ben442

Next on the to-do list for my 68 442 will be stripping off the old canvas and establishing what needs to be repaired or replaced as far as the top frame goes.


This will be entirely a new project I haven't tried before. Any hints ahead of time would be greatly appreciated.


The top motor does function properly but the top does not fully reach the windshield header. Falls short. The canvas is history, lots of rips etc, so I don't need to be carefull about taking it off whole. I do know that there are a few pivot point in the frame where the correct bushings are missing and will need to be replace. Sources?
Also I do expect to refinish the frame itself. as seen in the photos, turned out dark, the frame appears to be gold. Factory color? I just thought they were all black, but I like the gold.
Also I won't be tackling the replacement top install. I'm located in Toronto, Ontario, so any leads for installers would help too.

m371961

The rear trim stick should be marked where the top is stapled in regards to the rear curtain. Or leave the top and rear curtain stapled to the stick and give it all to the shop doing the top.
This is JMHO, but after doing mine without a old top, I would think even a professional shop would prefer having a old top to go by.
You should be able to get a kit with all bolts and bushings for your app.

gransport

I completely disassembled the frame on my '68 Skylark convertible. restored the frame and re plated ALL the hardware. I suggest a diagram in addition to photo's if you disassemble to this level to make re assembly easier.
Hydro- E-lectric in Florida has many of the hardware and bushing I believe. Mine were all in good condition save for 1 replacement hardware bolt.


Never seen color coated frames before ? just black.

Yellowstatue

'68 green interior cars, had green top frames for converts. Ed Mann in Caledon does good work. Not cheap though. 905 880 1366. He did the top on '62starfire63'. Looks great. Check pics on his posts.

gransport

Colored frames must be exclusive to Olds ?

ben442

Colored frames? Since my first 72 Cutlass back in 1980, I don't think I have ever seen a convertible Olds that has color matched top frame. Maybe I haven't been looking that close.

m371961

My 65 had a blue interior and blue frame. Don't know what color the inside of top was.

ben442

Blue with Blue, interesting. My 68 Body tag indicates 945-Burgundy, Yet the top frame is Willow Gold....
thoughts?

69442murph

My 69 442 top frame was blue, and the top was also....doing another 69 now, and it also had a blue top / blue frame...
I would guess that your willow gold frame had a gold top on it...
Good luck on your adventure...

tim

i have pics of the original blue frame somewhere, if I can find them, I will post them...

ben442

body tag shows C-1 for the body and top color, both white. 945-Burgandy for the interior color

gransport

Please do , never seen a colored frame on a GM intermediate Convertible 65-72. '68 did have the color coded door lock ***** and window crank ***** . Thanks

mrolds69

That colored frame is correct, I think it was an Olds thing. I don't know what years they did that, but definitely 68-69. The 'vert rear coat hook is another Olds only thing I think.