Soft top installation part

[Larry T.]

There is an upside down "J" shaped plate that the bolt circled (and the bottom bolt not shown) in the photo below (p. F93 in the AIM) attaches to. It can not be seen in the picture. I can not find it anywhere else in the AIM either. The top hole on both sides of mine are stripped and have a nut on the backside. I have been assuming that is not correct. Where can I find this part in the AIM? Where can I buy a set of these to replace mine? Would I be better off trying to have mine repaired? If so would I be better off with a helicoil or closing the hole and re-tapping? Thanks for the help.

Larry

[Alan D.]

Re: Soft top installation part

Had same problem, removed original and made one up.
Think this is it shown

[Larry T.]

Re: Soft top installation part

Yes, that is the part.

[John H.]

Re: Soft top installation part

Where can I find this part in the AIM? Larry

Larry -

That nut plate was part of the birdcage lock pillar subassembly - UPC 1Bolt/Weld, sheet A3, item #11 in the Assembly Manual; the production part was #3824879.

[Larry T.]

Re: Soft top installation part

Larry -

That nut plate was part of the birdcage lock pillar subassembly - UPC 1Bolt/Weld, sheet A3, item #11 in the Assembly Manual; the production part was #3824879.

Thanks, John. Neither of my copies has a page A3 under UPC 1Bolt/Weld. I guess that is why I did not see it. If anyone can provide and electronic version of that page (and A4 since that is missing as well) I would appreciate it.

Are there any sources for replacements?

[Edward J.]

Re: Soft top installation part

Larry, I has a couple of seat track bolts with welded nuts that were stripped and I heil coiled them with good results. Heil coils are great for older cars and I use them often in my automotive business.

[John H.]

Re: Soft top installation part

Thanks, John. Neither of my copies has a page A3 under UPC 1Bolt/Weld.

Larry -

My '66 AIM doesn't have those sheets either, but my '67 AIM does, and the parts were the same from '63-'67; scan below shows the nut plate, and its retainer welded to the lock pillar.

You might try Gary Crump at Caledonia Classics, (888) 245-5224; he manufactures the birdcage lock pillar panel, but I don't know offhand if he also makes the nut plate.

If it isn't reproduced, you'll need to get them from a donor car (try Paragon Vintage) or fabricate it.

[Larry T.]

Used Parts - Where to buy?

You might try Gary Crump at Caledonia Classics, (888) 245-5224;
If it isn't reproduced, you'll need to get them from a donor car (try Paragon Vintage) or fabricate it.

Thanks John. Gary was helpful, but he said he will not be making any more for a couple of years. He does them in batches and his supply is for the pillars he has on hand evidently. I struck out with Paragon as well for reproduction or used.

Who else would have donor cars that I might try to call?

Thanks,

Larry