Hard Top support questions

[ander12]

We just bought (Yesterday) a 1989 Riviera Cruiser 24' with a collapsible hard top. We LOVE the hard top and it is in NEED of help. The upright support cross members all have the welds broke out which makes the op extremely flimsy. We are wondering if we can remove the aluminum cross members and replace the with either treated or teak wood, THEN add a light weight skin on both sides of the supports? I am assuming since they were welded they do not shift or move so skinning them would not interfere with them going up and down?
We also are looking to put on struts to help raise it and place a "stand" that can store up inside so 1 person can deploy the top.
Andy other suggestions?

Thanks and appreciate the add as a new member!

Andy and Kathy

[bansil]

Luckily we dont have to lower ours any more, yeah slip altho when I go from lake to house i leave it up...55 mph doesnt hurt it.

They are hvy, they all have bad designs.

I have seen one where the guy replaced all top and 8 inch side aluminum (not support) with a sunbrella material for the shade and less wt.

[PaulinOK]

I think if you use wood as thick as the aluminum that's currently there you'd be alright. Personally I think I would have those braces either re-welded or make new ones all together if you're going to add struts at some point.

[ander12]

Thanks!! Once (IF EVER) it gets niceI will get the top put up and reexamine them and manufacture something simple>

[bansil]

Biggest reason it cracked was from flexing, most people put top up, put a couple bolts in finger tight...and ride

[ander12]

Thats what I was figuring! When I test drove it I WRENCHED the bolts and the gentleman said Oh I just hand tighten them! LOL I did find a place in town that will either rebuild new supports or reweld the old ones!..