Convertible Top Restoration - Tech

When building a convertible, the most touched part is the convertible rack or skeleton structure, which allows the car to go from an enclosed vehicle to a topless cruiser. Whether you have chrome, gold or powdercoating, this tech might interest you if you own a convertible. In time, the convertible hardware manages to fade, rust or simply needs to be redone due to normal wear and tear. Convertible lowrider owners need to have their cages redone.

We caught up with the pros at the Bow Tie Connection in San Pedro, California, who were working on a Chevy Impala convertible cage. Master technician Mike Lopez was telling us about the beauty of cruising in a convertible. "The beauty of a convertible is something that you need to experience to understand," he says. "Most of the time you'll enjoy a cruise or cruising with the top down, but there will be those times that the tops need to be up. A good example is when you need to wash your ride or transport it on a long trip."

In this issue, we are going to touch on some of the basics of the skeleton structure. In a future issue, we'll focus on canvas convertible tops, but for now check out how the Bow Tie Connection crew rebuilds them racks.

The stainless steal bolt kit provided by CARS, Inc. was laid out next to the original bolt pieces.
The stainless steal bolt kit provided by CARS, Inc. was laid out next to the original bolt
The kit has everything that you should need to rebuild your convertible rack.

The chromed-out convertible rack was laid out on a blanket to keep it from being scratching.
The chromed-out convertible rack was laid out on a blanket to keep it from being scratchin
This convertible was ready to have the redone top bolted back on.

It's key to use the right size screwdrivers to avoid stripping the slots. Using the appropriate screwdriver, Mike starts off by driving in the stainless steel screws.
It's key to use the right size screwdrivers to avoid stripping the slots. Using the approp
Once the pivot screw was in, it was locked in place with an Allen screw.

All of the threads on the rack were cleaned out using a thread tap, which also helped clean out the excess chrome and powdercoating.
All of the threads on the rack were cleaned out using a thread tap, which also helped clea
Lubricant was used on all of the pivot points.

Mike was telling us that most convertible racks are easy to rebuild as long as you have something to refer to. A good tip is to take a picture of the rack before you take it apart.
Mike was telling us that most convertible racks are easy to rebuild as long as you have so
Mike aligned the convertible rack arms and left them ready for the next step.

The next step was to install new Teflon bushings that allow the arms to move smoothly.
Here's a look at how the side arms of the rack should look after being assembled. With a chrome rack, the polished stainless steel screws accent the chrome finish.
Here's a look at how the side arms of the rack should look after being assembled. With a c

Mike started off by bolting on the header bow onto the rack.
This part of the assembly should be done with the help of extra hands.

Here's a look at the order of the three different bows or cross rack beams should be.
Mike snugly aligned all of the cross members or bows (as much of the automotive industry refers to them).
Mike snugly aligned all of the cross members or bows (as much of the automotive industry r

Both sides of the center bow were bolted in place.
Mike moved on to the rear brace or bow that goes on the rear of the rack.

Mike showed us the assembled convertible rack before it was bolted back on to the car.
When bolting the rack back on to the car, the braces will fall into the proper locations. It's important not to remove the lower section of the rack as it cannot be seen at all. If you do remove this brace, you will have to spend countless hours re-adjusting your rack.
When bolting the rack back on to the car, the braces will fall into the proper locations.

The rack was then folded out and locked in place to allow the hydraulic cylinders to be connected.
The rack was then folded out and locked in place to allow the hydraulic cylinders to be co
The rack was now adjusted and the new hydraulic cylinders provided by Hubbard's Impala Parts were connected to the rebuilt rack.
The rack was now adjusted and the new hydraulic cylinders provided by Hubbard's Impala Par

The new electric convertible motor easily opened and closed the rack.
Next on the agenda was to bolt on the weather stripping also provided by Hubbard's.