Convertible top side glass weatherstrip steel retainer

[Pat H.]

I'm in the process of try to fix the mess on my 1959 convertible top, starting with one of the bows being installed backwards. I've peeled back the canvas from the header to access the pad screws in order to turn bow # 4 around, which was successfully done. I've discovered other issues as well and I am trying to work them out. I have not re-installed the canvas to the front header yet. Just to clarify my rear bow and the one above the window are reproductions from Coffman Corvette
Issue #1 The rear bow hit the welting above the window and starts to pull the fold out when raising the top. Clearance issue.
Issue #2 The vertical weatherstrip retainer continues to hit the hardtop receiver when lowering or raising. I think they are re-pop's and maybe the length is incorrect. What is the correct length?

I'm using an Restorer article that Tom Crockett wrote in the Fall of 86 Volume 13 Number 2 as my guide for correct bow spacing. Mine are at least a inch out everywhere from the header to bow #4.Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

[Richard M.]

Re: Convertible top side glass weatherstrip steel retainer

Issue #1 The rear bow hit the welting above the window and starts to pull the fold out when raising the top. Clearance issue.

Issue #2 The vertical weatherstrip retainer continues to hit the hardtop receiver when lowering or raising. I think they are re-pop's and maybe the length is incorrect. What is the correct length?

Pat, I recall your post some time ago about not being able to lower the newly installed soft top in the well, correct?

Which bow was installed backwards? You say #4. I call #4 the one(with tack strip) above the rear window. In this photo, not including the Header bow, is #1,2,3,4 and Rear.


For your Issue #1. Are you speaking about the "Hidem-Strip" that covers the horizontal seams of the top and rear vinyl sections? Those that are stapled to the #4 bow and then get bent over, like this.....


If so, then the left and right measurements of the center of the #4 bow to the bottom edge of the Rear bow was likely set wrong by the installer. The measurement I use is apx 15 3/4". I then install the 2 rear vertical interior straps(next to each side of the plastic window) based on that measurement. The rear bow to "center" of the #4 bow is about 16 1/2", a bit longer due to the curve of both bows.


I think this may be the reason it's hanging up on the hidem-strip. If this is so, I think your vinyl is not going to be able to be reused. If they folded over the two horizontal seams and stapled to the #4 bow then trimmed the excess, if you try to move the material at the #4 bow after removing the hidem-strip, there will be not enogh material to staple to and the old staples holes may be visible. I hope I'm wrong, but I think I'm not.

Issue #2. I usually cut a bit off of the ends, but it may be a sign that the side windows are too low and the rear frame arms were set too low to match.

Rich
ps If you'd rather talk live send me a email and we can swap phone numbers.

[Pat H.]

Re: Convertible top side glass weatherstrip steel retainer

Rich, Thanks for the info. I'm going to take pictures of what I have left to do tomorrow. The bow in question #4 is actually bow # 3 header bow to the incorrectly installed bow, the one above the bow with the hidden strip. I went by the description that Tom Crocket used in his diagram. I've work on this problem all day and have fixed issue #2, the metal on the vertical weatherstrip binding. It was an adjustment of the frame. I'm still at it, but progress has been made. Now that I see what you have indicated regarding the canvas. You may be correct that it might not be reusable. I'm not at that stage yet. Send me your phone # and I'll give you a call after the weekend when I finish my investigation. email is pat.heimrath@rogers.com. Thanks again for the info