C2 convertible top frame

[Ridge K.]

Bill T. has a very good thread going concerning the soft tops supplied by one of the vendors. Reading the informative posts in his thread, the discussion of bending the side frames came up. I didn't want to hi-jack his thread.
I have a very, very tight convertible top frame (1967), that had sat in barn storage for about 27 years. No visible rust, just extremely "tight" to move in the up, and down motion.
What is the best method to use for freeing up, and lubricating the joints?
Thanks in advance.
Ridge.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 convertible top frame

Bill T. has a very good thread going concerning the soft tops supplied by one of the vendors. Reading the informative posts in his thread, the discussion of bending the side frames came up. I didn't want to hi-jack his thread.
I have a very, very tight convertible top frame (1967), that had sat in barn storage for about 27 years. No visible rust, just extremely "tight" to move in the up, and down motion.
What is the best method to use for freeing up, and lubricating the joints?
Thanks in advance.
Ridge.

Ridge----


Have you tried simply applying something like WD-40 or a penetrating solvent like GM heat valve lubricant at the pivot points? I would think that would solve the problem.

[Ridge K.]

Re: C2 convertible top frame

Ridge----


Have you tried simply applying something like WD-40 or a penetrating solvent like GM heat valve lubricant at the pivot points? I would think that would solve the problem.

Joe, I wanted to get a few thoughts in before attempting anything. I do have the WD-40 handy, so will go with that. I just wondered if anyone had found a better product for the joints, but it looks like ole WD-40 is the best way to go.
Thanks as always, for your help. Ridge.

[Rich P.]

Re: C2 convertible top frame

Ridge,

what I have done in the past ids to use w-d 40 to start or a good penetrating rust buster. Then work it back and forth and continue to add the penetrant. Then a good spray lube ( I usually use one of those "miracle" lubes from the auto parts store) and work it back and forth again till it works how you want it to.
Now if you have not painted it before you do this you will then have to clean all the excess lube of by spraying thinner on it and letting it drip off. Otherwise you will wind up with fish eyes.
Then once it is painted and all pretty you can re-lube the joints.

Rich

[Ridge K.]

Re: C2 convertible top frame

Ridge,

what I have done in the past ids to use w-d 40 to start or a good penetrating rust buster. Then work it back and forth and continue to add the penetrant. Then a good spray lube ( I usually use one of those "miracle" lubes from the auto parts store) and work it back and forth again till it works how you want it to.
Now if you have not painted it before you do this you will then have to clean all the excess lube of by spraying thinner on it and letting it drip off. Otherwise you will wind up with fish eyes.
Then once it is painted and all pretty you can re-lube the joints.

Rich

Thanks Rich! Sounds like a great plan. It's sitting with original paint, and an old somewhat rotted soft top, that I think is original equipment.

And, let me say once again,.....it's great to see a professional restorer on the TDB, such as yourself, who is helping those of us who are "do-it-yourselfers". I've seen a few pro restorers ask a lot of technical "spec" questions on here, while offering very few helpful working tips. I think you may turn that pattern around, as you have certainly been a sterling example of offering helpful tips, time and time again, in the short time you've been a member.
The TDB is blessed to have other world-class "component" restorers who are extremely helpful, but I've noticed that very few "total automobile" restorers come forward.
Is this a great club, or what...?
Once again, thank you. Ridge

[Wayne K.]

Re: C2 convertible top frame

Ridge,

I have found this product to be very good.

Wurth HHS 2000 Lubricant - 16.9 fl.oz
GROUND SHIPPING ONLY
Lubricant, resistant to high pressures and with high adhesive strength. Penetrates into tightest areas easily. Sets into a high temperature grease. Ideal for hinges, latches. Optimim penetration into the treated parts. Immediate evaporation of the solvent, resulting directly in a high adhesive force between lubricant and metal.

[Ridge K.]

Re: C2 convertible top frame

Ridge,

I have found this product to be very good.

Wurth HHS 2000 Lubricant - 16.9 fl.oz
GROUND SHIPPING ONLY
Lubricant, resistant to high pressures and with high adhesive strength. Penetrates into tightest areas easily. Sets into a high temperature grease. Ideal for hinges, latches. Optimim penetration into the treated parts. Immediate evaporation of the solvent, resulting directly in a high adhesive force between lubricant and metal.

Wayne, thank you for another excellent tip.
It's funny how many of us will go to the end of the earth, to try and accomplish the best job in keeping these old Corvettes going.
Thanks for that great tip.
I've learned more in the past three years about Corvettes, than in my previous 40+ years of loving them.
Ridge