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Re: C1 Convertible Top Installation
If you have access to a hardtop, either your own or borrowed, install it and check the window/door fit before further adjustments with the soft top. -
Re: C1 Convertible Top Installation
Ed,
We do not have access to a hardtop so we are unable to use your verification technique. Thank you for your suggestion.
MatthewComment
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Re: C1 Convertible Top Installation
Allen & Matthew,
Since you are working with a reproduction frame and an essentially hand made chassis, there are more variables than normal that must be considered (not a good start). The factory first fitted the hard top to the body and windows to the hardtop weatherstrip. Once accomplished, they fitted the soft top to the windows. A hardtop in not in the equasion for you. Therefore check the angle of the windshield posts because the door posts must fit (and seal) aganst the posts AND the rolled up windows should fit "lightly" against the length of door post "U" channel. Correct center to center distance betweem the hole in the short body moulding between the deck and door and the windshield upper frame top receiver hole is 31 5/8". Once achieved, roll the window up until it sets "lightly" in the door post frame 'U" channel. Now the window is in its correct "up" position. I have never used the bumper stops to make major adjustments in window positons. I don't believe they were intended for this. With the window in the up position, in order to get a "more or less"even gap between the front and rear side frames as you know is a matter of adjusting the mounting plates to the body plates. The long "grasshopper" frame position is critical (critical as in frustrating) to obtaining a "more or less" even gap across the top of the window. I would not be afraid of elongating slots in a repro frame. On my frame, which was original to the '56, I found it necessary to raise the rear bow pivot points .4" in order to get a good rear deck fit. I don't get a clear understanding of Q #2. My header bar without the rubber w/s yet installed fit nicely across the entire length of the windshield channel. Almost like w/s was not reqired. Q#3 Know the answer to this one! The answer is "No." This beautiful body style is always worthy of the effort! Yes, always carry a towel across your lap in case of rain. Regards,Comment
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Re: C1 Convertible Top Installation
When I had a new top put on my 57 a couple of years ago (by a guy that does street rod interiors, restorations, etc) I could not the top to latch down to save me. Had been fine before. Turned out he had installed the winshield to top weatherstrip backwards. Turned it around and it was fine. If you have a problem in that regard look at the strip. The instructions are not clear.
TedComment
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Re: C1 Convertible Top Installation
Theodore - Thanks for your header weatherstrip observation. I have already had it backwards a week or so ago and realized I was wrong. I have since mentaly made that correction. The frame currently does not have the weatherstrip installed. My son was observing that the gap between the top header and winshield top moulding is not uniform and is looking for direction is that OK or not. Posting from Jim indicates that it should be uniform? Other comments?
The pictures show that the side window weatherstrip is installed but where the chrome sidewindow rests against the rubber weatherstrip is not uniform especially in the corner. With the window chrome being curved slightly my son is seeking guidance that the fit is OK. It might be a little hard to see that kind of detail with the picture given.
Other comments are welcomed.
AllenComment
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