Author Topic: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?  (Read 4275 times)

bowtie68iho

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Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« on: October 20, 2020, 05:41:32 PM »
I bought this used convertible top bow "wedge" from Larry Christiansen many years ago to put on my Legends Class 68 Camaro RS/SS convertible.  I never asked him about the part, just installed it per Larry's recommendation.  Fast forward to today.  I plan on having a draftsman draw a blueprint of it so one of the aftermarket parts places can reproduce it.  However, I never found out its part number, group number, or description from Larry.  I just sent him an e-mail inquiring as to its details.  In the meantime, I wanted to ask CRG members if they have any details about the part.  Two of the photos attached are of the part installed on original cars, the remaining two photos are of the cleaned part that I bought from Larry just before being installed on my car.  The part requires two forged (not commercial flat-head) tacks...they resemble miniature railroad spikes.
68 NOR SS/RS L48/M35 Convertible
Cordovan Maroon - Special Paint Exterior (black stripes)
Black Custom Interior
Silver Concours (Legends Class) at 2012 Camaro Nationals, Gold Concours at 2014 MCACN.

Petes L48

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #1 on: October 20, 2020, 06:40:52 PM »
The Body By Fisher Service manual has pretty good details in the "Folding Top" section, so maybe check for it there.  I don't recall those on my 67 but it's undergoing restoration so can't check.       

67CruiseMaster

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #2 on: October 20, 2020, 08:54:41 PM »
Those weren't on my 67 Vert when I disassembled the original top.
67 SS/RS with original Cruise Control
67 Tuxedo Black Convertible.

67conv6cyl

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2020, 10:00:29 PM »
I also do not have that part on my 67 top.

KevinW

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2020, 12:58:01 PM »
I have not seen them on any 69 vert I have or have seen.  What do you think it's function is?

Pacecar

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #5 on: October 21, 2020, 02:04:36 PM »
Not on the 69 Convertibles. Used on the 67 convertibles. My Pace Car had one since it had the original part. I do not know if it was changed out in 1968. For those with 67 convertibles, check the date code on the rear plastic window. If not dated right, then the top was replaced. There are a couple of other giveaways

Mike S

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #6 on: October 21, 2020, 02:40:57 PM »
 My 05B 67 convertible didn't have it when I replaced the original top in the early 80's.
What are the other giveaways you mention?

Mike
67 04B LOS SS/RS L35 Hardtop - Original w/UOIT
67 05B NOR SS/RS L35 Convertible - Restored

bertfam

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #7 on: October 21, 2020, 03:04:58 PM »
Group 14.090, P/N 7650041 Spacer, Center (#8 below)

Used on the 67-69 Camaro. A similar part (different part numbers) were also used on the Chevelle, Corvair and full size cars because of the weight of the top. The Corvette didn't use one since the top was much lighter.

(Note that the drawing shows the Chevelle version, but they all looked similar.)

Ed

Mike S

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #8 on: October 21, 2020, 03:43:55 PM »
Ed,

  Could that have been on manual tops to grab? Mine has power and I don't recall seeing that piece.

Mike
67 04B LOS SS/RS L35 Hardtop - Original w/UOIT
67 05B NOR SS/RS L35 Convertible - Restored

bertfam

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #9 on: October 21, 2020, 04:23:58 PM »
Quote
Could that have been on manual tops to grab? Mine has power and I don't recall seeing that piece.

No, if it was for manual tops only, it would state that in the P&A.

Ed

67CruiseMaster

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #10 on: October 21, 2020, 08:13:42 PM »
Not on the 69 Convertibles. Used on the 67 convertibles. My Pace Car had one since it had the original part. I do not know if it was changed out in 1968. For those with 67 convertibles, check the date code on the rear plastic window. If not dated right, then the top was replaced. There are a couple of other giveaways

Like I said wasn't on my original top January build vert. No shadow even if it was there at factory.
67 SS/RS with original Cruise Control
67 Tuxedo Black Convertible.

Petes L48

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #11 on: October 21, 2020, 08:56:46 PM »
I wonder if that could be scanned and reproduced with a 3-D printer?  I was looking into having a missing fold-down rear seat, top trim piece, end cap reproduced this summer, but gave up. 

bowtie68iho

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #12 on: October 23, 2020, 03:29:36 AM »
Thanks, for the great diagram and reference, Ed!  I just looked in a parts and accessories manual in Group 14.090 for the #7650041 center spacer and noticed that 67-69 Camaro convertibles also required TWO corner spacers #7644550.  Can you post a photo or diagram of a corner spacer too?

- Bernie
68 NOR SS/RS L48/M35 Convertible
Cordovan Maroon - Special Paint Exterior (black stripes)
Black Custom Interior
Silver Concours (Legends Class) at 2012 Camaro Nationals, Gold Concours at 2014 MCACN.

bertfam

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #13 on: October 23, 2020, 01:52:29 PM »
Quote
...67-69 Camaro convertibles also required TWO corner spacers #7644550.  Can you post a photo or diagram of a corner spacer too?

That's an easy one. They're being reproduced (see below).

Ed

HOGDADDY

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Re: Does anybody know about this front convertible top bow "wedge"?
« Reply #14 on: October 23, 2020, 02:01:54 PM »
They look fairly accurate too although I don't have one compare side by side.
Here is a pic of an original. By the way if anybody has one in similar condition as the one in my pic PM me with price.





 

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