Question on factory assembly of covertible top

[Jack P.]

Hi, and Happy Holidays to all,

I have just finished with the restoration of my convertible top frame and the installation of a new top. To do a good job on the installation, the frame must be attached to the car.

My question is ......... Did they put the top on the frame on the assembly line? or did they use a jig for the frame, install the top and then put on car at some point during final assembly.

Did the GM plant do the installation, or was the supplier of tops , putting the top on the frame at one place (with jig) (different assembly line just for tops ) and sent to plant ready to install as one piece on car?

Thanks

Jack

[Jim T.]

Re: Question on factory assembly of covertible top

Do not have an answer to your question. You did a great looking job on your convertible top installation and frame restoration.

[John H.]

Re: Question on factory assembly of covertible top

My question is ......... Did they put the top on the frame on the assembly line? or did they use a jig for the frame, install the top and then put on car at some point during final assembly.

Did the GM plant do the installation, or was the supplier of tops , putting the top on the frame at one place (with jig) (different assembly line just for tops ) and sent to plant ready to install as one piece on car?

Jack -

The complete top assembly (frame & skin, less the front header and seals) was built up by an outside supplier on a buck simulating the Corvette body. St. Louis added the front header and seals, stapled the pads at the header, and glued and finished the front of the top skin and windlace to the header. The details of the process are in the "F" section in UPC 1 of the Assembly Manual.