My '57 non convertible.....convertible top!!!!!

[Ron B.]

Hi all,
Perhaps someone can help with my dilemma. Over the summer I put an Al Knoch convertible top on my '57. For an amateur, first time installation, it came out fairly well. Using a set of shed stored bows and frame acquired in a trade, I blasted , painted and fit the bows to my car. No problem. By all indications, they were correct for a '57. There was no problem fitting the bare frame into the well. After the top was installed, there is no way it will collapse into the well. Not even close. The frame and bows were of unknown origin. Any suggestions as to how to make it work? Thanks in advance for any help, Ron.

[Richard M.]

Re: My '57 non convertible.....convertible top!!!!!

Ron, Please post some photos of where it hangs up going in the well. Also the clearance of the header to the decklid lock pin, and the sides of the 2 brackets behind the seats on each side. You must pull the seat bottoms/backs for those photos.

What would also help is measurements from the header bow(front edge) to the center of the #2, #3, and #4 bows, and from the #4 bow center to the lower edge of the rear(decklid) bow.

Now that the vinyl is installed, it may be tricky, but based on where it hangs up you may be able to adjust, hopefully with removing too many staples, but I need to see it. Generally, once the rag is installed, it is too late to get this type of problem fixed.

For the record, next time you do a top, get the frame bows setup using strings, etc and test fit the bare frame into the well before the rag goes on. It will save this type of surprise. If it helps,........you are not alone. Many first timers have this dilemma happen after completion.

Rich

[Ron B.]

Re: My '57 non convertible.....convertible top!!!!!

Rich, thanks for your quick response. I will try to get pictures of the top and measurements that you asked for. I don't remember how to post pictures but I'll work on it.
Question, is there much difference between 56-7 frame and 58-60?
Thanks again.

[Richard M.]

Re: My '57 non convertible.....convertible top!!!!!

Ron,

I've sent a email through the Private Message/Email system with my email address. You can email me the photos and I can post for you if you'd like for now. Or go ahead and post here if you're comfortable. Once you do one you'll get it.

The 56-57 frame and 58-60 frame is identical except for some subtle differences in the forward horizontal brackets above the sideglass, only relative to how the fore/aft adjustments of the brackets. This difference will not have an effect on folding the frame into the well. Configuration of the header weatherstrip is different between the two versions but again no difference in folding it.

Rich