jgrimmy

This is a picture of one of the convertible top locks on my 69 Cutlass. This is a "before" picture. After restoring and reassembling the convertible frame I noticed this bolt is shouldered and I cannot tighten it enough to stop the header from moving side to side a small amount. Both sides are the same.

Is this normal? Or do I need to insert a washer to allow it to firmly hold the lock in place? i should have paid more attention when I took it apart.

Thanks
John

timholliday

Is the header bow also in there. The bolt and nut hold both together. If the header bow is not in place, you can't tighten the bolt enough.

jgrimmy

Yes it's all together and back on the car. By header bow you mean the very front header I'm assuming.

It's really got me stymied.

John

timholliday

Did the shouldered nuts seat properly. They can twist and not put tension on the frame making it impossible to tighten.

jgrimmy

I'm not sure what you mean. The nut towards the front of the lock seems to tighten down okay. I didn't realize it was also shouldered, I may have to remove them and take a better look.

Thanks
John

timholliday

The nut that the bolt you are having trouble with is built into the convertible frame. sometimes they spin and don't allow the bolt to tighten. I will try again to find a photo of what I'm talking about.

jgrimmy

I understand what you're saying now. I don't think that's a problem as the bolt does tighten up but isn't holding the parts together tight. The shoulder just doesn't seem to let it go quite far enough to sandwich the parts together tightly.

timholliday

Kinda looks like this.

jgrimmy

I ended up installing a couple small washers under the bolt and it snugged right up.

Thank you for your help!

John