I have been picking up c3 convertible top frame parts off of ebay and now have about a frame and a third. Header rust damage is always pretty much expected on these things, and tack bows are kind of easy to break too. On the tack bow, I know to be careful, and I can probably get a local body shop to repair the rust damage under the header tack strip. My big problem is the top irons (the folding pieces on the side to which the bows and header are attached). My assembled frame appears to have been in a wreck where the car was apparently hit in the side. The measurement between the mounting points on the irons is spot on equal to the distance between the mounts in my 71 roadster with top installed. However, the angle of both rear rails (w/s mount rail behind the door glass) appears to be off . Drivers side appears to be pushed in too far about 1/2" to 3/4" at the bottom of the rail, and pass. side pushed out about the same amount. When the top is unfolded or up, the rails all line up with the next raill fairly straight which I think would be good for window and w/s alignment. I have a second set of top irons (the third of a top I mentioned above). the second set fold and unfold pretty nicely, but there is not good alignment wher the back rail meets the middle rail. I have not attached the bows and header to these irons yet to check overall alignment of the assembly, but all but the tack bow are boltons, so i could do a swap out to check.

Should I try to straighten out the top irons or swap to the other set? If straightening the irons is the answer, can I do it by bolting the top in my car assembled and pushing/pulling into shape with a jack and or comealong. The alternative (I think) would be to fully dissasemble the bent irons (lots of rivets), use the good top in my car as a base to build jigs to straighten each piece, and then reassemble.

Either way, will probably need some additional small parts to complete restoration. Rivets, washers, header attachment screws, cable attaching screws, etc. Anyone have a good source for these?

All help appreciated
Orville

 

I think Paragon Reproductions has the repair rivets, bushings, etc. They will rent you the tool to set the rivets as well.

Sorry, I can't answer the best way to fix the frame. I never had mine apart. The techs at Paragon might be able to tell you the best way to repair it.

 

My vert top frame was in pretty bad shape. I had a new front header installed. The sides behind the door glass where also bent. The trim shop that installed my top and weatherstripping was able to bend it back. I don't know the process he used although I thought he said he had to heat it up. You may want to consult with a body or trim shop.

 

Thanks for the answers. I'll check with Paragon about parts and repairs.

Orville