Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation

Posted by Leeedy On 2024/12/9 14:12:23
Quote:

CarFreak wrote:
So the caribbean is sitting out here in pittsburgh with me and while I try to get the charger fixed and running I am getting a little time here and there to address some finishing touches on the caribbean.

I was able to remove the rear section of the interior to get to the top hydraulics. I am still running the rubber lines so I should be able to do the pressure tests that are outlined in the FSM. I got the gauge and the fittings all I need to do is get the time to run the test. I still need to do the tests that Leeedy outlined in another thread, again just need the time.

While I was back there I got distracted by the reading light. I had this idea to convert it from a reading light to a dome light since I dont have the switch. I tried snaking wires through the top bow with no luck, I tried both sides. I saw that you could remove the top sections of that bow, but in order to do that the top needs to be off. So I got to thinking maybe I could remove the staples from that section of the top, open the top a foot or two so I can get some room to work on that bow to place the wire in there.

My issue with that idea is whether or not I am opening a can of worms and going to do more harm then good. I know the top is over 30 years old, there are a couple holes and it started to tear at the bottom near the deck lid. so it needs a top. However, I dont know if I will damage the top when I try to remove the staples or re-install them. Because at that point it will need a top. and I currently am conflicted on putting a new top on a car that desperately needs paint, but in order to paint it some body work would need to be redone and the entire car would need to be stripped. That all adds time to the car being off the road which I am currently not wanting to do since we just got it back on the road. But I like lights and want that to work lol.


Really. I can absolutely, positively assure you... the very last thing you want to tamper with is the rear bow on a Caribbean convertible. "Removing staples" and re-installing them at the rear bow is just plain suicide! Unless you are planning to install a new top– and then you would not be "re-installing" staples. The tacking strip on the rear bow was never designed to withstand more than a couple of re-staplings... as in NEVER.

And clearly MOST rear bows on Caribbean convertibles are already missing their original steel U-channel and stainless cover. These items are usually replaced with modern ilk like what trimmers call "Wire-Ons" or "Hidems." Both of which do even MORE damage to the rear bow tacking strip. ALL of this on top of a jillion new staples and a damaged tacking strip.

So... the next thing you could end up facing is a full replacement of the main rear tacking strip. Along with all of the problems that could bring. Believe me– you don't wanna go there. Something you never, never, ever want to do with an old top already in place and not even if you are replacing the entire top and pads. My advice? Don't do it. And yes, it IS a "can of worms."


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