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xB Rag-Top Conversion: Prep and Template Scion xB goes alfresco!, Part 1 of 4 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-310

(Continued from page 1)

Andrew creates a paper template for transfering precise measurements to the roof of the xB.

In the first phase of the conversion, Andrew begins by removing the ragtop from its frame then transferring the measurements of the frame to the roof of the Scion.

Materials/tools for this first phase of the project:

ragtop sunroof
standard shop tools
measuring tape
marker
template paper
T-square
utility knife
painter's tape

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Removing Top from Frame and Initial Measurements

Because the ragtop assembly is so big, you'll want to have a person close by who will help you with the installation. The first step is to separate the top from the frame so an accurate template can be made.

• Release the latch assembly, and temporarily open the top up a few inches.

• Go to the rear of the top, and remove the screws holding the headliner's aluminum strip along with the nuts attached to the rear cap plate.

• Then remove the nuts along either side that secure the aluminum rails to the frame (figure A) and use a regular hammer or a soft mallet to tap the rails loose as you lift the frame away from the top.

• After the frame is removed, lay it upside down and measure the length and width where the rail's bolted in (figure B).

• Since there may be manufacturing oddities, measure all four sides and use the longest of each measurement as your base.

• Add an eighth of an inch to both measurements to allow for a little bit of excess, and then lay out the template on a suitable piece of paper.
  

  	Figure C
  	Figure D

• Mark the length of the template along a straight factory-cut edge of the paper, and mark the front edge of the template with a square.

• Slide the square along the side and make marks every foot or so (figure C).

• Draw a line to connect the marks, and then make the last line along the back edge of the template.

• Use a utility knife to cut out the template, and double check all of the measurements. If your template is square, then measuring from corner to corner (figure D) should give equal results.

• Go ahead and mark the center points along the front and rear edges to help you line things up at the car.

• Again, be sure to take your time and get the template right. This is the only guide you'll have for cutting the big hole in the roof of your car, so it's worth taking your time! Once the template is correct, carefully roll it up and take it to the car.

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