| xB Rag-Top Conversion: Installing the Frame |
| Scion xB goes alfresco!, Part 3 of 4 |
From "Tricked Out"
episode DTRK-310 |
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Andrew modifies the headliner to acommodate the ragtop conversion.
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In this project, Tricked Out host Andrew Totolos installs a giant sliding ragtop on a customized Scion xB. Now that the appropriate-size hole has been cut into the roof of the car, it's time to drop in the ragtop frame. The top will then be attached to the frame. Materials/tools for this third phase of the project: cordless drill with bits
measuring tape
marker
utility knife
spray bottle with rubbing alcohol
silicone sealant
screws, nuts and washers (provided in assembly kit)
Rag-Top Conversion: Fitting the Frame - To install the frame, you'll need to look for a slot in the frame for the latch hook. That's the part that needs to face forward. With the help of a friend, drop the frame in place.
- The frames usually aren't exactly square, so don't worry about making sure all the measurements are exact. Instead, concentrate on aligning the frame so that it looks right from all angles.
- Once you're satisfied with the position, clamp it down (figure A) so the frame doesn't move as you drill the mounting holes.
Start with a three-sixteenths-inch bit to drill a pilot hole in the center of each of the frame mounting holes (figure B), and then go back and open them up with a five-sixteenths-inch bit.After all of the holes are drilled, clean the metal shavings off, and then remove the frame and pull up all of the tape (figure C).
Prepping the HeadlinerNow that the roof is ready, the next thing to be done is to measure the hole to cut in the headliner. The easiest way to do that is to pop it back into the car. Bring the headliner back in, pop it up underneath the securing clips, and then put the ragtop frame back into position (figure D). Mark around the perimeter of the hole from up top.
Once that's done you can pull it back out and do the cutting. You'll want to cut the headliner board at the cut line, but leave the upholstery material long for now. Measure three inches in from the line you just marked on all sides. It's pretty easy to do this quickly if you just hold a tape measure where three inches crosses the line and use a marker on the end to make the line (figure E).Once the inner line is complete, cut the center point out with a sharp utility knife.
Turn the headliner over and spray about five inches around the inside edge with rubbing alcohol to loosen the factory glue.After it's had a few minutes to set in, peel the headliner material back around the edge (figure F).Flip the headliner back over and carefully cut the board at the original cut line.
Cut the headliner cloth towards the corners (figures G and H), leaving about a half an inch uncut between the corner of the cloth and the corner of the board.
To reposition the dome light, cut the original location out of the headliner scrap to use as a template, and line it up in your new dome light position (figure I). Trace the pattern onto the headliner and cut it out.After the new hole is cut, cut off a strip of thin metal stock to reinforce the headliner material (figure J).Line it up with the contour of the headliner to get the right shape and bend it slightly. This will fit right below the mirror mount and the dome light will screw into it once it's in the car.Once the frame has been installed, you can pop in the headliner, mount the dome light and wrap the long tails over the frame for a nice finished edge.
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