Author Topic: Convertible top to bow attachment question  (Read 1855 times)

Offline Oz390

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Convertible top to bow attachment question
« on: July 13, 2010, 09:37:12 PM »
I've been researching convertible tops for 65-68 for a while now. 

I have just run across a top the has no listing pockets on the underside, only two "flaps" running down the outside edge, that were screwed to the bows.  Claimed to be OEM, and I'm more familar with the 67 and 68's.

I had always thought (assumed) the tops used the listing "wires" flat bar with 4 screw holes that slots into the paocekts and is then screwed to bows 2 and 3, but this appears different.

Were 65-66's different to the 67-68's in this attachement detail?
8R03S : 76A I 2A 15M 72 5 U
8R01S : 65A B 2A 28M 72 7 5 - Factory GT
8R01C : 65A M 2A 01E 72 2 W - Cal Special
8F01X : 65A I 2A 2G 20E 24 1 U - EXP500 repli-bute

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Convertible top to bow attachment question
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2010, 10:24:40 PM »
Having a hard time visualizing what you're referring to.  65-66 had cables just like later years.
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
Concours Mustang Forum Admin

Offline Oz390

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Re: Convertible top to bow attachment question
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2010, 11:14:08 PM »
Referring to how the top fabric is attached to the frame at bows #2 and #3.

In 67-68 (well, at least 68 for sure) Bow #2 and #3 have a pocket that is attached to the top fabric.  A metal strip, about 1/4" wide x 3/32" thick x width of the top long is inserted into the pocket attached to the top fabric.  The fabric sits on top of the bow and 4 screws hold the top fabric, via the "listing" in the pocket, to the frame.  Reduces "ballooning" of the top while driving.

The referenced car had no fabric pockets across the top at bows 2 and 3, just a secondary fabric flap (think the edge of the top folded under itself along the length over the window) that was screwed to the bows at the outside edges.  Owner says it is factory.

Not referring to the side hold down cables that run the length of the side rails (which do differ in quite a few ways from early 65 to 68... stud vs. spring attachment at rear, screwed clip vs. ball on end of wire at front).

On the road and can't take any photos of my '68 to clarify.
« Last Edit: July 13, 2010, 11:17:28 PM by Oz390 »
8R03S : 76A I 2A 15M 72 5 U
8R01S : 65A B 2A 28M 72 7 5 - Factory GT
8R01C : 65A M 2A 01E 72 2 W - Cal Special
8F01X : 65A I 2A 2G 20E 24 1 U - EXP500 repli-bute

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Convertible top to bow attachment question
« Reply #3 on: July 14, 2010, 02:07:11 AM »
Ahh, ok, understand now.  Yes, 65-66 also have the metal strips.  Would look like a balloon car going down the road without them!
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
Concours Mustang Forum Admin

Offline Oz390

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Re: Convertible top to bow attachment question
« Reply #4 on: July 15, 2010, 12:56:31 PM »
So, to be sure, all OEM 65-66 tops had the listing pockets on the underside to reduce the balooning....
8R03S : 76A I 2A 15M 72 5 U
8R01S : 65A B 2A 28M 72 7 5 - Factory GT
8R01C : 65A M 2A 01E 72 2 W - Cal Special
8F01X : 65A I 2A 2G 20E 24 1 U - EXP500 repli-bute

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Convertible top to bow attachment question
« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2010, 04:59:02 PM »
So, to be sure, all OEM 65-66 tops had the listing pockets on the underside to reduce the balooning....

Absolutely!!
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
Concours Mustang Forum Admin

Offline Oz390

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Re: Convertible top to bow attachment question
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2010, 01:50:53 PM »
Thanks for the confirmation.
8R03S : 76A I 2A 15M 72 5 U
8R01S : 65A B 2A 28M 72 7 5 - Factory GT
8R01C : 65A M 2A 01E 72 2 W - Cal Special
8F01X : 65A I 2A 2G 20E 24 1 U - EXP500 repli-bute