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Like all journey it starts with a single step. So my step was the purchase of a 1964 Cutlass convertible. So the top is shot and the engine is going to be pulled for a rebuild over the winter. But I am loving it so far, except I don't have the measurement between the 3rd and last bow to put on the new pads. The old top was just a few straps of canvass and made me wonder what in jurassic Park got hold of it. IF ANYONE HAS THAT MEASUREMENT OR CAN POINT A DIRECTION THANK YOU. Sorry for the caps but that is important at this moment.
Can someone decipher this cowl tag also trying to figure out what engine came in this.
Nothing on the cowl tag will tell you anything about the engine. The only engine installed in a 1964 Cutlass was the RPO L74 290 HP Cutlass V8.
The cowl tag decodes as follows:
08C = built third week (C) of August (08), 1963 - note that I THINK that's 08C. The photo resolution is poor. It might be 03C or 06C.
STYLE 64 = 1964 model year
3267 = Cutlass (32) convertible (67)
BODY LA = Lansing assembly plant
8540 = Fisher Body sequence number
TRIM 960 = black bucket seat interior
PAINT P = Pacific Mist Poly
It's interesting that the cowl tag does not list the convertible top color nor does it have any ACC codes.
If you are going to attempt to install a new top yourself you really should get a Chassis Service Manual and body manual. it is a complicated procedure. Also all the adjustments required to make the roof fit and the windows seal need to be done in the correct order as every adjustment affects something else.
I thought I could get away making a few tweaks after installing new weather stripping but it would have been quicker to start at step 1.
I'll take a look for the measurement you need.
