another venting windshield question

I'm going to replace the stock windshield with a venting one that I have had for a while. The problem is the mount for tops. The venting windshield has snaps across the front instead of the channel. I haven't found a source for the channels, so has anybody tried to add snaps to a stock top or bikini with any success

 

Plenty of room for the channel, if I had one.

 

I thought somebody used to sell the channel separate, like for fiberglass windshield frames. Quadtrtec or somebody.....

 

I don't think snaps will be strong enough and I agree they won't seal well. Should be able to make a channel out of small square tubing and cut a slit along it's length. You'll have to bend it just a bit to get the curvature correct through it's length (they are not completly straight at least on mine).

 

They do but for late model only. The frames are narrower at the top so the channel is shorter. May still work though. A couple of years ago someone on this board did just that and said it worked ok....ymmv. Nickmil

 

I have a very bent windshield frame that is going to salvage in a week or so if interested. The channel is fine. Minor rust on the bottom part of the frame.

 

I had to convert my M38A1-C windsheild to accept a canvas top.

A commercial canvas awning place sold the channel by the foot, I just attached it with screws. It's used a lot on RV's and trailers, too.

Pete

 

Mike, just curious - my NOS venting windshield has the full channel, as built, not snaps. Was yours modified, a factory option, or what?

Pete

 

Pete, the windshield doesn't appear to have ever had the channel. No way of telling if the snaps were factory or added later. Your guess is as good as mine.

 

Interesting. Thanks.

Pete

 

My '66 didn't have one. Tub was replaced, windshield frame might have been too.

Paul

 

That would be cool to have. I've already got too many things to do on my list.