I have a '72 442 convertible project, getting ready to install a new convertible top and looking for some installation guidance. Unfortunately, I didn't document the placement of the rear floating bow or the rain gutter when I disassembled the car. At the moment, I have the top frame installed on the car with the floating bow hanging down inside the trunk without the rain gutter and don't really see how the top fabric could be attached to the floating bow without removing it. The shop that will install the new top is more familiar with later model convertibles and the I suspect will need my input to do my top correctly. I plan to provide him with copies of the Fisher Body pages related to convertible top installation, but since the car currently has no top installed, he won't be able to take measurements of the "old" top as a template for the new top.

Here are my questions:
1. Does the floating rear bow need to be removed to staple the new top to the tacking strip?
2. Does the rain gutter need to be removed to install the top?
3. Does the floating rear bow sit above the rain gutter when reassembled?

Thanks,

Rodney

 

Do you have the body manual that details the top installation? If not, you really need to get that.

1. Yes, the bow must be removed for the rear curtain, top sail panels, and well liner to be stapled to it.

2. It’s been 30+ years since I did this and I would have to refer to the body manual to answer.

3. Yes, so water runoff drops into the gutter.

 

Thanks.

 

As Kenneth mentioned, there's an entire huge section of the folding top installation/assembly/lubrication in the Fisher Body Service Manual. I own one for the 1971. You really need this manual.

 

Probably find most of them on eBay - check around for condition and shipping. Not too expensive really and a wealth of information.

1972 Fisher Body Service Manual

 

1971 Fisher Body Service Manual Folding Top Section