Top bow spacing 23-25 touring

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Don ellis
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Top bow spacing 23-25 touring

Post by Don ellis » Tue Jun 06, 2023 1:35 pm

When I nest the bows correctly the third bow is 5/8 wider than the measurements call for. Is this going to bite me in the butt when I put the top on? Or should I build it to the correct measurements and the bows not nest?
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Jerry VanOoteghem
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Re: Top bow spacing 23-25 touring

Post by Jerry VanOoteghem » Tue Jun 06, 2023 2:38 pm

Don ellis wrote:
Tue Jun 06, 2023 1:35 pm
When I nest the bows correctly the third bow is 5/8 wider than the measurements call for. Is this going to bite me in the butt when I put the top on? Or should I build it to the correct measurements and the bows not nest?
There seems to be some variation in bow widths. I came across this recently when replacing the front bow in my '25 Touring. Before you decide on any dimension, put the bows in place, as-is, and hold it all together with "C" clamps. Then drape the top material over the bows, for a trial fit. When fitting any top, make your mind up in advance that you'll need to make many trial fits and many adjustments. This is why I do NOT use staples. Once they're in, they're a b*tch to remove. With tacks, you can pound them in 1/2 way and easily remove them in order to reposition or add some stretch to your top material.

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DanTreace
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Re: Top bow spacing 23-25 touring

Post by DanTreace » Tue Jun 06, 2023 2:51 pm

The bows won’t nest perfectly.

The fit of the irons and bows to the body is most important.

This thread gives good starting point to fit the structure before trimming.


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