Shock Cord Rubber for Soft Top

NM_Mogman · Post by **NM_Mogman** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 10:24 pm

I was wondering where the best place to get the rubber shock cord for the soft top would be? I have a few pieces that have rotted and need replacement. Also, where do you get the crimper and crimps for these. Any help would be appreciated. I am in Rio Rancho, NM just outside of Albuquerque.

Thanks in advance,

Phil

pcolette · Post by **pcolette** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:53 pm

I'm not sure about the best place but I've always been happy with Swiss Army Vehicles. They carry the shock cord (SAV2500) and the ss crimps (SAV2550). You don't need a special crimper. I use a pair of channel-lock pliers and they work fine.

Expedition Imports probably carries these also and they are good place to do business with too.

Hope this helps.
Paul

Profpinz · Post by **Profpinz** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 12:56 am

I've found one of the best things, is to go to a bearing supplier and buy 8 mm dia O Ring cord.... it's relatively cheap and it looks exactly like the original product if your fussed that way!

As to the crimps you can reuse the old ones or they are relatively simple to make yourself....prefably out of stainless steel!

PinzEOD · Post by **PinzEOD** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:40 am

I got mine from McMaster Carr (www.mcmaster.com). They have the cord, crimps and crimping tool. As far as the tool goes, I've found a "tile nibbler" works perfectly for the task. It's a lot cheaper than the real tool, and the pincher edges do not close all the way so the crimp comes out about perfect.

Douwe · Post by **Douwe** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:12 am

I had ordered the rubber cord from swissarmyvehicles but it didn't fare that well after a year. I don't know if I had it too tight or if they had an inferior type of rubber.

I ended up replacing the rubber and clamps with the following from mcmaster which is working well so far (only 6 months).

bungee: 3937T32
clamps: 54105K38

-Douwe

NM_Mogman · Post by **NM_Mogman** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:47 am

Thanks for all the replies so far. I wonder if the cords are too taught they will wear out too fast from the tension? I will have to check in the manual to see if there is a specific length that each section should be.

Phil

ms1223 · Post by **ms1223** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 5:38 pm

I used "o" ring material from Motion Industries. Make sure you specify the rubber has UV protectant in it. First batch lasted a couple of months and cracked.
Swifty in Illinois