Convertible decklid question

[Chris E.]

When you open the convertible top decklid, just underneath the fixed part of the rear deck is a support bar. This bar runs side to side on the car between the towers for the springs that hold the decklid in the up position.

My question is about that bar.

What finish should it be?

Here is the bar in question.

[Joe R.]

Re: Convertible decklid question

Chris,

Did you mean to attach a picture?

Joe

[Tim E.]

Re: Convertible decklid question

Chris - Here are 2 photos of my '66 prior to restoration that I think will help you. The only paint is body color overspray. Tim

[Chris E.]

Re: Convertible decklid question

Tim, thanks. That looks like mine.

I was hit for a deduction at a chapter meet because of "corrosion" on that bar. That was how it was interpreted. I didn't fight it because it was only one point.

I left that bar as is from the factory, I haven't touched it. So I'm assuming it is still correct.

[Harry S.]

Re: Convertible decklid question

Chris, that bar is to drain water away that makes it through the weatherstrip. At each end of the bar, outside by the rear wheels there is a hole that allows water to drain from the bar and onto the ground. If those holes are plugged, water stays in the bar and will rust it out from the inside. There is a Restorer article I wrote several years back on removing the bar, fixing the rust and re-installation. I am on the road and can not recall the Restorer number.

When it does rust water will drain on the inside, rusting the hinge, spring and wetting the carpet.

[Alan D.]

Re: Convertible decklid question

Chris, posted a few pictures of the rear carpet area before, look at my second post it shows the bar of interest. Note the over spray of red primer and the black body color.

Think your under deck is a little too glossy. Also note the upper edging of the rear carpet is not finished, ie no edging (that could cost point)

These are from a Mar64 with original carpet in rear. Put ref at end since once it was pasted could not turn off bold.

Take a look at the title -
" 63 carpet; kick pads and wheel well

[Chris E.]

Re: Convertible decklid question

Chris, that bar is to drain water away that makes it through the weatherstrip. At each end of the bar, outside by the rear wheels there is a hole that allows water to drain from the bar and onto the ground. If those holes are plugged, water stays in the bar and will rust it out from the inside. There is a Restorer article I wrote several years back on removing the bar, fixing the rust and re-installation. I am on the road and can not recall the Restorer number.

When it does rust water will drain on the inside, rusting the hinge, spring and wetting the carpet.

Harry, my bar doesn't look rusted in the picture, does it? It just looks like it has red primer overspray. Maybe I'm ok on that point?

[Chris E.]

Re: Convertible decklid question

Chris, posted a few pictures of the rear carpet area before, look at my second post it shows the bar of interest. Note the over spray of red primer and the black body color.

Think your under deck is a little too glossy. Also note the upper edging of the rear carpet is not finished, ie no edging (that could cost point)

These are from a Mar64 with original carpet in rear. Put ref at end since once it was pasted could not turn off bold.

Take a look at the title -
" 63 carpet; kick pads and wheel well

On the gloss of the underside of the decklid, I'm going to fix that. On the carpet, we'll have to see if anyone catches that. No one has yet. If they do, it's only another point.