C1 Convertible top frames

[Thomas H.]

What should I look for to verify that a convertible top frame is correct for a 58? When I bought my 58 the top was missing. I was able to procure a nice used frame but need to verify it is correct for the 58.

Tom

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Convertible top frames

Hi Tom, Just checked in and saw your query. Can you post some pictures of yours of the corners as show below?

The '56 to '58 frames are different from the '59-'60 frames. The siderail horizontal forward section(above the sideglass) has a separate "extension" to attach to the header.



This is a 1959-1960. The adjustment is done with that L bracket along slotted holes in the forward metal horizontal frame, which is one-piece. You loosen the 3 Phillips screws and slide the L bracket forward or rearward. The siderail w/strips use machine screws and Tee-nuts along with metal flatbar reinforcement to hold them the the frame.
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This is a 1956-1958.
(original 1957 photos) Notice the one-piece w/strip header to siderail. Picture a giant "U" shaped assembly.
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More '56-'58 views from the parts books.
59topframe002.jpg59topframe003.jpg

Notice the "splits" between the small metal piece and main frame with the Phillips 1/4x20 bolt and nut. That gets loosened and the extension piece moves forward and rearward in a slotted hole in the frame.

Another '56-'58 type side view.
cloth_covered_ws1.jpg

Original '56-'58 had a one piece header w/strip integrated and formed into the forward siderail w/strips on each side as shown in the '57 photos above. But those have been unavailable for many years. Original '56-'58 siderail w/strips had integrated encapsulated reinforcements and studs for attachment. The rubber was covered in a canvas like covering. I emulated the original style w/strips here by re-creating the foam on the front siderail w/strip and covered them using Bowdrill tape. I used the later '59-60 rubber header w/strip, and when the top is latched the appearance is that of the earlier '56-'58 type.

topws006.jpgtopws007.jpgtopws014.jpgtopws018.jpgtopws023.jpg

Applying Bowdrill tape and finished pieces.
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Final product.(the decklid latches were not tight so the rag looks a little loose here)
topws019.jpgtopws020.jpg

Rich

[Thomas H.]

Re: C1 Convertible top frames

Hey Rich,

Thanks for the detailed info. Looks like I have the 59 and up top/frame and I'll be looking for the correct one.

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I was actually looking forward to doing this project. The frame still has the top on it so I had a point of reference during disassembly.

Car went to the body shop last week. Expected back mid April so I'm taking inventory and making a punch list.

Tom

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Convertible top frames

Tom,

Actually...........You have the correct frame. That little extension piece is correct for '56-'58.

Rich

[Thomas H.]

Re: C1 Convertible top frames

Great! Maybe my luck with this car is turning around. Just found out that the cracking paint on the nose of the car (the reason it went to the body shop) is only in the color layer and not the primer. Looks like the painter used waaayyy too much paint on the nose area. After 12 years it finally decided to start cracking. Wasn't that way when I bought the car 1.5 years ago. Also appears to only be confined to the nose area. Easier repair then if the cracks were in the primer.

Thanks as always Rich.

Tom

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Tom