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SureShade M3 Measuring Instructions for Hardtop 

SUMMARY  

• STEP 1: Determine mounting area (underside or topside) based on M3 shade space requirements 

• STEP 2: Determine shade width

• STEP 3: Determine if a camber to the shade’s cross-components (crossbars and roller) is needed 

• STEP 4: Determine if mounting spacers are required

STEP 1: DETERMINE MOUNTING AREA (underside or topside) based on M3 shade space requirements. The M3 shade  extends up to 10 ft (3048 mm). The stationary tube length dimensions are found below. Shade width and crossbar camber (if any) are customized to client specification  

STEP 2: DETERMINE SHADE WIDTH. M3 framework (stationary actuator) and mounting clamps require an obstruction free area shown below.

M3 shade width is specified by the “outside to outside” tube dimension – outside of PORT actuator to outside of STBD  actuator. The maximum possible width for an M3 shade is 144” (3658 mm).  

A once required space is determined for shade framework, measure and provide the OUTSIDE to OUTSIDE width  dimension.  

CCD-0009186 Rev: 05.28.2025

STEP 3: DETERMINE CAMBER HEIGHT. The M3 shade’s cross-components—the outer crossbar, two mid crossbars, and  canvas roller—can be cambered (curved) to conform to the curvature of the hardtop. Determine if the hardtop has curvature and if  camber is desired.

For bottom mounted shades, once  width is determined,  

(1) Position a straight edge across the bottom of the hardtop.
1. Position a straight edge across the bottom of the hardtop.
2. Measure straight up from the center of the determined width to the underside of the hardtop.
(2) Measure straight up from the center of the determined width to underside of the hardtop.
(3) Provide the camber height dimension in inches or mm.

1. Position a straight edge across the top of the hardtop.

2. Measure straight up from the center of the  determined width to the underside of the hardtop.

For top mounted shades, once width  is determined,  

(1) Position a straight edge across the topside of the hardtop.
(2) Measure from the straight edge to where the actuator will mount.
(3) Provide the camber height dimension in inches or mm.

STEP 4: DETERMINE IF MOUNTING SPACERS ARE REQUIRED.  

Spacers are used to allow the shade to clear the overhang (or lip) of the hardtop or other obstructions like rod holders.  SureShade can supply a spacer that fits in between the mounting clamp and the mounting plate in ½” (12.7 mm) increments  up to 3” (76 mm). The shade framework is 5” (127 mm) tall. Measure the height of any overhang (lip) or obstruction in the path  of the framework. Round the measurement up to the nearest ½” (12.7 mm) to determine the height of the spacer required.  

In this example, Mount 1 requires a spacer to keep the actuator parallel with the second step of the hardtop. A spacer is  not needed for Mount 2.  

2 Copyright 2020 Lippert Components, Inc. dba SureShade® CCD-0009186 Rev: 05.28.2025

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR MEASUREMENTS ONLINE https://www.sureshade.com/measure/ If you prefer- please email the completed sheet to sales@sureshade.com   or directly to your sales representative.  

DISCLAIMER: All shades are made to custom specifications. Ensure all measurements are accurate before  sending them to your customer service representative. Any errors made by the customer are the  customer’s responsibility.

3 Copyright 2020 Lippert Components, Inc. dba SureShade® 

CCD-0009186 Rev: 05.28.2025