Soft top header seal

[jbcollier]

I'm about to fit a new top.  My old top had a header "seal".  Really it is just fabric sown around rubber tubing.  More of a draught excluder than a seal.  It is called "fur flex" (photo below).  The top is certainly "original" but the "seal" might have been added.  The new top has nothing, nada, just vinyl, albeit two layers  Here's a sample of the "seal":

 

 

For those of you with Lotus Seven S2 or S3s, or early Caternam Sevens, could you look at your soft top and let me know what you have.  Thanks.

[EdWills]

Hi John.  Just dug out the original soft top as fitted to my 1969 Series 3.  It is exactly the same material as you describe, with the thick-wall hollow rubber hose inside (3/8 inch diameter possibly?). Mine is a claret colour, but probably whatever the Lotus supplier could get their hands on.  It is stitched in place on the front of the soft top, but 5 snaps that clip the soft top to the upper edge of the windscreen are also fitted into the material further securing it.  Will send a photo with measurements as soon as my battery charges up. W.

Edited July 24 by EdWills

[jbcollier]

Wow, mine is "claret" as well.  I was sure that meant it was a PO hack.  Live and learn.  Thanks.

[SENC]

65 S2 - I believe those to be the original top.

Edited July 24 by SENC

[EdWills]

Hi John.  Pics from my top

[EdWills]

John,

Not the greatest photos, but if you need anymore info, just drop a line. The strip is probably 28+ inches long.  Not sure if Fanny's Fabrics sells it though!!

I am curious about what other application it would be originally used for?  W.

[jbcollier]

Fur-flex is used in the interiors of “older-style” British cars like the Austin Healey, older Triumphs, etc.  British parts suppliers sell it by the meter/yard.