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Can I remove entire top in one piece?

Discussion in 'The ragtop shop' started by Ron Kaufman, Jun 11, 2021.

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  1. Ron Kaufman

    Ron Kaufman Well-Known Member

    I have a 1972 GS455 convertible and I am doing some resto work on it. The top is in great shape, I have the cylinders unhooked and I see how I can unbolt the frame to remove as one piece. BUT I don't see what I need to unbolt or unscrew to unhook the canvas from the car. Help please.
     
    Ron Kaufman, Jun 11, 2021
    #1
  2. Ziggy

    Ziggy Well-Known Member

    There is a row of screws around the perimeter of the opening in front of the trunk lid. If your top well is still intact, you will have to lift it up from the back seat area to see them. Take all of them out and the rear curtain and rear of the top will be free, allowing the entire top to be removed as a unit. There are many opportunities to scratch the paint, damage the seats and top assembly, so plan ahead and cover all delicate surfaces. Also, watch for spilled brake fluid. Some of the old systems sill use it.
     
    Ziggy, Jun 11, 2021
    #2
    STAGE III, Dano and Max Damage like this.
  3. tsgp51

    tsgp51 Well-Known Member

    Cheers Ron,The info Ziggy gave you works on 67 and older cars.In 68 to 72 cars there are 2 bolts ( one on each side) that attaches the top rear hoop that canvas is tacked onto.They are hard to see and a pain to get out. Look at the spot where the hoop and convertible frame meet.I think a half inch ratchet wrench can get in there.Once they are out you have to carefully push the hoop in and up to get it out of the opening.Its a pain .I think with the top half up you can work it around. Good luck. Tim
     
    tsgp51, Jun 11, 2021
    #3
    Smartin likes this.
  4. Ron Kaufman

    Ron Kaufman Well-Known Member

    thanks everyone I will check it out in the A.M. and report back hopefully with good news
     
    Ron Kaufman, Jun 11, 2021
    #4
  5. Redmanf1

    Redmanf1 Gold Level Contributor

    Keep the top up but about 16 inches from the windshield frame. Remove the back seat and you can get to the top slide that holds the rear well and boot slide. Undo your pump ground, pos and pull the pump. You should be able to pull the pump with the top, depending on hose routing. Mark your top main adjustment bolts so you can get them back in place. It is better to have help but you can do it by yourself but it is not easy. You have to manipulate the top around, drop on one side, forward on one side, etc. Pull the sides in some while doing the other and it will come out in one piece. The rear bow will drop when the main bolts are removed. Do in reverse to reinstall. I have done it in 70-72 body off restorations when the top and well are good.
    Hope this helps.
     
    Redmanf1, Jun 14, 2021
    #5
    STAGE III likes this.
  6. Ron Kaufman

    Ron Kaufman Well-Known Member

    Thanks to everyone I left the pump and cylinders in the car but I removed everything else. I am not sure if we needed to take the two bolt off since I removed the whole top frame. But it is out in one piece and the restoration continues. Thanks again !!!
     
    Ron Kaufman, Jun 14, 2021
    #6
  7. TimR

    TimR Nutcase at large

    Does anyone know roughly what the top weighs?
     
    TimR, Sep 7, 2021
    #7
    Dano likes this.
  8. Waterboy

    Waterboy Mullet Mafia since 6/20

    I don’t know the exact weight but it’s not that heavy. I took mine off all by myself and didn’t mess up anything. Just my two cents
     
    Waterboy, Sep 7, 2021
    #8
  9. TimR

    TimR Nutcase at large

    Just curious, I seem to get way better traction with the top down!! :)
     
    TimR, Sep 7, 2021
    #9

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