54 top frame question
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
54 top frame question
Anyone got a pic of one without the canvas? Mine seems to be missing a part or two. (1) 2nd bow up from the rear has a few holes on each side of the curved section with nothing there. Tack strip? (2) I have the two brackets that are on the bottom bow that secure to the holes in the hatch but there seems to be like a couple 1/4 X 20 bolts in there. Must be something else. Oh here's a couple pics, thanks
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe002.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe004.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe001.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe003.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe002.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe004.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe001.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe003.jpg
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,606
Likes: 210
From: Nevada City Ca.
2015 C1 of Year
Anyone got a pic of one without the canvas? Mine seems to be missing a part or two. (1) 2nd bow up from the rear has a few holes on each side of the curved section with nothing there. There for the padTack strip?No (2) I have the two brackets that are on the bottom bow that secure to the holes in the hatch but there seems to be like a couple 1/4 X 20 bolts in there.are screws holes to hold the brackets Must be something else. Oh here's a couple pics, thanks
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe002.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe004.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe001.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe003.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe002.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe004.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe001.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...opframe003.jpg
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 953
Likes: 27
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 1
From: Pendleton IN
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 1
From: Pendleton IN
Your top frame is complete. The bow behind your front header is fine. The holes are for 8/32 screws that hold your top pads in place. There will be a small finishing washer under each screw used so the head of the screw does not go through the material as it attaches to the bow.
The latch on the rear bow should not have a 1/4x20 screw sticking down through the decklid. Part of the latch is missing. The serrated hook is missing. It will be spring loaded.
Your top frame looks to be painted black over original tan colored paint??? To have a top for flipper moldings, as your car does, your car should be under vin 3050 or so. The outer body mounts are exposed from the interior. This was done around car vin 1200 or so.
The holes in your doors are round. If the car was very early at all, the holes for the latches access would be rectangular, cut by hand. The round holes in your doors were cut with a hole saw.
Also, check the hole in the seat divider. Is it round or rectangular?
Probably rectangular, if the top frame is original. Later tops have a bend for the lack of flipper moldings .
The latch on the rear bow should not have a 1/4x20 screw sticking down through the decklid. Part of the latch is missing. The serrated hook is missing. It will be spring loaded.
Your top frame looks to be painted black over original tan colored paint??? To have a top for flipper moldings, as your car does, your car should be under vin 3050 or so. The outer body mounts are exposed from the interior. This was done around car vin 1200 or so.
The holes in your doors are round. If the car was very early at all, the holes for the latches access would be rectangular, cut by hand. The round holes in your doors were cut with a hole saw.
Also, check the hole in the seat divider. Is it round or rectangular?
Probably rectangular, if the top frame is original. Later tops have a bend for the lack of flipper moldings .
Last edited by 53 Blue Flame Brett; Nov 19, 2008 at 11:46 PM.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
Serial is #4545 (3545) so it's a pretty late production. There are (2)chrome bolt type assemblys that fasten to the hatch with holes in the center which I assume some type of pin (not the 1/4X20's) comming off the rear bow would slide into. I can't seem to figure out how the spring latch would hold the rear bow down if it's attached to my already attached pictured bracket on the rear bow.
Are you talking about the hole in the seat divider where the hatch latches down?
Are you talking about the hole in the seat divider where the hatch latches down?
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 1
From: Pendleton IN
Wrong Top Frame
With your vin number past the 3000 mark, you need the later top frame without the flipper moldings that were used in 53-early54.
I have a late top frame that I would gladly trade you for your early top frame. I need an early top frame for one of my cars. You won't need the more expensive, incorrect, flipper moldings either.
Just let me know. I'll pay ALL shipping costs.
I have a late top frame that I would gladly trade you for your early top frame. I need an early top frame for one of my cars. You won't need the more expensive, incorrect, flipper moldings either.
Just let me know. I'll pay ALL shipping costs.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,606
Likes: 210
From: Nevada City Ca.
2015 C1 of Year
Serial is #4545 (3545) so it's a pretty late production. There are (2)chrome bolt type assemblys that fasten to the hatch with holes in the center which I assume some type of pin (not the 1/4X20's) comming off the rear bow would slide into. I can't seem to figure out how the spring latch would hold the rear bow down if it's attached to my already attached pictured bracket on the rear bow.
Are you talking about the hole in the seat divider where the hatch latches down?
Are you talking about the hole in the seat divider where the hatch latches down?
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
[QUOTE=Duntov 54;1567914350]Dave, Your rear bow latch is missing the serrated male part that inserts into the oval female part. I just happened to have these out on the bench to start putting my top together.
A-hah! I get it now. Amazing how a picture straightens out my tweeked brain at times. Thanks
A-hah! I get it now. Amazing how a picture straightens out my tweeked brain at times. Thanks
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
With your vin number past the 3000 mark, you need the later top frame without the flipper moldings that were used in 53-early54.
I have a late top frame that I would gladly trade you for your early top frame. I need an early top frame for one of my cars. You won't need the more expensive, incorrect, flipper moldings either.
Just let me know. I'll pay ALL shipping costs.
I have a late top frame that I would gladly trade you for your early top frame. I need an early top frame for one of my cars. You won't need the more expensive, incorrect, flipper moldings either.
Just let me know. I'll pay ALL shipping costs.
