55 Special Convertible Top Installation

[George Bitcon]

G'day Everyone

Greetings from Australia.  I'm coming to the end of the restoration of my 55 Special and it's time to fit the soft top.  I have the rubber kit and a new canvas top, but I'm not sure how the rubbers go, and in what orientation they should be fitted with the top parts.  I don't have any tak strips, but will get some rubber to suit once I know what I need.

Does anyone have some photos of the top attachment to the frame, especially the front bow?  There are several places to attach tak strips, so if anyone has some photos to show how it all goes together, I'd really appreciate it and any other advice about fitting the top that you can give me.  Thank you!

 

Cheers,

George.

Edited September 14, 2023 by George Bitcon
Added a photo (see edit history)

[FireballV8]

Hi George

The car looks great. In the top bow those two areas you show get a tack strip. The little piece the top attaches to and the longer one is for a piece of bowdril (fabric Trim) with a small inserted bead. I'll get you a couple of photos. 

 

[George Bitcon]

Awesome, thanks Fireball!

[George Bitcon]

Still struggling with where everything goes, any chance of some photos from anyone?  How does this all hang together?

[Dennis Hagen]

Great looking car! I put a top on my 51 Super and laid the stapler on the top, mistake. Slid off and landed on right rear quarter panel, back to the painter for repair.

That was my first install, take your time and should come out fine.