top bow length

[Nick Bombini]

What is the correct length for the steam bent top bow. I bought a set for my truck, but they are too wide. I have heard that cutting 4" off each side would get it there, but I want to make sure before I cut anything.

Thanks,
Nick

[Cat Man]

Hi Nick,

I did the same job on my truck a few years ago. To be sure, I just went out to the shop and checked my notes and measured the CCKW bows and I did keep one of the pieces cut off for a pattern. Can't beleave I saved it and found it?

The top bows for an M35 are 75 Inches Long. The correct lenght for a CCKW bow is 67 1/2 Inches. That is measured on the inside (or underside) of the curved bow. The measurement is taken from the indent on the inside curve of the metal bow corner that forms the hard stop for the wood bow inside the metal corner.

To keep the bow curve centered, I cut off a equal 3 and 3/4 Inch piece from each end of the M35 bow. That also takes off the two old holes for the machine screws that bolt them together on each end. Remark and drill the new holes using the metal bow corner for the pattern.

M35 Bow = 75 Inch - 3.75 Inch Left - 3.75 Inch Right = 67.5 Inch CCKW

That should be what you need. Like I told Bill Wolf a while back in anouther thread about the lenght of the uprights. I made the upright pieces a little undersize so they don't swell up when wet and get stuck in the troop seat pockets. Makes it much easier to remove and install the bows.

Cheers

Cat Man

[Nick Bombini]

Thanks Cat Man, that's exactly what I was looking for.

--Nick

[Nick Bombini]

I got the bows cut down and installed tonight. The measurement was perfect.

Thanks again,
Nick

[Cat Man]

Nick,

Great to hear. This site is such a great tool.

Cat Man