1800 bimini help

[Fishaddict]

I purchased 2012 vintage original bimini top with all hardware. It came from 1801. I was trying to fit it to my 1990 1800 and it is about 2-3'' more narrow? Can I GENTLY widen the main frame? There are two positions for bimini in 2012 1801. One pair of clips for storage and one for up position. If I keep it in rear clips permanently, it would not rest on gunnels and scratch them while under power. Does it mean I have to put it in forward clips if I am not using the top?
Please, advice.
Mike

 

[Fishaddict]

Anybody?

 

[Fishaddict]

Did I put my question in wrong discussion box or everybody is busy fixing their boats???
Any proud 1801 or 1800 owners with original biminies, please, reply! :roll:
Mike

 

[Bryan 2530]

You should be able to bend the bows 2-3" to make it fit.