Sun Coupe roof tension cable

Discussion in 'The ragtop shop' started by Racerx88, Apr 14, 2012.

  1. Racerx88

    Racerx88 Platinum Level Contributor

    Taking my roof apart, I noticed that according to the diagrams I have, there should be a tension cable running from the front roof header to the back header with a spring. My car is apparently missing not only the cable, but the cable guides at each rear corner as well.

    I assume the cable is to keep the sides of the top taught when the roof is closed, right? Anyone have an idea for a replacement? I could also use some good clear pictures of the cables and the cable guides so I know what to look for.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Racerx88

    Racerx88 Platinum Level Contributor

  3. UNDERDOG350

    UNDERDOG350 350 Buick purestock racer

    Dean,
    Do you have the reprints of the 2 service bulletins that I offer? You can replicate them by soldering or brazing hardware store cable to the springs.
     
  4. Racerx88

    Racerx88 Platinum Level Contributor

    Yes, I do have the bulletins. That's how I realized the cable assembly was missing.

    I've got a set of repro A body convertible top tension cables w/springs, so I guess I can use one of them with the hardware store cable.
    What could I use to replicate the cable guides at the back corners?

    Thanks for the help Steve. :TU:

    Anybody have a good pic of the cable guides as installed on the roof? The photos on the bulletins and the exploded view in the parts illustration manual aren't very clear.
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2012
  5. UNDERDOG350

    UNDERDOG350 350 Buick purestock racer

    Here are 3 photos. The front header has a piece of cable attached with a split shot fishing sinker on the end.
    The rear header appears to use the same bracket as the cable guide.
    The spring is 1/4" OD and is attached to the cables with brass tubes held by the punch marks as shown.
    The cable is clear nylon/vynal coated .066" OD. The steel cable inside is .047"
    The cable is inside the folded over and sewn edge of the vynal.



    View attachment 225195 View attachment 225194 View attachment 225193
     
  6. staged70

    staged70 RIP

    I can take a pic of the rear hedder but I do not have one here its stored at my lake house. The corners are supposed to have tabs that allow the cable to extend to the center rear of the hedder where it connects to a spring both sides connect to the spring so the corner is like a guide for the spring. I have been trying to find the 1/16 cable thats coated as original but no luck so far. the spring hyolds the cable tight when closed and the cable also assists in the folds sitting correctly. I get my cable and springs from the hardware store. I have thought that a good idea might be to find a screen door roller assy and mount it into the corners . Let me know if I can assist you
    JK
     
  7. Racerx88

    Racerx88 Platinum Level Contributor

    Thanks for the pics Steve, that was exactly what I needed. From the diagrams, I had thought the rear guide was more substantial than what your pic shows. I'll have to look closer at my rear header to see what's still there under the vinyl. Looks to me like those bent over tabs would snag the coating on the cables, but who knows. I'll just have to see what I can come up with.

    I think I may be able to get appropriate coated cable from one of the vendors that supplies tension cables for convertibles. As for length I can just measure from the front header, down the side and over to the middle where the spring would be.

    For the guide, I have thought about using these --> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carlson-H20...Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item231bafbaf1
    until I saw the pics Steve posted above. Now I don't think there's enough depth to mount them. Hopefully the tabs for the cables are still there under the vinyl.

    Thanks guys for your help! :laugh::laugh:
     
  8. staged70

    staged70 RIP

    I wasn't planning on working on this now but I have a set of screen door rollers that are quite thin. If you can find the correct size cable I would love to have some on a roll They are easy to size to what you need. The cable is made to be shortened or lenthened because these tops are all a little different and need some adjustments from time to time.
     
  9. Racerx88

    Racerx88 Platinum Level Contributor

    I'll see what cable I can come up with and let you know.
     
  10. Racerx88

    Racerx88 Platinum Level Contributor

    I've found two cables I think will work. Both are nylon coated stainless steel, which should be more durable.
    Steve says the original cable is a .047" with a O.D. of .066" with the coating (.010").
    The first I've found is .047" and .063". Same cable, thinner coating at .008". Rated at 270 lbs.
    The second is .063" and .094. Thicker cable, and thicker coating at .016". Rated at 450 lbs.

    I'm thinking the thicker cable would be better, but possibly not as flexible.

    As for the guides, I pulled the vinyl off my rear header and discovered that whoever did the top on my car last pounded the guide hooks flat. :af:
    So now I'm looking to see If I can replicate the originals or find something else that will work in such a thin space.
     
  11. staged70

    staged70 RIP

    You notice the hedder has a thin foam on it right? Try making it out of 22 gauge sheet metal and rivet it to the hedder. Should work fine See if you can get a roll of the wire either size would be fine but the smaller is better I think.
     
  12. Racerx88

    Racerx88 Platinum Level Contributor

    I've decided the smaller cable would be better from a flexibility standpoint, so that's what I'll be ordering.
    I'll be talking to a friend of mine this weekend about duplicating these guides/tabs.
    He has a pretty good shop with all the metal working tools one could want, so it should be pretty easy for him to come up with something.
    Will keep you posted. :TU:
     
  13. Racerx88

    Racerx88 Platinum Level Contributor

    Update:

    I've got a roll of the proper cable, and a small sheet of 22 guage, and am in the process of seeing about having a bunch of the cable guides made up. Any of you guys be interested in a replacement cable/spring/guide kit if I can get this all put together?
     
  14. staged70

    staged70 RIP

    Post pics of the stuff when you can. I personbally would like some cable
     

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