Convertible Top Assembly – 1959 & 1960 Disassembly, Restoration, and Assembly (Part I)

When you attend a car show, you’ll notice a variety of restoration methods and hardware used on convertible top frames. Hardware inconsistency can cost valuable points during judging. A couple of years ago, a convertible lost a First Place award due to incorrect hardware.

Finding the correct hardware for a restoration was once a challenge, but not anymore. Shafer's Classic Reproductions now offers a complete 1959-60 Convertible Top Hardware Kit (PIN 40-156571-1) that includes everything needed to restore and install a top frame. Using this kit will save you time, money, and frustration while ensuring a professionally restored top frame.

In this article (Part I), we’ll guide you through the disassembly of the 1959-1960 convertible top frame. Part II, coming soon, will cover restoration and reassembly.

Parts List

• 40-156571-1: 1959-60 Convertible Top Hardware Kit
• 40-138478-1: 1959-60 Convertible Roof Rail Weatherstrip Set
• 40-142156-1: 1958-64 Convertible Top Tack Strip Repair Kit

Tools Needed

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Assorted wrenches
• Assorted Allen (hex) wrenches

Time Frame

• Disassembly and reassembly: ~6 hours
• Restoration: Varies depending on condition

Convertible Top Frame Components

The convertible top frame consists of 12 main parts:

1. Side Rails (Frame Rails): Six pieces (left and right assemblies with forward, middle, and rear sections).
2. Header Bow: Forward assembly at the windshield.
3. Forward Bow: Flat bow with tacking material and felt.
4. Center Bow: Smallest bow with an attached arm bolting to the inner quarter.
5. Rear Bow: Largest bow with a large tacking area.
6. Folding Assemblies: Two pieces (left and right), connecting to all three rails on each side.

Disassembly Steps

Preparation

• Disconnect the front of the top from the windshield and lower it.
• If the top is still on the car, you’ll need at least one helper to remove it without damage.

Frame Disassembly

1. Header Bow Removal (Image 2):

   • Remove the two hex-head bolts with integrated washers securing the header bow to the forward frame rail.

2. Folding Assembly Removal (Images 3-5):

   • Remove the folding assembly connected to the three side rails:
     • Forward Rail: Secured with three screws, washers, and nuts.
     • Middle Rail: Connected with a slotted bolt held by a set screw. Use a flat-blade screwdriver and wrench to remove.
     • Rear Rail: Secured with a slotted bolt, wave washer, bushing, locking washer, and nut.

3. Forward Bow Removal (Image 7):

   • Remove the forward bow from the folding assembly using a Phillips screwdriver.

4. Center and Rear Bow Removal (Images 8-9):

   • Detach the center bow from the rear rail using similar hardware as the folding assembly.
   • Remove the rear bow from the rear rail using the same method.

5. Left Side Frame Rail Disassembly (Images 10-13):

   • Disassemble the forward, center, and rear rails:
     • Use wrenches to remove jam nuts, bolts, and washers.
     • Remove any attached roof rail weatherstrip.

6. Right Side Frame Rail:

   • Repeat Steps 1-5 for the right side.

Header and Bow Disassembly

1. Remove Tacks and Material (Images 16-17):

   • Use diagonal cutters to remove tacks and canvas material from each bow.
   • Inspect and replace tacking material if necessary.

2. Header Bow Components (Images 18-23):

   • Remove brackets for the header seal with a Phillips screwdriver.
   • Detach latch assemblies, marking them as "right" or "left" for reassembly.

Helpful Tips

• Mark Components: Use an etching tool to label parts as "left" or "right."
• Bag and Tag Hardware: Organize old hardware to prevent confusion during reassembly.
• Sketch the Assembly: Create a rough diagram of the frame as a reference.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve completed the disassembly of the convertible top frame. Be sure to check out Part II in an upcoming article for restoration and reassembly steps.