Two convert questions

[Buick_65]

Does the skylark not use a guide pin on the top rail?  I don't see a hole for it. Also, what type of fastener is used to fasten the tack strips?

Thanks.

[dsags]

Does the skylark not use a guide pin on the top rail?  I don't see a hole for it.
Thanks.

No guide pin on the Skylark.

Dan

[Buick_65]

Thanks for the info on the guide pin.  That's what I was thinking.  Still struggling to figure out the proper fasteners on the tack strip. 

[gssizzler]

Buick_65 which tack strip? Forward ,middle or rear one? Forward goes under tabs on header panel , mid fits into a trough and rear bolts to the body! The top material is tacked or stapled to the strip originally ,hope this helps!?

[Buick_65]

All of them. Need the fasteners that hold the strip to the car. Not sure if they are sheet metal screws or what.

[dsags]

Going from memory, the rear tack strip bar is held to the body by some rather coarse threaded galvanized screws.

Dan

[nut465gs]

The tacking strips that are located in the trunk and hold the convertible top fabric and rear vinyl window to the body use a coarse thread bolt with washer. The bolt has a 7/16" head and has about 1 1/2" of threads.  John

[dsags]

Thanks John ! Trusting my memory is an iffy thing. LOL

Dan

[Buick_65]

Thanks a bunch John.  I appreciate your wealth of knowledge!    Hopefully my next post will include a photo of the car with a fresh white top on it.....

Best regards,

[Buick_65]

Okay, two more questions. What is the adjustment to get the top square with th car?  Mine is probably an inch towards the passenger side. Also, is the back bow curved?  Mine appears to be, but I don't think chevelles or cutlass' are. Looks like mi e curves towards the front of the car


Thanks.

[nut465gs]

Buick 65,

I'm not sure what you mean exactly by "curved back bow". It should not have a curve towards the front though, it should be straight across, side to side, if that's what you mean. There are good illustrations of the bows in the Buick Body Service manual.

Adjusting the top frame: be prepared to be totally frustrated and challenged. Getting the top frame in the correct position was one of the most difficult for me to do. Adjusted and readjusted dozens of times until I felt comfortable. You will need to get it right before the convertible top fabric and window go on. Any adjustments afterwards will create wrinkles in the fabric. There are detailed instructions in the Buick Service Manual. There are numerous adjustments to make so that it lines up with the window glass and the front windshield. Read and study the manual.

Good luck,
John

[Buick_65]

Thanks. I will read a book. 😀

[nut465gs]

"Read and study the manual." Sorry, I sounded a bit like my 10th grade history teacher. Section 2I-1 in the Body Service Manual has the information and explains much better than I can here.  Check out the Electronic Garage Section on this Website. Basically, most of the adjustments are made in the area where it bolts to the body. Before I removed and disassembled the convertible frame, I took measurements of most everything and made scribe lines around the bolt locations. Still, it was a struggle for me to get the frame positioned to where I could call it good enough. I hope all goes well for you. 

John



 

[66nailhead]

Hey Todd. If your needing a convertible to look at or measure your welcome to come over and check out my dads 65 Gs convert.  He put his top on himself. He's pretty good at them. We're not far from ya. My dads just over in Tracyton. Or will be at the Cruze car show in Silverdale on the 5th of July. I'll just make sure he drives that car. lol. I'll pm you my number


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Loren At 65GS]

Hey Dan, that's really cool to offer help. 

That is what the 65 Gran Sport Division and 65GS.com is about.  Helping other enthusiasts and making friends.

  Thanks,
  Loren