View Full Version : convertible top frame installation and parts


Convertibird
Aug 21st, 03, 08:06 AM
Hi everyone,
I recently brought home a 67 convertible firebird (I know it's not a Camaro but I hope this post is still ok)project that needs some finishing. The thing is is that this is my first conv. and I need some help on installing the conv. frame to the body. Does anyone have some pics of a restoration or some good tips for me? Also can some one list all the parts that go along with the top, so that I can be sure I have everything I need (I know I need the top, I'm more worried about the hardware and metal peices, rain gutter etc.., besides the frame) Thanks for any help that you can give. I wanted to post in conv. section but for some reason It wont let any new posts to start. Thanks Nick

Vintage 68
Aug 21st, 03, 08:51 AM
Hi Nick;

Welcome to Team Camaro - we don't kick the 'Bird guys around to much here :D

The Camaro and Firebird share alot in common. The convertible parts and "under-thingys" are real close if not the same in many cases.
I would recommend, if you haven't had much experience with convertible tops, frames and the like, that you find a good local guy who does know them and inlist his help in getting the frame installed and working correctly. The frame can be a real pain in the a$$ if it gets out of adjustment or is installed wrong.
Installing the covering is definately something you could try to tackle on you own as a project. You would need a helper at parts and all the information you can get from sources like past posts on this subject, and whomever you buy you top from.
I would recommend you contact www.convertibleparts.com (http://www.convertibleparts.com) for parts you need and they may be able to provide references for a good top shop in your area. I have dealt with them for many years and they have always given me great advise as well as straightened out some real messy tops I taken to them.
There are lots of good Ragtop guys on this site and hopefully they will all chime in with their recommendations also!

Use the seach function at the top of the page and look for Convertible top and/or frame under the Body Shop, Convertible and Camaro Tech forums. The past posts can tend to be found in lots of places, but I think Al & DjD were trying to get them all in the new Convertible forum.

Hope some of this helps!

angelglo
Aug 21st, 03, 09:46 AM
convertbird,

here is a link that will help you out.

http://www.supercar.com/installconvertibletop.asp

as vintage said, look for a look for a local guy to help you out. i went to an upholstry place near me and they were very helpful in answering questions. they also supplied me with tack strips and sewed together the front windshield to header thingy and put some whatchamacallit inbetween prior to sewing. anyay good luck.

angel

Convertibird
Aug 21st, 03, 10:11 AM
Thanks for the help guys graemlins/thumbsup.gif I'm glad to hear that us bird guy's are welcome. It's ok if you kick a little :D There is a good guy in my area from what I hear. I'll have to check him out. Any other input would be great. Thanks again. I may even have to pony up the funds and help support you Camaro Guy's, not that it wont benifit me also graemlins/beers.gif Nick

BPOS
Aug 23rd, 03, 09:45 AM
If you have a manual top, I can take a few picures of what I can get at, if that will help. If it's a power top, I think they are subsatantially different, and I doubt I could be of much help. (as far as attaching the top frame to the body)

Convertibird
Aug 24th, 03, 07:25 AM
BPOS,
Yes please do so, My top is manual and this would be a great help if you could do this. I'm going on vaction today and wont be back for a week. Maybe you could e-mail me them. Thanks a lot, Nick graemlins/thumbsup.gif
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