T Bar fitting difficulties

[Robmsharp]

It seems I'm having the same difficulty that a lot of people have with regard to the alignment of the A/B pillar Vs. T bar mounting holes not lining up. The problem is that if I fit the 2x chrome bolts first (B pillar), then the 4x countersunk front holes (A pillar) don't line up and for all the world it looks like the T bar is too short.
Prior to tackling this job I researched the Forum using the Advanced Search and remember seeing a reply that Dasadrew made to a thread advising how to jack the car up in order to flex the chassis to allow the holes to align, but the only trouble is I can't find the post now, a reply to his post said how useful the tip was and it worked well.
Can anyone help me either with locating the post or giving advice on how to fit the t bar without resorting to either swearing or skinning my knuckles?

[sjm]

I have done this a number of times and put the A/ window fittings first but not tight then one of the B post bolts again not tight, then pull the other side out to get the bolt in place, yes it is a pig and a lot easier if you have a hand to push the one side
of the B post out so you can get the bolt started, then tight all the fittings up.
Worked for me I would not want to jack the car up without the T Bar support but each to their own.

Steve

[Tdm]

When I did mine it took 3 of us and some strong rope attached to the pillars to get things lined up and started, just loosely fitting one bolt at a time then tightening up when all located and in place.

[Robmsharp]

Thanks for your replies gents, using the rope is probably not an option for me as the windscreen is already fitted.

[sjm]

Thanks for your replies gents, using the rope is probably not an option for me as the windscreen is already fitted.

Rope the B posts not the screen, I found that the B posts move in so that's why you need to pull them out, as I said loose fit then move the post out to fit
the last bolt, good luck lets us know how you get on.

Steve

[Dave M]

Seem to remember I used ratchet straps around the tee bar on mine and pulled it forward slightly to get the holes to line up.

[Enigma66]

All are sound methods, but when I tried to use a rope around the B posts I was unable to get them to align after nearly six hours of effort. I then jacked the car to get the T bar holes to align. It doesn't require raising the vehicle or even a wheel from the floor, just some upward pressure vector to counteract the body sagging, which is why they don't align. Place the jack on or next to the subframe as far outward as you can, as near to underneath the B post. Begin to put upward pressure with the jack and keep rechecking as you apply force until the bolt holes align. Presumably you have been able to start (do not tighten any until all have been started) the windshield header fasteners and one of the B post bolts. Use the jack to start the final bolt on its B post. Then go around and tighten all of the T bar's fasteners.

Michael

[edd]

They are all different . mine has had so much structural work yet the bolts still line up with a push . I liked the idea posted of a custom bolt with a plain start on to start first . I'm not sure about jacking I seam welded my complete floor so flexing the body would be hard work but some have no choice I guess .
edd

[Robmsharp]

Thanks for all your posts, I'm sure at least one of the suggestions will work, so I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers
Rob