1958 convertable top

[John F.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

I had thought about doing a top myself, but haven't got the slightest clue what you are talking about w/o pictures.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

Rick,
A friend of mine did his own 58 soft top following the Al Knoch video and it came out looking great.
One key is adjusting the frame to the side windows before starting the soft top installation.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

Rick, your photos won't open as attached.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

Yes, it shows the links but says they're invalid.

Rick, maybe they're too big or wrong filetype. See this FAQ link.....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/faq.php?...faq#faq_photos

[Rick E.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

100_0116.JPG12.3.2012 054.JPG100_0127.jpgHere are some pictures, one with top up but dont have the corners tight yet, one with the top stored in the rear compartment but both tension arms are loose to show it will fit and one showing the top hitting the male latch when the tension arms are adjusted and bolts tight to fit the door glass. Thanks.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

Rick,

Below are top pad placement dimensions. Did you use these numbers?

IMG_0973.jpg

Also, if the tension arms to keep the top outer frames over the side glass are just too tight, that may be attributing to the problem.
Check the frames above the side glass. Are they bent/curved? If they're bent it may cause you to make the tension arms too tight. I guess that could keep the front header unfolded too much as the top is coming down. In your 3rd photo, the header should be way down before getting close to the male pin latch.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

In your ST-12 Body 1-29, check "Problem C". It says to adjust that tension arm to get it to store properly.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/5362csg/5362csg0129.html

I'm thinking you'll have to loosen that until it stores in the well properly. If that allows the side top window frames to sag a bit, that is not uncommon on a original top.

[Rick E.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

Richard, I read the book and it made perfect sense, I put some sag in the frame and tried it, we have gained but wont miss the latch. If I back the bolts clear off the top folds nice. I did use the dimensions for the bow spacing when i installed the pads.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

Is it at all possible when you re-assembled the top frame, that you got the tension arms reversed?

In this diagram, it's called the LINK(Rear Control).

Figure 72

I see a bend at the bottom where it connects to the mount PLATE. Is yours as pictured?

It's hard to diagnose without seeing everything close up. I'm running out of ideas. What may help......

Remove the seat cushions. Put the top up and take several photos showing the bracket attach points at the seatback area, and the links over the side windows. You have a limit of 4 photos per post so just ad more posts if needed.

[Rick E.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

Richard, When i rebuilt the frame i didnt remove the tension arms from the frame, i removed all the bows and front header. I just came in from looking everything over again, i cant see anything out of place. I did take some photos before rebuilding and everything looks o.k. i can take some pictures maybe you can see something. Tanks again! RICK

[Rick E.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

100_0128.jpg100_0129.JPG100_0130.jpg100_0131.jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

The linkages look fine. I'm just not sure about the tension bracket adjustment. This will vary car to car. This is the adjustment that gets you to a better state, but still hits the latch at the header.

When you attached the frame and adjusted it, and before you attached the soft top, I'd assume you didn't try lowering it into the well, correct?
Also just as a doublecheck, you are definitely pulling the rear bow forward and tying the assembly(rear bow to side frames) together before dropping into the well, right?

My only other option would be to remove the soft top material, readjust everything so it attaches and stores properly, the reinstall the soft top. Since this is a 56-58 top frame, there is a little bit of fore/aft adjustment at the front header side frames. Maybe that might help.

Maybe wait till tonight as some others here may have some suggestions. I'm stumped.

Rich

[Rick E.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

Richard, I dont remember dropping the frame after i installed the bow pads. When i am dropping the top i tie the top forward as you discribed.The forward and aft movement is only a 1/4 in. dont think that will help me. Again the top drops great until i adjust the tension arm for the door window fit. The first picture on post 20 shows the top in the compartment but the tension arm bolts are loose. Thanks!

[Richard M.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

Rick, PM sent........

I found a post from Mike Coletta that describes a clever adjustment procedure that may help.

It's in post #11 from this Thread

Rich

[Dennis C.]

Re: 1958 convertable top

Rick,

When I first installed my frame I had a similar problem. I adjusted the frame to fit the window and the frame wouldn't fold without hitting the cover latch.

After much frustration and talking to several people I started all over. What I found was I had to compromise between getting a good (better) fit around the side windows and having the top fold without a problem.

I think you might have to remove the top from the frame to make the adjustments.

good luck.
pDennis