58 Soft top instal advice needed

[Debra P.]

I want to store my original soft top & I bought a restored all assembled frame from a 58. Is bolting it in & aligning it with the windows brain surgury ? What do I need to know ?
Thanks everyone,
Deb

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 58 Soft top instal advice needed

It's not brain surgery, but it can be a real aggrivation. Mark the position of the attachment brackets on the original top so you can at least use them as a guide. I doubt that another top will have exactly the same adjustment points, but at least that's somewhere to start. The outer brackets are fairly easy. You are adjusting the height and the fore/aft position. The inner brackets control the straightening of the horizontal rails. These can be a challenge. You can get the rails to extend nicely, but then you can't fold the top! These inner brackets will have to be played with a bit on most cars, unless you're a lot smarter than I am, (which would not take a lot some days).

[Debra P.]

Re: 58 Soft top instal advice needed

Hi Ed,
I guess it must be a real pain. Now I know why you are my only response. LOL I will take your advice to my top guy. I just want to have a little knowledge of the procedure. I don't want my door panels removed to get the windows lined up. I just got scared. Thank you for being honest & mentioning the aggrivation.
Deb

[Don H.]

Re: 58 Soft top instal advice needed

Debra,
When I rebuilt my '60 top (about 13 years ago) I spent about one day just adjusting the top frame before the top installing the cover. Don H.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 58 Soft top instal advice needed

You absolutely must install the frame, INCLUDING THE WEATHERSTRIPPING, and do all the adjustments, PRIOR to installing the top. It's an extra step, but it is crucial that this be done. Don't let your top guy try to shortcut this step.