1966 convertible top frame / rear bow question.

[Wayne L.]

[Richard M.]

Re: 1966 convertible top frame / rear bow question.

Wayne, I'm wondering if their "Z" bracket wasn't bent right?

20240617_061614.jpg

I found this file photo for reference.
Screenshot_20240617_061952_Chrome.jpg

[Wayne L.]

[Richard M.]

Re: 1966 convertible top frame / rear bow question.

My other thought....

If your car was originally Hardtop only, if someone added the soft top, they may have installed the rear latches in the wrong location.

If someone can get a measurement from rear bolt to rear edge of decklid, this would verify if that was the case.

Rich

[Wayne L.]

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1966 convertible top frame / rear bow question.

Wayne,
My 1966 conv. top is assembled, but I attempted a measurement of the large forward hole in the bracket to the forward threaded hole in the bracket that a countersunk screw is in. My measurement is 1.950"
Ken

[Chuck B.]

IMG_0904.jpg

[Chuck B.]

Re: 1966 convertible top frame / rear bow question.

It does look like the z bracket angle is different on my rear bow.

[Wayne L.]

[Wayne L.]

Re: 1966 convertible top frame / rear bow question.

Chuck, thanks for the photo. This confirms my latches are factory correct.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1966 convertible top frame / rear bow question.

Wayne, ok, good. I just wanted you to rule that possibility out.

It appears your problem lies in those Z brackets. I'd entertain removing the frame and bending them, if mine.

Rich

[Steve C.]

Re: 1966 convertible top frame / rear bow question.

hi wayne,
this is probably too little too late ... but fwiw, my 65 doesn't have extension brackets for the rear bow. my thought was the problem is with the rear bow they sold you. when GM built these cars they didn't use extension parts. everything you confirmed in your posts points to that bow. i'm with you on your thought symptom but not the cause. hope you have gotten a bow that's correct.
regards,
steve chaney

[Wayne L.]

[Steve C.]

Re: 1966 convertible top frame / rear bow question.

sounds good Wayne...hope things come together for you. i'll be interested to hear how it went
steve