resto tip-56-62 soft top bows
to disassemble the 56-62 soft top bow assemblies, don't even think about removing the shoulder bolts without removing the allen head set screws(two on each side). use an oxy-acetylene torch to get the female threaded barrels welded to the top's side rails cherry red, then use a idler arm/tie rod screw driver socket on a ratchet to break the shoulder bolts loose from their female threads.once i got the side rail pieces disconnected, i was able to glass bead them without removing the peened rivets. copious amounts of pressurized air/lacquer thinner to the rivet pivots loosens the glass-bead particles.kits are available to replace the shoulder bolts. Think i got my kit years ago from Sulley's Tops(they ad in driveline). figure on a couple 8 hour days to disassemble, glass bead and paint the soft top bow assembly.often times the side rail pieces right above the door window glass are bent out of shape due to lack of lubrication at the pivot points in years gone by. just reshape the side rail pieces to conform to the shape of the door glass window frame.have fun,mike