Soft Top Lock Problem

[George C.]

I did post this same question on the Corvette Forum, I know it is pretty basic, but I really don't know how to solve this one.

One of the captured nuts on my top lock is MIA. I have removed all the trim and searched for the nut with no luck. I am sure it made it's way to the bottom of the bird cage somewhere.
Can someone tell me if this is a square nut, like most captured nuts? The big question is how do I get a new one in there and hold it in place?
Has anyone had this problem and can you share the solution?
Thank you,
George

[Russ S.]

Re: Soft Top Lock Problem

What year car?

[George C.]

Re: Soft Top Lock Problem

Russ,
Sorry, it's a 65. Guess I was in such a hurry looking for help, I forgot the basics.
Here is a photo, but all it shows is the hole with no captured nut behind it.

Thank you,
George

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff97/gkcooper/WindsheildHdr.jpg

[Russ S.]

Re: Soft Top Lock Problem

George, It uses a square nut. If the nut holder is in place yet inside the frame you should be able to get a new nut in place by useing a piece of wire. I bent the wire in a curve,ran the curved end into the larger neighboring hole and into the nut hole. I bent the other end of the wire in a fashion to hold the nut yet allow me to pull hard on the wire after the nut was in place which would then pull the wire thru the nut. If I remember correctly,I used something curved then thru the larger hole and put pressure on the nut holder in order to re-bend it around the nut till it held the nut in place.

[George C.]

Re: Soft Top Lock Problem

Russ,
Thanks very much for your help. This has been driving 'nuts' today. I will try some hardware stores for a square nut. There is no rust anywhere the tabs that hold the nut in place are there, evidently just got loose enough to let the nut fall out.
I have been living with one screw holding the top lock in place forever, and just decided today was the day to try to fix it.

Thanks again,
George

[George C.]

Re: Soft Top Lock Problem Resolved

Russ,
Thanks so much for your help. I got the square 1/4-20 nut from Lowes, used a wire coat hanger and successfully got the new nut in place. I was able to go through the large hole with a punch and hammer, and bend over the tab to hold the new nut in place. This is great, my top latched better than it has in years, now that it is time to put it down!!

A small project, after learning from your experience.

Thanks again,
George

[Russ S.]

Re: Soft Top Lock Problem

Great George. Glad to be of some help. RS