C2:67 ConvTop - Fini

[Gerard F.]

Well almost, got to get a few wringles out ot it with some heat. Wouldn't you know it, the first rain of the season in sunny N.CA. and I'm stretching the top in the garage.

Before the stretch, I had to check the side window fit with window weatherstripping temporarily in place. Here it is with the window closed:


Not too bad, heh. Those .46" shims I used to adjust the frame (per the AIM) did the job.

Also, I couldn't bear to use this new 16 year old front windlace. It was just too stiff. So Al Knoch, here I come for a new one.

Learned a lot on this one, and lost track of time. Guaranteed, the next one will go on a lot faster.

And how long do you think that dealer tag on the back window is going to last on a driver. Maybe I'll cover it in a plastic envelop, just for laughs.

But had a lot of fun.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Kent K.]

Nice Work! *NM*

[Barbara S.]

Looks great Jerry! *NM*

[Michael M.]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop - Fini

Jerry, looks great! How long was total time from start to finish. Did you paint/restore the top frame?

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop - Fini

There should have been a front bead on the box. If not just ask knock for the material and not the bead. The bead that he supplies is not correct anyway. Another thing that I have discussed with them for about 30 years and they never get right. Go to the hardware store and buy some of the correct door w/s stuff with the web on it. That is what the factory used. It is smaller in diameter and allows the top to come down farther in the front.

[Robert Y.]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop - Fini

Gerald....Wayne is correct when he suggested that you replace the inside round foam on the bead that should have come with the top - but, as he also states, the one you receive when your order it will also not be correct. Almost everyone installs that big fat front bead but when Wayne installed my top (PERFECT job less that front bead) I followed his instructions and carefully cut the stitching on one side of the furnished bead and removed the rigid round foam strip. I installed the smaller diameter (hardware store purchased weatherstrip) for that perfect seal and also correct appearance.

I believe I used a steel small diameter rod, taped the end of the new strip to the end of rod, to assist in the installation of the sewn header strip. In any event, his advice was greatly appreciated, followed, and resulted in my total satisfaction! He also had an original top on hand to demonstrate what the real ones looked like....sort of flimsy, and NOT that large diameter provided by AK.

Do it...easy, great advice from our old friend Wayne! Bob.

P.S. - Your installation looks great...my first and only attempt years ago was a disaster compared to yours!

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop - Fini

Bob, Wayne,

Maybe I'll try that. My bead from this 16 year old kit, is about 1/2" in diameter, hardened foam and cracked in a number of places. That's why I didn't use it. What's the correct diameter of the bead?

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop - Fini

Michael,

It took much too long but I learned a lot over 5 weekends, or about 40 hours. Most of the time was in the frame in restoring it off the car. Lots of time in getting the frame back on the car and back to the correct dimensions.

Actually, once you have the pads set and the frame correct, the top is a piece of cake. Next time I'm going to get an air stapler that shoots 3/8" & 1/2" staples.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Michael M.]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop - Fini

Jerry, at least your hard work paid off. When it comes time for me to replace my convertible top, I'll probably pay someone to do it. It seems it's more of an "art" than a "science". I'm better at the nuts and bolts stuff, interiors and those types of things, I'm not so good.

[ken edmunds]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop - Fini

Al Knoch now has the correct front bead-he just sent me one.

[Paul L.]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop - Fini

Jerry,
I have a 1967 coupe as you know and do not worry about vert tops. But that is a very nice piece of work! Congrats!

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2:67 ConvTop - Fini

Since when? I just put one on last week and it had the large bead.

[Gerard F.]

Found right stuff, Wayne

Went to a local guy who does seats and tops, and he had a remnant of the right grain top material, and 3/8" flexible foam bead. He gave me the remnant and sold me the bead for $3. So now I guess I'll dust off the Singer and make me a front windlace. The heck with Al.

Noticed that the one I took off (a replacement from 72) was the smaller one then the newer replacements.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179