1954 convertible frame bolt ID and black piece?

[Steve M.]

Trying to identify correct bolt dimensions and related hardware for the attachment of convertible frame to the body. There also appears to be a black plastic or some type of piece sandwiched between the bracket as seen in the photo.

So trying to source the hardware and figure out what that elusive sandwich piece is....

[Eric F.]

Re: 1954 convertible frame bolt ID and black piece?

Steve,
I'm not sure what the plastic piece is but I know for certain it isnt a factory piece. The surface where the soft top frame mounting plate meets abuts the mounting plate in the car is serrated to prevent the top frame from sliding around. The plastic piece would interfere and prevent the serrated portion of the mounting plate on the frame from contacting the mounting plate in the car.

I don't recall the exact bolt size but I think they are 3/8" x 1 1/2"; the ones in your photo look correct. I've attached a couple photos of the last car I restored showing the mounting bolts in position. You can see the serrations on the edge of the tan mounting plate where it meets the white paint on the mounting flange.

[Steve M.]

Re: 1954 convertible frame bolt ID and black piece?

My confusion is that that photo I posted is of a 3,000 mile unrestored car (yager's late 54, #4273 I believe). Perhaps the top was replaced at one point?

[Steve M.]

Re: 1954 convertible frame bolt ID and black piece?

Roy Braatz (#182) had the answer over on corvette forum.... learn something new everyday....

[Eric F.]

Re: 1954 convertible frame bolt ID and black piece?

Interesting.... thanks for sharing that information. I've never seen the paper in place nor heard of it but it makes since that its in missing in most cars. Being made of paper and exposed to the elements of the "leaky old roadsters" they would degrade and possibly dissolve to the point of not being recognized. As for the bolts in the photo you posted I doubt they were replaced. It looks as if they and the sandpaper element stayed dry most, if not all, of their existence.

I'll be interested to hear if any other restorers have encountered the sandpaper material.

[John L.]

Re: 1954 convertible frame bolt ID and black piece?

Indeed I had this on my early January production 54 when I disassembled the top. Agreed it feels like the no-slip you would find on the edge of a stair step, was not rubber but more like roof felt consistency....

[Steve M.]

Re: 1954 convertible frame bolt ID and black piece?



I did a quick blast on one of my top brackets and lo and behold look what showed up under the paint...it will give me exact dimensions to replicate the piece. I think I did ask Troy Piles and he may make these? ??