68 convertible top frame questions

[Michael M.]

I've used the search function and couldn't find the information I need, so I hope others can offer some assistance.

I have a 68 convertible with a convertible top which I have completely removed from the car. I removed the convertible top from the frame and disassembled the convertible top frame and restored it. I took lots of pictures, but of course, not enough apparently. Now to my questions.

1) There are 3 narrow metal top bows with channels (besides the very rear and very front large bows). Of the 3 bows, 2 of them (the front and middle ones) are attached to the frame by machine screws. The 2 bows are different lengths and I am not sure which one is the front and which is the middle. My notes indicate that the longer one is the front and shorter one is in the middle, but it doesn't seem this is right and I am questioning my notes. I can't find any of my pictures or pictures from the internet good enough to know for sure, nor can I find any reference to the lengths of the 2 removable bows. Can anyone provide me some guidance here?

2) I do not plan on reinstalling the top myself, but I need to get the frame reassembled to the point that it is ready to accept the top. So for instance, which weatherstrip pieces, if any, should be installed before installing the top. Should they all be installed except for the very rear bow weatherstrip that contacts the decklid? What about the plastic header panel and hold down latches? Other items that should be left off until a new top is installed?

Thanks for any help.

- Mike

[Daniel S.]

Re: 68 convertible top frame questions

Mike,

Looking at my 68 top, for the two bows that are attached via machine screws, I measured both bows where they are bolted to the frame.
31" for the front bow and 32 1/2" for the middle bow. See attached pic I took for the front bow

Hope this helps
Dan

IMG_3459.jpg

[Michael M.]

Re: 68 convertible top frame questions

Dan, thank you so much for that information. Did you measure between the two attaching points on the frame or the length of the actual bows?I believe it confirms my gut about the shorter bow being in front, but I will also measure to make sure. Also, on mine the longer of the two bows has a little more curvature at the ends. Is that the same with yours?

- Mike

[Daniel S.]

Re: 68 convertible top frame questions

Yes I measured between the two frame attachment points..ie the other end of the tape measure was resting against the inside edge of the frame where the bow attaches.

As far as the the curvature of the bows, I would tend to agree that the longer appears to have more curve but to be honest its really hard to tell looking at a fully assembled convertible top.

[Michael M.]

Re: 68 convertible top frame questions

Thanks to Dan, I was able to confirm that I have the bows in the proper positions on the frame.

Now can anyone help me with my second question about reassembling the frame to get it ready for a new top?

Thanks for any help.

[Mike E.]

Re: 68 convertible top frame questions

Thanks to Dan, I was able to confirm that I have the bows in the proper positions on the frame.

Now can anyone help me with my second question about reassembling the frame to get it ready for a new top?

Thanks for any help.

The plastic header piece is unnecessary. For the best results, you want to install all the weatherstrip and latches except the rear bow strip, and then make sure you allow for that.
Do you have a hardtop? If so, install that and fit the windows to the hardtop. Then fit the soft top to the windows.
If no hardtop, then you fit the soft top to the windows and the windows to the soft top with the weatherstrip and latches installed. Then take it to the upholstery place to have them install the top material. Take the weatherstrip with you, because they will need to install that as part of their process.

[Michael M.]

Re: 68 convertible top frame questions

Thanks Mike. Great information.