softtop ... washers

[jan lauwers]

Hey guys,

I have never understood this very well: What are these this washers for? The pic below is of a hinge in the soft top frame. Some hinges of the ST have this kind of thin bended washer, others not.

It seems obvious but what is their exact function? The fact that they are not on all hinges, what does that mean? Where exactly are they supposed to sit and what do they do?

Thanks guys!

Jan

[wayne R]

Hi Jan --no one has answered this for you,
The reason  for a washer is , mainly two reasons ,first when final
adjustment of the bolt is to allow a slight movement against the washer, rather than
a solid feel against solid steel.
The Second  main reason is with a washer ,this allows a very small clearance between
the two  steel arms being tightened,so gives clearance  when the two arms are moved
past each other when lifting top up and down,and over time allows dirt and grime to clear
the arms.
Another example and not many owners will realize this, is our very rare Heyco 300 Pliers
that we have in our tool kit, also have a very fine thin cupped washer to help slide the adjustment
open and closed,.it is under the half round side head of the back of the pliers.

[Mike Hughes]

These curved spring washers also serve to keep the hinged pieces under enough tension that squeaks and rattles are minimized underway.

[jan lauwers]

Thanks Mike and Wayne. Appreciatie yr help.
Jan