I bought a convertible top kit and it references the instructioins right out of the 1969 Fisher Body manual.

The instructions show how to make some sticks to hold the back header bow into position while installing the rear window & curtain but these are supposed to be installed before the old top is taken off.

Unfortunately, there is not any top fabric on this frame. How can I figure out what the distance between the middle and back header bow should be?

Thank you in advance!

This is a tough question but here goes. According to the instructions the dimension you ask for is: " 16-1/16 on B&C Styles 13-3/16 on F styles 18-1/2 on A styles and 16-5/8 on Z styles."

I have a 67 and mine is around 16", but I set mine before removing the top.

Thanks RickB1B!
As best as I can tell by looking at the pictures in the Fischer body book, I think that I have a manual Z type top because it has the springs. What is the best way to tell which top style that I have (A,B,C,F, or Z) to be sure?
Thanks!

You have an "F" body so that is the instructions you want to be referencing. The Z style is a corvair.

Thanks Marc!
You are right it is an F type.

I didn't have the luxury of having any reference marks but it seems pretty straight forward.

I got the back curtain on and the side cables installed and need to find out what sort of cement I need to glue down the flaps. Any info on this would be helpful!

Also, does anyone know if there is supposed to be some sort of a thick upolstered bead that fits on the outside of the top over the rear header bow?

The top kit that I got from Classic didn't have one but the previous top did and without one there are a few seams exposed where the top and the side curtains are attached.

Any ideas?

Yes there is supposed to be a bead of material which covers the rear seam. You staple it on and then it folds over to cover the staples.

Be sure when installing the top the seams are lined up on the rear bow so when you staple this on it covers the seam.

I used weather stip adhesive to glue the pieces which required it. 3M I believe.

Japper, you might want to check out the convertible archives at the bottom of the page. Here is a thread fro it, that you might find helpful.

http://www.camaros.net/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=000009

Kevin