I NEED HELP!!! I pulled of the old top of my 66 gs yesterday. Leaving the old pads on and measuring between the center and rear roof bow the distance is about 14". My fisher body manual says this: on page 6-3 the dimension for a spacer stick for A body should be 19-11/16" And on page 6-5 and page 6-6 it says the distance should be 16-1/64" . what's up with that??? why two different numbers?? I dont know if my old pads have the correct measurements because the old top was totally ruined and there was almost nothing of the back curtain left... Could someone please help me figure these numbers out!!! What to do ? keep the old pad numbers 14" or go with the 19-11/16" or go with 16-1/64" Maybe some of you guys who have a nice top could get me some dimensions?? PLEASE!!!! Serios help needed FAST!!!:ball: thanks alot. Dan.
First and foremost.. I am no expert on these. I have done one (with a lot of luck) cuase I sure didn't have any skill. If the window is in the right place and you can still unzip it then I would think you are ok with the old pad numbers. You may have to do a couple trial fits.
Have you bolted the top to the car yet? Once you get it attached to the car test fit the location of the back bow. Thier should be a seam above the window opening that is where the back bow should fit in the center of that seam. If they line up then your windows upper zipper should attach at that point also. Hopefully that makes sence.
the frame is still on the car..if thats what you meen? I think I understand. But still I would like if someone wtih a 66 or 67 skylark could take some measurements for me - between the bows. Would help a ton. Thanks Dan
Does the new top have a plastic or glass window? I think you have a bit more fudge factor with a plastic window than glass. Once you get an idea of where the back bow fits the seam properly measure from that point to your center bow. Also remember your window may pull be pads back a little if you have it too tight. but you need to have it tight enough to not have any sag in it. It is a tricky balancing act. This is the way I did it and it worked for me.... I cannot be sure it will work for you I think I got very lucky.
Its a plastic window. I didnt understand this: Once you get an idea of where the back bow fits the seam properly measure from that point to your center bow. thanks Dan
Ok lets start from the beginning. You have the top removed but the pads are still on? Do you need to replace the pads? Who made the new top? I am not 100% sure all tops fit the same and will have the same distances as things have a tendency to change with all the different manufauctures.
Here is something that may help. It is about a 2nd gen firebird but the type of top mechinisem is the same. http://firstgenfirebird.org/FAQ/conv/ This has some good information and maybe can explain better what I am trying to say.
Dont know who made my top as I got it from another guy and I cant find any name on it. Yes, the top is of and old pads are still on. Yes, I need to replace the old pads. the top is made of canvas with a plastic window with zipper. Dan.
Hello, I took a look in my Electron book and they show the rear bow height to be 21 3/4". The best way to look at it is if you were to take a yardstick and lay it over the center of the back window, go down to the pinch weld molding (the chrome trim that goes around the well opening) and the rear bow should be 21 3/4" to the center of the bow. This how most trim shops measure the bow height, I have a picture I could email you if that would help. Mark Convertible Top Specialists
I just measured two of my 67 GS convertibles and they are both 22 1/2 from front edge of the center of the pinchweld molding to the center of the bow above the window. Hope that helps.:TU:
Measured the rear bow to pinchweld molding yesterday. It is 22 3/4" So i guess Im almost have the correct numbers.:Smarty: Thanks alot guys:TU: :beers2
Rear bow height picture Hope this picture attaches properly. Thanks, Mark Convertible Top Specialists
