1954 Convertible top question

[Randy G.]

My header bow has different bolts at each end of the header bow at the pivot point hinge area where the top frame over the door attaches to the header bow above the over-center latch at the A-post. One side has a shoulder bolt with a machined shank that runs through the side frame where it slips into the bow hinge and then it looks like 1/4-20 threads where it screws down in the header bow. The other side just has a regular bolt at the pivot. What kind of bolt is supposed to be there, and if it's a specialty piece where do you find a couple of them? I hope my attempt at a description makes sense.

The bolt screws in from the bottom. See the red arrow.

[Randy G.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Would it help to offer some chocolate chip cookies for the right answer?

[Richard M.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Randy, Personally, I like Oatmeal Raisin. I'll PM you my address.

Seriously though, a friend of mine up the road has a original '54 frame off of the car. I'll try to drop by on the way out later this morning and will take a few pics for you.

Rich

[Randy G.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

I thought I was the only oatmeal raisin cookie lover. I appreciate it. I'm hoping you can take the bolt out and get a picture of it.

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Randy - can you give me a better shot of what your looking at
The shouldered bolt ??

[Randy G.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Right now this is the best I can do. It's the bolt that screws up at the pivot (hinge) between the bow section of frame that goes over the windshield and the frame that goes over the door with the thumb screw in the middle.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Randy, Still trying to get info for you. Never got to my friend's house to check. Will try again when I can.

If it's a hex recessed head bolt, I'm wondering if similar to the later years. For now, until I get access to a real top frame, see if any of pages from my 1929 to 1959 P&A helps. I'm on the road again today but will try to get to a frame when possible.

Rich

[Chuck W.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Randy,

I have several '54s and a few extra top assemblies. The shoulder bolt is the correct fastener.

[Randy G.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Randy,

I have several '54s and a few extra top assemblies. The shoulder bolt is the correct fastener.

Hi Chuck.

The shoulder bolt I took out of the right side has a raised flat head and takes a standard screwdriver, it doesn't have a hex head. The other side has a hex head and I haven't removed it. A couple years ago I had the top restored by a guy who supposedly knew what he was doing that's how I got it back. I just happened to look up at the bolts a few days ago and spotted them.

Thanks Rich. The only shoulder bolts I have spotted at the industrial hardware stores here have an allen head.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

I was able to get photos of a 55 soft top. It was easier to get at it. The bolts on this one are not flanged so it's possible 55 is different from 54.

It has a very shallow head. I couldn't remove them but I believe they're 1/4" diameter threads. Below are all of the photos I took for future reference.

I'll ask my friend to take a look at his '54 frame when he can dig it out of storage.

Rich

[Randy G.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Thank you, Rich. Late '54 and '55 are the same. Mine is a late '54.

This is the bolt I'm looking for information on.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Randy,

I'm thinking the '55 top frame shown has been worked on and maybe those bolts were changed. It's for my friends Harvest Gold '55 which he bought in boxes. The top vinyl was likely changed as the rear window is zippered. Also, one side link mechanism was repaired at the joint to the header as it's been brazed, which can be seen in the photos I took.

Chuck said he has several frames and the bolts on his are shoulder bolts. I would agree with his experience. Chris is well versed on these cars too so I'd take his thoughts as bible. I'm a 53 to 55 rookie but always like to learn new things.

I may go to my friends again soon so we'll try to get to that '54 top that he has for anther sample.

I looked at my P&A catalog again and it does not specifically show that bolt as a serviceable part. If it did we could get details.

Rich

[Randy G.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Thanks Rich.

[Eric F.]

Re: 1954 Convertible top question

Randy,

Here's a couple of photos I took when I restored my 54 top and frame. The bolts you are referrring to were both shoulder bolts. One photo shows it partially unscrewed so you can see it better. I hope this helps you.

Sounds like you have one so it shouldn't be too dificult to have another one made if you can find one.

Eric