my 68's convert top frame is buckling in the same place on both sides - near the coat hook. in fact, one side has almost broken and the other side is starting to. there is no binding going on that i can see - the top raises and lowers like it always has. is this area of the frame a weak point or what? see photos. can this be welded? i have temporarily patched one side but it's not gonna hold for much longer.

 

Unit91,

I think your problem could possibly be from a pivot point that is binding/needing to have a drop of oil on it. In fact, it would be good for you to oil all of the pivots that you could find. Mind you only one drop each.

While this maybe could have prevented the problem, I don't know if it can be welded. Mustang frames had alot of "pot metal" in them and most of that is hard to weld. Just looking at it though, I'd say the arm buckling is just plain steel. That would be good to weld.

 

I've always kept all the pivots oiled since I bought the car in 2006. I use a light weight oil like 3in1 oil and only a drop on each. This thing has me baffled. And I can't seem to find anyone who wants to work on it. I see you're a professional convert top tech, so tell me something. I can buy the replacement sections for both sides. Is the removal and installation of these sections something I can do or are special tools required? Appreciate the help!

 

Unit91,

Why do you think no one wants to work on it? That doesn't make sense.

I am told that these cars parts are easily purchased. I think the hardest part will be removing and re-installing any parts where the convertible vinyl needs to me removed (like if the rear C pillar flap needs to be removed then reinstalled to replace the steel). No special tools required.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply. I've called several shops, including shops that specialize on classic car restoration, and they either tell me that the metal can't be welded or otherwise repaired, or I'll have to replace the entire frame. I've found a place that has the replacement parts but won't do the actual work, so I'm gonna buy the parts and give it a shot myself. doesn't make sense to me either. Pretty frustrating.

 

If you can find it, you could buy what are called the "side rails." These are the frame parts that are located at the outermost sides from the front corner and go in line toward the rear of the car to where it bolts to the body behind the 1/4 glass.

You don't get the front header or any of the bows that span the frame from one side rail to the other. Generally much cheaper to buy than a complete frame.

One supplier that I have bought from is Convertible Top Specialists in Inverness FL; topsdown.com. I am not affiliated with them, just occasionally buy parts from them.

 

Thanks. Sent them an email but received no response, so I just sent them another. I found a place about 45 minutes from me that sells classic Mustangs and Camaros and who may have the parts. They say the part name is 'intermediate side rail'. I asked them what the price is and if they have parts for a 68 frame, gave them my number, but they never called back. I've found this to be typical with many of the people and businesses I have dealt with. My wife says I should hound them until I get my response, but I don't roll that way. I expect people to do what they say they'll do, and if they don't I have no use for them.

 

Also, let me ask a question. While I was replacing my rear inner quarter panels, I operated the power top and noticed that the bottom end of the hydraulic cylinders moved forward and backwards while the top is being raised and lowered. Are they supposed to do that, or should they remain stationary?

 

Yes, that's normal. The cylinder is mounted to the body of the car on a pivot and then the rod (ram) is mounted to the conv. frame.

That movement sometimes causes problems. After the hyd. hoses get old and brittle, they will crack and leak because of this.

 

Roger. Think I'll replace the hoses - one less thing to worry about. Thanks.