I am disasembling my 68 vert for restore. I am at the point to remove the top frame. How the heck do I get it out of there? Its a manual top, I have the frame that attachs to the body un bolted on both sides but it will not pull out of the pocket.

I pulled my power top yesterday.
First pull the back seat and rear side panels
The power top attaches in three places on each side, assume the manual will be similar. Maybe 2 places since you do not have hydro rams.
I found it easiest to put the top halfway up, so the fram sticks up in the air. You will need a helper steady the first side as you pull the bolts on the second.

Very important - mark the places any adjusting bolts are set or take pictures. This will aid in reinstallation.

GOOD LUCK!!
-Rob

Did you have any trouble getting the top off in one piece? I cant get the spring mechanisim out of the pocket.

For the power top, I first unhooked the top from they hydro rams.

The hydro rams are attached via a knuckle bolted to the pockets with 3 (or 4) bolts on each side. I would think you would need to pull the knuckle out to get at the spring - but that is a guess.

Thanks, Im stumpped. I guess I will try spreading the pocket apart with a prybar and maybe with some help I can walk it out.

Mark, you have to separate the ram from top and hinge bolt from the bracket to lift off top (2 chrome bolts). The bracket can stay in the body (3 hood hinge type bolts). You have to take the eccentric off too. Dont pry the opening, you will mess the alignment up.

As Dynawolf wrote...really be aware of how you [I]dismantle the frame if you are going to sand blast and paint. Take lots of pics (close up ones), and if there any any shims note from which knuckle they came. I spent hours fitting mine back together as there was an interval of four years before I got back to it, and the pics I took were taken too far away to help me out.

capt68

That makes more sense, they must have installed the bracket before spot welding the pocket. Thats what I will do, thanks for the help!

That makes more sense, they must have installed the bracket before spot welding the pocket. Thats what I will do, thanks for the help!

Mark, the bracket was installed after welding. GM just installed the bracket (with Ram or spring) from underneath, then installed the folding top from the top.

I wouldn't pull the top frame unless you have to,I changed everything on mine rockers,floor,wheel tubs,Qp's and trunk with the top in place.

Mark, the best money spent is a fisher body assembly manual. It has pictures and a detailed explanation of the top removal. I used it for my 68 and when I got stuck, I read and the answers were there. It's a great book for all top stuff, doors, windows, moldings, etc..

I am replacing quarters, inner and outer fenders, full trunk pan and tail pan on my 67. I took one look at that and said it can stay. It's full of sand from the blasting but should clean up nicely.