Broken Convert Top Frame-Repair?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 2
From: Tyler Texas
Broken Convert Top Frame-Repair?
Today when raising my 1973 convertible top, the # 3 metal bow on the convertible top frame broke completely in half. 
It broke directly behind the driver--approx 3 " above the pivot point. I will attempt to take some photos after Christmas.
Think this may have occurred due to top being down for a substantial period of time, and the bow linkage did not pivot correctly when top being raised--linkage probably needed to be lubricated. Did not hear or feel anything binding when raising the top.
Question: Anyone ever attempted to repair a C3 broken vert top bow--instead of purchasng an entirely new vert top frame and linkage assembly?
It broke directly behind the driver--approx 3 " above the pivot point. I will attempt to take some photos after Christmas.Think this may have occurred due to top being down for a substantial period of time, and the bow linkage did not pivot correctly when top being raised--linkage probably needed to be lubricated. Did not hear or feel anything binding when raising the top.
Question: Anyone ever attempted to repair a C3 broken vert top bow--instead of purchasng an entirely new vert top frame and linkage assembly?
Last edited by Patrick73; Dec 25, 2007 at 08:37 AM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Patrick73,
You should be able to remove the bow from the soft top frame and weld the broken section back together.
If you are not able to find a local shop to weld this for you, call sales 812-288-7103 and tell them what you need. We can weld it back for you and replace the bad section if needed!
Willcox Inc.
You should be able to remove the bow from the soft top frame and weld the broken section back together.
If you are not able to find a local shop to weld this for you, call sales 812-288-7103 and tell them what you need. We can weld it back for you and replace the bad section if needed!
Willcox Inc.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 2
From: Tyler Texas
Thank you very much for the offer of assistance! 
I do not see how to remove the # 3 bow from the soft top frame. It appears to be riveted to the main frame at both ends. Maybe I am wrong. The other metal bows do appear to be removable and have screws holding them to the main frame.
Photos attached. I have the two broken ends touching each other.
I do not see how to remove the # 3 bow from the soft top frame. It appears to be riveted to the main frame at both ends.
Maybe I am wrong. The other metal bows do appear to be removable and have screws holding them to the main frame.Photos attached. I have the two broken ends touching each other.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
You have to cut the rivet and it's not a easy job.
I'll have to look to see if there is a repair kit for this rivet. Some hears have rivet kits to re-install the bow after repair, but I'll have to see if 68-75 is available.
Willcox
I'll have to look to see if there is a repair kit for this rivet. Some hears have rivet kits to re-install the bow after repair, but I'll have to see if 68-75 is available.
Willcox
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
There are two fellows in my town who can repair that and I am in a small town. I think you should be able to get that fixed locally if you can take the top to the repair facility. Shop around and make some calls.....
My frame was rusted and bent and my local guy fabricated some new pieces and straightened the bends for $100 including a quick spraypaint job.
My frame was rusted and bent and my local guy fabricated some new pieces and straightened the bends for $100 including a quick spraypaint job.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 2
From: Tyler Texas
Dan,
Good advice. Next week I will check with two local trim shops in town for their input.
Wilcox,
Thanks again for your offer, suggestions and advice. I am going to look at my AIM to see how difficult it is to remove the entire convert top frame and linkage from the car.
I still can not believe this happened. This was not on my C3 list of anticipated problems! Typical!
Good advice. Next week I will check with two local trim shops in town for their input.
Wilcox,
Thanks again for your offer, suggestions and advice. I am going to look at my AIM to see how difficult it is to remove the entire convert top frame and linkage from the car.
I still can not believe this happened. This was not on my C3 list of anticipated problems! Typical!
