59 Soft Top Frame Questions

[John F.]

Hi Guys- was the soft top frame assembled then painted? or were the parts painted individually then assembled? I'm trying determine if the nuts and pivot bolts are painted or cad plated?

Also, I'm missing a bow for some reason. I have the front and the rear but missing one of the 4 in the middle. does anyone have a picture or description of each bow they can share? The frame is not on the car so it's difficult to tell.

Lastly, what is the degree of difficulty of installing the soft top on the frame? A couple of my buddies have recommended I leave it to the professionals but I'm thinking I can tackle it. I did the seats, dash pad and carpet. thoughts?

jf

[Donald H.]

Re: 59 Soft Top Frame Questions

I did the dash pad and carpets on my 60. Found both of those to be not very difficult or complicated. However, when I took the covers off my seats for replacement, I realized very quickly that with all the hog rings and other attachments to get the seat cushion and cover correct, I decided to send it to Al Knoch. I know a number of folks tackle the top, but I personally would rather pay than do it by myself for the first time. I would enjoy doing it if I had help from someone who know what they were doing.

If you don't get an answer on the bows, I can take some photos of my 1960. I have the top frame mounted in the car, but no soft top installed yet.

Don

[John F.]

Re: 59 Soft Top Frame Questions

Don- Thanks for the info and pictures.

Does anyone have an install DVD I can buy or borrow? If anyone has an original soft top frame, i'd be interested to know if the frame bolts and nuts were painted.

[Edward L.]

Re: 59 Soft Top Frame Questions

John:

The frame was assembled, then painted.

Ed

[John F.]

Re: 59 Soft Top Frame Questions

Was the aluminum front header bar also supposed to be painted black? Mine is raw aluminum. What about the end caps for the front header bar? Were they also painted black? Thanks.