Another top question here. On my 63 the top frame will catch on the “buckets” that protect the deck lid cylinders just prior to being full in the truck before hitting the limit switch. Then the deck will close normally per the cycle. The top fits perfectly. No evidence of binding on the frame or it being malpositioned. The clearance at the same area on the drivers side it about 1/4”
Should I try to gently bend the top frame or bend the buck in 1/4” or so? Alternatively...could just leave it as it has been this way for several years. I have been working in the truck trying to tidy things up so figured I might as well tackle this while I’m back there
Top binding on cylinder “buckets”
Moderator: ABQTBird
Re: Top binding on cylinder “buckets”
Hello orthodoc,
In my rather limited experience I have found that the deck lid cylinder shields (or 'buckets') are malleable and easily bent out of shape. On my 62 my right side shield was badly distorted (probably due to a previous cylinder/deck lid/convertible event), but I removed it and was able to form it back into the correct shape rather easily with my bench vise and some wooden dollies.
If it were me I would rather try to bend the shield to clear the top mechanism, but before doing that I would confirm that there isn't anything wrong (twisted or bent) with the top mechanism that is leading to this interference. Perhaps have a second party operate the top up and down while closely observing the movement of the mechanism. Compare one side to the other - are the clearances the same on both sides?
I am going through the same sort of trunk issues right now with my 62 convertible - I like to call it 'blueprinting', bringing everything into spec. I think this sort of attention to detail will hopefully make a difference in dependability of the top mechanism.
Good luck!
In my rather limited experience I have found that the deck lid cylinder shields (or 'buckets') are malleable and easily bent out of shape. On my 62 my right side shield was badly distorted (probably due to a previous cylinder/deck lid/convertible event), but I removed it and was able to form it back into the correct shape rather easily with my bench vise and some wooden dollies.
If it were me I would rather try to bend the shield to clear the top mechanism, but before doing that I would confirm that there isn't anything wrong (twisted or bent) with the top mechanism that is leading to this interference. Perhaps have a second party operate the top up and down while closely observing the movement of the mechanism. Compare one side to the other - are the clearances the same on both sides?
I am going through the same sort of trunk issues right now with my 62 convertible - I like to call it 'blueprinting', bringing everything into spec. I think this sort of attention to detail will hopefully make a difference in dependability of the top mechanism.
Good luck!
Last edited by kbuhagiar on Thu Jul 08, 2021 12:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cheers, Ken
1962 Convertible
1966 Q-code Landau Coupe (sold)
1990 SuperCoupe 5-speed (sold)
1962 Convertible
1966 Q-code Landau Coupe (sold)
1990 SuperCoupe 5-speed (sold)
Re: Top binding on cylinder “buckets”
Good morning.
I've only messed with those once for the same reason. I vaguely recall these being somewhat adjustable side to side via slots. Its been a while so I may be mistaken.
Ken
I've only messed with those once for the same reason. I vaguely recall these being somewhat adjustable side to side via slots. Its been a while so I may be mistaken.
Ken
1962 Corinthian white convertible
Past birds
1977 Town Landau
1978 t-top
Past birds
1977 Town Landau
1978 t-top