Convertible top installation. 1958

[Ted K.]

I bought a complete new top set up including frame 8 years ago and am now installing it on a 1958. Having a major problem adjusting the top to get the side rails that are above the side windows to be straight, parallel with the window frames. They end up having a slight V shape. There must be a trick/system in installing a new top and frame. Any guidance would help.
Thanks

[Terry D.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Who did you buy it from? Are they still around? I had the same problem with a top on my 62 that was installed by someone who was suppose to know what they were doing! A regular top shop usually does not know how to put these on correctly. I had to take mine to Coffmans and they installed a new top correctly! Can you post a picture? Have you tried adjusting the frame at the mounts? The frame has to fit the car first, then the top is installed. Try contacting Ken Hansen at "Orindales" he is in Medina Tenn. I believe his e-mail is orindales@yahoo.com.

[Richard M.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Ted,

post#13 in this thread describes the adjustment you're looking for. It takes a while for the many photos to load. 2 pdf's were created from this thread and are easier to follow.

Send me a PM/email with your email address and I'll send you the pdf's. The files are too big to upload here.

Rich

edit.... Here is a picture included in the above for reference. The rear inner articulating arms of the frame are used to adjust the side window horizontal frames at their pivots. It is important to place a block(rag wrapped 2x4 on edge) between the windshield frame and soft top frame front header when doing the arm adjustment. When the block is removed after adjustment, extra force is applied from the 2 arms to the side window horizontal pivots to maintain straightness and prevent the "Vee" over the side windows.

[Ted K.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Wow, great information. I will give it a try again. Thank you.
As a side comment, I don't recall seeing a top and window frame fit as good as yours in the picture. Nice.

[Thomas H.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Wow, great information. I will give it a try again. Thank you.
As a side comment, I don't recall seeing a top and window frame fit as good as yours in the picture. Nice.

It took me some time (many hours of head scratching and colorful language....) to get the frame for my 58 to align correctly. But the effort was worth it. Follow Rich's advise - good stuff.

Tom

[Terry D.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Richard
Correct me if I'm wrong but if the top material is to short front to back this straight adjustment will never be achieved?

[Richard M.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Terry, Tough question. It depends on many factors.

If the vinyl/fabric is already installed and if it's cut quite short at the header, the articulating arm adjustment could be fruitless. However, once the horizontal side frames are close to being flat, it shouldn't take much more adjustment to get them flatter. The front to back would only need to stretch a small amount at this point. Having the vinyl warm outside in the sun would help.

If the header vinyl is extremely short, you cannot simply remove all the staples and move it back, as now all the previous staple holes would be exposed as the material needs to go rearward. One could probably get away with about 1/4" or so without seeing staple holes, as the header weatherstrip could cover the holes.

If a top is already installed and the frame wasn't adjusted properly beforehand, then many times the only way to correct it is to start over, new top and all, unfortunately like what happened to you.

All frame adjustments should be done before the pads and fabric are installed. I'm not sure if Ted's fabric is already on. He said "complete" so I'd imagine it is. This can make it more difficult to adjust. Especially tricky is to get the 2 inner pads to lay flat when sitting inside looking up.

I once was asked to look at a pre-installed soft top with frame on a 62. I think he got it pre-assembled from Coffman's. He installed it on the car but wasn't fitting right and he couldn't store it in the well and the header was hitting the decklid pin. He was also having the exact trouble with the side window frame Vee. This was a vinyl top. I was able to correct it. I started from scratch by loosening all 4 frame mount brackets. After I got the outer brackets set properly to align the side window verticals, I then was able to get the Vee over the side windows set using the inner arm adjustments as outlined above. Then for a final test I was able to store it in the well, but the header was still too close to the decklid pin. I had to readjust the inner arms again to get it to fit properly. There were a few wrinkles left over but I was able to steam them out since it was vinyl.

It's not a exact science of adjustment, as every frame is slightly different and every car is slightly different. Also once the fabric or vinyl is on a frame, this adds yet another factor that can make adjustments harder. I always recommend installing and adjusting the frame properly before any attempts of fabric/vinyl installation. Many have had good results using a Coffman's complete setup. I'm sure he always adjusts the frame to his mockup car before the top is installed. As long as the customers car has no hidden issues to prevent a proper and adjustable installation, this approach appears to be working.

Rich

[Terry D.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Thanks Richard, I recommended Orindales because they are both in Tenn. I had forgot about your article. One thing for sure this top design was not the Generals most shining moment. Were you ever able to get all your articles back in one place to view like before?

[Richard M.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Thanks Richard, I recommended Orindales because they are both in Tenn. I had forgot about your article. One thing for sure this top design was not the Generals most shining moment. Were you ever able to get all your articles back in one place to view like before?

Terry, Yes many don't know about it. Unfortunately we have a 3.86MB upload pdf file limitation. The pdf's are about 7MB and 5MB each. I wish I could just put them in my Sticky thread but cannot due to their size.

Unfortunately I don't have a website to store them anymore. Comcast removed all users free website service several years ago.

Rich

[Thomas H.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Terry, Yes many don't know about it. Unfortunately we have a 3.86MB upload pdf file limitation. The pdf's are about 7MB and 5MB each. I wish I could just put them in my Sticky thread but cannot due to their size.

Unfortunately I don't have a website to store them anymore. Comcast removed all users free website service several years ago.

Rich

Hi Rich,

I have Adobe Acrobat Pro which allows me to save a pdf as a "reduced size" pdf. Files can sometimes be reduced by 50% or more. If you want to email me one I'll try it.

Tom

[Richard M.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Hi Rich,

I have Adobe Acrobat Pro which allows me to save a pdf as a "reduced size" pdf. Files can sometimes be reduced by 50% or more. If you want to email me one I'll try it.

Tom

Hi Tom, Thanks for the offer, but checking limits again I was in error. Our limit is only 2.86MB not 3.86.

I recall Dave Z and I were trying to get it within limits as I think he has the same sw you do, and they were still too big.

Rich

[David Z.]

Re: Convertible top installation. 1958

Rich
I have split the files into Part 1 A&B and Part 2 A&B. I will try to upload them to see if they make it.
Dave Z