Convertible top wire spring guides

66Dvert said

there was a procedure for lowering your top in the factory service manual that will stop/slow down the rip's in that area for early A's (don't have the FSM for the later ones)

here tis
View attachment 1714662670

I know for certain that my first dart convertible was not done that way and did indeed rip in that area, heck I couldn't even get the zipper on the window to move EVER. but after the new top was put on it lasted over 15 years before it got so brittle it disintegrated. that top was Up"n" down and up "n " down so many times I plain wore out the cylinders every 5 years , hey I was a teen to 20ish when I had it:D

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I'll have to check my repair manual, but think with the change to the new 1967 body style the need to unzip rear window was eliminated. Most older convertibles it was necessary to unzip window.

I will see if I can make a few more sets of wires.

The wire is spring steel so it holds it's shape. Bought a roll of the correct .063 wire (mic.ed the original) to make them out of. Had an original to use for a pattern but it was sent back to the guy that let me borrow it. I still have a not so good set that was one of the 1st ones made. I have my tool box for work that I used to measure the wire to start, so can get the length correct

But the wire isn't for a rip along the lower edge, what it will do is push the sail panel out so not to rub a hole in the sail panel