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| Need Help ID'ing Rusted 63 Valiant Convertible Part https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31991 |
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| Author: | retrorobot [ Thu Oct 30, 2008 6:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Need Help ID'ing Rusted 63 Valiant Convertible Part |
Hey Guys...During the disassembly of my 63 Valiant Convert, this rusted out mess was unearthed, and I need help ID'ing the part and a source for a replacement. It is a thin strip of metal, probably steel, that mounts underneath the chrome strip around the base of the convertible top. As you can see in the photos, it is wasted. Be prepared to witness some ugliness. Any help ID'ing this part and assistance with a sourcing a replacement is appreciated!!  
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| Author: | Michael [ Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
That is the attachment strip which anchors the canvas top and vinyl window to the body of the car. I would talk to an upholstery shop about some generic substitute option (it must come up fairly often.) The chrome trim is a good deal wider than this strip so even aesthetically questionable solutions will likely be concealed! |
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| Author: | Hemitym [ Sat Nov 01, 2008 10:32 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Here are some pictures of the part you ask about. It is on a 63 Dart, so assuming they are the same they show what they look like. The part holds the top and bootwell to the body. They are predrilled so that when installed your snaps (male portion) for the bootwell cover are in the correct place. You could possibly use flat stock for this as mentioned in the previous post because the stainless covers it. You will need to place the stainless in place and mark the holes that the snaps go in so they don't interfere, or drill those holes slightly larger so that the screw in the snap tightens into the body and not the piece that you've added. Hope these links work.     
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| Author: | Hemitym [ Sat Nov 01, 2008 11:01 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
I forgot to mention there is a piece of flat rubber underneath the metal. 
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| Author: | retrorobot [ Sat Nov 01, 2008 4:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks!! The photos and information are really helpful!! |
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| Author: | wjajr [ Sat Nov 01, 2008 5:26 pm ] |
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Oh boy! You have a bit of a mess on your hands. Those strips will have to be carefully straightened, sanded and painted. I would give a few top companies a call, and ask what they do when confronted with this problem. Here are a few to try: http://www.perfectfit.com/dept.asp?d_id=13102&l1=13102 http://www.convertibletopguys.com/contact.shtml http://www.convertibleparts.com/ I purchased a top from these people for my 82' LeBaron last year, they were helpful as the early K Cars were a not a conventional design. I bet they have done a ton of the early A Bodies in their shop: http://robbinsautotopco.com/homepage.html A guide to installing a top, one of meny out there: http://www.supercar.com/installconvertibletop.asp |
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| Author: | retrorobot [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 5:15 pm ] |
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Thanks for the suggestions and sources. I called Robbins and spoke with Scott, the technical expert. He suggested to fabricate the pieces, as they are likely not available as repros. Scott suggested to use aluminum to avoid future issues with rust. As mentioned previously, it will be concealed by the chrome portion so it can stand to be a little ugly. That's probably what I'll end up doing. |
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| Author: | Hemitym [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 7:05 pm ] |
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Retro, you might with a little metal working skill use a metal shelf bracket like used inside cabinets. They are usually 5/8" wide and are a channel 1/8" deep which will give you a little more strength to help it lay flat. The brackets can be bought in almost any hardware store. You probably won't have to worry about the rust in your lifetime. |
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| Author: | retrorobot [ Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:21 am ] |
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Hemi - I know exactly the type of brackets you're talking about. Very clever! I'll take a look at those also!! I love shopping for car parts at Home Depot!! |
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