Soft top recondition - big job

I have thought about using standard ¼ UNF bolts but the right diameter spacers to fit over this size bolt in an appropriate material cut to size is the key of course. If using ¼ “ UNF bolts they need to be the right shaft length/thread length combination of course. Having a look in my garage I could only find 9mm diameter (6/16”) copper tubing (odd size copper tube so must be off some sort of gas or AC appliance) that was a good fit in the frame holes (and over a 14” UNF bolt – second attachment. Curious to see what you use as it’s not that easy to find this size diameter tubing and copper may be too soft – second attachment. Also curious to know what you do with an elongated hole? I have been restoring hood frames professionally for about 6 years now, and I have learnt a lot in my time. If there is anything you want advice about, please ask and I will help where I can. The original bolts often break as they have stress risers built in to the design. Please replace any that have distorted like the one you pictured, or they will break later and stray members may then damage the valuable cover. For replacements of 1/4 UNF screws I use standard 1/4 UNF screws with 1/4 x 3/8 spacers of various lengths instead of the special pattern bolts as they are stronger. I have the spacers specially made for me. The original thick washers are to be used to take up any slack so select the ones that fit without binding. Oil all pivots well, especially the front corner hinge joints than often seize up and then overstress the frame. Chris Proprietor, Stagweber