disassembling convertible top frame

[Mike R.]

I have disassembled the convertible top frame for sandblasting and painting. There is one bow that is not screwed to the end (hinge) sections. It appears to be only slid into place, I can't see any welds but it does not want to come out. Is this piece in fact welded or is mine just corroded into place and I just need a larger hammer? Thanks

[Terry B.]

Re: disassembling convertible top frame

Mike,

I was considering having my convertible top frame sand blasted and then repainted but a restorer told me if your top is folding and working correctly, do not have it sand blasted as it will cause problems with the folding area hinges and pins. He said to sand the frame with a hand sander and your frame will come out without folding problems. However, if your frame already has problems with the folding mechanisms, then it's a mute point.

Any pictures you can send of the project?

thanks,

[Mike R.]

Re: disassembling convertible top frame

Thanks Terry.

There is some rust on the folding portion which will require blasting to remove. We will just have to be careful. I prefer not to blast anything I cannot get completely apart but in this case I have to.

I will be posting some pics soon. I have been delayed from completing certain tasks while I wait for parts. The chasis is awaiting some upper control arm rivets. I had them all riveted and then decided I didn't like the finish and started over. Then the second set of rivets came and did not look like the first so now I have been waiting two weeks for six rivets.

I am really hoping to be completely done with dirty work (except for the body) in the next week or two.

Mike,

I was considering having my convertible top frame sand blasted and then repainted but a restorer told me if your top is folding and working correctly, do not have it sand blasted as it will cause problems with the folding area hinges and pins. He said to sand the frame with a hand sander and your frame will come out without folding problems. However, if your frame already has problems with the folding mechanisms, then it's a mute point.

Any pictures you can send of the project?

thanks,

[G A.]

Re: disassembling convertible top frame

Hi Mike,

I am starting my soft top restoration after the first of the new year. I would be interested in photos and your experiences also.
Have been putting it off because I detest anything that smells of sandpaper and paint, but the time has come. I would avoid sandblasting for the reasons previously stated. Since the spot of corrosion is small, have you considered a mild grinding with something like a Dremel?

-Dan

[Tracy C.]

Re: disassembling convertible top frame

Hi Mike,

I am starting my soft top restoration after the first of the new year. I would be interested in photos and your experiences also.
Have been putting it off because I detest anything that smells of sandpaper and paint, but the time has come. I would avoid sandblasting for the reasons previously stated. Since the spot of corrosion is small, have you considered a mild grinding with something like a Dremel?

-Dan

Agree..wire wheel on a drill motot or chemical rust remover will keep you grit free.

tc

[Rich P.]

Re: disassembling convertible top frame

These can be glass beaded and cleaned with no problem. I have done many.
What I do once the frame has been blasted is to blow out all the joints then I use thinner from a sure shot can and work each joint useing the thinner to wash out the media as I work the joint back and forth. You can feel the grit disappear. Once the frame is in final paint I use oil on each joint and the tops work perfectly. I do the same thing with 68-72 wiper door hinge assemblies.
For those wondering what a sure shot can is it is a refillable bottle that you can pressurise with air and use like a spray can. In a pinch you can just put thinner in a spray/paint gun and use it the same way.

Rich

[Edward J.]

Re: disassembling convertible top frame

Rich, I have a question on folding top on my 63 that I just purchased I noted that the area over the window is not straight, it does not follow the contour of the upper windows, is this due to the it being a older top and has srunk over the years causing the top mechanism to have this problem? or maybe something that will need to be addressed when I remove and install a new top ? thanks Ed

[Rich P.]

Re: disassembling convertible top frame

Ed,

if your talking the bound edge above the side windows not being straight then it is most likely from not being properly installed or like you said shrinkage/ stored in the down position too long. Let th top rest in the up position and the next sunny day let it sit in the sun to see if the top streaches and lines up. Or you could use a heat gun and warm the area up.

Rich

[Edward J.]

Re: disassembling convertible top frame

Rich, Is there some sort of a adjustment on the bound edge? The top was dated 1979 and the car was sitting many years, in what position? Who knows., my reason for asking I am planing to replace the top during my resto. and if theres anything to look at while apart , I want to correct.

[Rich P.]

Re: disassembling convertible top frame

Rich, Is there some sort of a adjustment on the bound edge? The top was dated 1979 and the car was sitting many years, in what position? Who knows., my reason for asking I am planing to replace the top during my resto. and if theres anything to look at while apart , I want to correct.

Ed,

the "bound edge" is aligned while the top is being installed. It is attached on the header by tacks/staples, over the side window under the top horizontal weatherstriping and on the bow where the windlace is attached (just above the rear window). Many times the pads are installed incorrectly making the top incorrect. I would check to see if the pads line up straight or look just like the canvas.

In other words it usually is not the frame but the top and pads causing the problem. Whoever installs the top for you will be able to determine if the frame is ok.

Rich