try this site. They sell the latches.

http://bugeyeguy.com/bugeye-stuff-for-sale

Richard

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Re: Bugeye Hardtop Clamps don't fit correctly #15
66healey ben kenion moorestown, philadelphia, USA Sign in to contact	Mar 22, 2015 12:49 PM Joined 15 years ago 57 Posts

Hi they don't fit either... place the clamp in a flat vice with cloth around the clamp to protect the chrome squeeze it a little and then fir it to the car do this until you get the desired fit. Works great only taks a little to get them to work. The repros are shorted than the originals. Not sure why they can not make better repros. Good luck

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