C-1 Convertible Top woes

[Pat H.]

Need some help in try to get my top to function properly on my 59. First disaster is the installer installed bow # 3 backwarrds and was binding on bow#2 at the rear weatherstrip retainer when try to lower it. I've peeled the top back from the header to correct the installation of bow #3, and adjusted the frame to the point where the weatherstrip retainer doesn't bind, but I still have the issue with Bow #2 binding. I've been playing with the top adjustments, but no luck so far. Does anyone have a picture of of the adjustment points to use as a reference? I didn't have this problem before I had the new top installed and the trims shop won't come good for the poor workshop.

[Thomas H.]

Re: C-1 Convertible Top woes

Hi Pat,

Sorry to hear that you are having issues with a new top install AND that the installer will not stand behind his work. I'm in the middle of putting a top on my 58 and can tell you that the spacing between the bows is fairly critical for proper operation of the top. Below is a link to an article Rich Mozzetta did. In it is a photo of the spacing for the bows. See how yours compares. Sounds like you may have to make some adjustments to the bow spacing.

http://www.metroli.org/pdf/1956%20to%201962%20Reproduction%20Soft%20Top%20Rear%20Bow%20Modifications.pdf

Tom

PS the ST12 has a section on adjusting the rear brackets for window alignment and opening / closing.

[Pat H.]

Re: C-1 Convertible Top woes

Tom,
I did measure the bow spacing and they are out by quite a bit. Since I'll probably have to by new pad and tack strips, I thought I would try to make the measurements as per the Al Knoch diagram. It's better, but bow 2 is still binding. It doesn't seem to fall back enough for the adjustment arms to clear. I just finished repainting bow 2 from all the marks and I have new marks again. As for fit of the frame, its pretty good, so I'm wondering if the bow is out of whack. I tracked the curvature from one side and reversed the cardboard to the opposite side and it's way out. I don't think bending it will fix the issue as it is around the dip for the pad.
What is your spacing from bow 3 centreline to bow 2 centreline? I have mine set at 8 1/8" as per the diagram.

BTW Rich did a great job in his blog. I did converse with him earlier on in my attempt to fix this.

[Thomas H.]

Re: C-1 Convertible Top woes

I have mine set at 8 1/8" as per the diagram.

BTW Rich did a great job in his blog. I did converse with him earlier on in my attempt to fix this.

Pat,

I have mine at 8 1/8 also. Funny, I also made a template of one side of my #1 bow and compared to the other side which was out of whack. In fact, most of the bracketry on the drivers side was bent like someone walked all over it when it was off the car. I was able to bend my #1 back into shape with the press and vise.

If the brackets that bolt to the body are not adjusted properly, it could cause the frame to bind. Since it sounds like your are starting to take things apart, you may want to loosen the inner most bracket (the long arm) and see if that frees up the binding any. I used string to keep the bows spaced when the pads were off.

I probably had more time into getting the frame straightened and aligned then I did in the actual top install.

Rich has put together many detailed how to's that are invaluable. Takes a lot of time and dedication to publish the info he does. He and I have had several conversations and worked together on the C1 windshield gaskets getting the lengths correct. I always learn something from him.

Tom

[Pat H.]

Re: C-1 Convertible Top woes

Tom,
I was our in the garage yesterday and found another problem with the frame. The installer put the bow above the window on the inboard side instead of being on the outboard side like the rest of the bows. At least it now fits in the well. I get back to the binding problem of bow 3 on the weekend. Another member has the same binding issue with her 58, so hopefully we come up with a solution. As you mentioned, I think now it the frame adjustment that needs to be played with