Convertible Top Frame

[Tom L.]

I'm evaluating the best way to clean up and refinish the convertible top frame. Does anyone know whether the frames were assembled before painting? In other words, should the bushing and rivets be free of paint?
I was also considering taking the frame apart to re-finish and replace the bushings. Has anyone had any success in installing new rivets that are correct in appearance? Thanks.

[Eugene B.]

Re: Convertible Top Frame

Tom,
I don't know about the C3's but the C2 top frame was definately painted after assembly.

When I restored the hardtop frame for my '65 I did not disassemble it. I think that taking it apart and having to re-rivet it is a bad idea. Likewise, having the frame sand blasted is a bad idea.

I bolted the frame to a 2x4 spreader that I secureed to a saw horse to work on. I used several sizes and styles of wire brushes in a 1/4" die gringer to remove the old paint and rust.

It may take you several hours to do, but when you're finished it will look very nice.

Good luck on your restoration.

Regards,
Gene

[Tom L.]

Re: Convertible Top Frame

Thanks Gene. I would certainly prefer to do it the way you did yours rather than re-riveting, but that wouldn't work if I have to keep the paint off of the rivets and bushings.
There is paint on the busings and rivets now, which is encouraging. It looks original, but who knows.

Tom

[Mike E.]

Re: Convertible Top Frame

Tom--my 30k mile LT-1 convertible (71) certainly had rivets, etc. painted as part of the assembly. Never touched, never apart, and painted as an assembly.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Convertible Top Frame

Here's how I painted my 67 top frame:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?p=229703&uid=4899

Used a 2X4 spreader like Gene, and then hung it from the ceiling of the garage with my hardtop lift. That way I could just spin it around to spray paint it.

Also wirebrushing to a smooth finish is best for prep. Sandblasting will ruin the rolled steel finish.

[Tom L.]

Thanks guys

I'm glad I don't have to mess with those rivets.