Rusted front header bow - Rebuild or replace
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Rusted front header bow - Rebuild or replace
Started to replace my soft top today and ran into this problem with my front header bow.
My concern is the four holes and the fact I can not get to be back of it to weld.
Has anyone had luck with welding in some sheet metal and did it last or should I pay $300
for a new one?
Would appreciate your opinions.
Thanks Carl
My concern is the four holes and the fact I can not get to be back of it to weld.
Has anyone had luck with welding in some sheet metal and did it last or should I pay $300
for a new one?Would appreciate your opinions.
Thanks Carl
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
This is one of the reasons I have not started on mine. I am almost afraid of what I will find when I get into the top frame itself. So far the car has been in pretty good shape for the most part. Keep us posted on your progress with the top, as I am working on building up the nerve to tear into this.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Originally Posted by Eddie 70
This is one of the reasons I have not started on mine. I am almost afraid of what I will find when I get into the top frame itself.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Ah...ignorance is bliss. A few years ago I was ignorant enough to think I could replace the top myself.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Originally Posted by Eddie 70
I have been watching the Al Knoch top replacement video and it seems like a job I can handle.
That what I am using. Hopefully if I don't rush it it will turn out good.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Originally Posted by ckerch
It's pretty clear I need to replace the part. Where did you get a powdercoated one?
The place I purchased it from is no longer in business. Most of the vette catalogs sell them. I would check with them to see if they sell a powdercoated one.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
Where did you get your soft top frame "realigned"? I have a complete top that is bent toward one side, It has a repairable (I think) header. and I have a second set of the top irons (folding side pieces). I know I should be able to get a good top out of this stuff.
Orville
Orville
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Originally Posted by 71rdster
Where did you get your soft top frame "realigned"? I have a complete top that is bent toward one side, It has a repairable (I think) header. and I have a second set of the top irons (folding side pieces). I know I should be able to get a good top out of this stuff.
Orville
Orville
The shop in NC that did the install of the top aligned it for me. Did not even charge me extra for this service. If you can find a competent trim shop that does custom interiors, they should be able to make a good straight frame for you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Originally Posted by Frankenvette
The shop in NC that did the install of the top aligned it for me. Did not even charge me extra for this service. If you can find a competent trim shop that does custom interiors, they should be able to make a good straight frame for you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Originally Posted by ckerch
Do you know when I replace the front header bow , will I need to realign the frame?
You would only need to realign the frame if it has been bent or damaged in some way from the previous owner(s). Mine was really bent up. The header itself is attached in such a way that it can be adjusted front to back but not side to side. One way to tell if the frame is bent is when you drop the header down and try to latch it. I had to pull mine to the side to get the header pins to seat properly. This was caused by the frame being bent. I would consult with a good resto shop and ask them to check your soft top frame for proper alignment while they are attaching the new header.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Originally Posted by Frankenvette
You would only need to realign the frame if it has been bent or damaged in some way from the previous owner(s). Mine was really bent up. The header itself is attached in such a way that it can be adjusted front to back but not side to side. One way to tell if the frame is bent is when you drop the header down and try to latch it. I had to pull mine to the side to get the header pins to seat properly. This was caused by the frame being bent. I would consult with a good resto shop and ask them to check your soft top frame for proper alignment while they are attaching the new header.
