soft top frame restore

[onsight512]

Has anyone posted an example of what they've done to, or used to, 'restore' a soft top frame?

[notoptoy]

I simply wire brushed/sanded cleaned and painted on the low windshield top. I think the process depends on what you want - i.e. do you want OEM or do you just want it to look better? Also, restoration depends on the shape of the item you start with. I know on High Windshield top frames, the headers are often bent - there are threads here about how to address that. Are you missing pieces, or are they damaged? Are you talking about removing/replacing individual pieces or joints and rivets etc.
I think you can get a better answer if you be a little more specific with what you have, and what you want to have when done.

[C.Costine]

Has anyone posted an example of what they've done to, or used to, 'restore' a soft top frame?

I am working on mine now. It was in pretty good shape except for rust on the tops of the bows. I applied rust converter and went over the whole frame with water and a scrubbie. I have primed and painted the tops of the bows, but now I have decided to prime and paint the rest of it. The front bow is in good shape too so I am going to prime and paint it as well. I have a spare front bow that I am leaving as is to use as a guide for the one that I am using. It has doe skin on the inside that I need to get just right.

[bossbob]

I would be interested in your bow when your done with it if you plan on selling it. Ray gave me a frame, but did not have the bow.

[onsight512]

I simply wire brushed/sanded cleaned and painted on the low windshield top. I think the process depends on what you want - i.e. do you want OEM or do you just want it to look better? Also, restoration depends on the shape of the item you start with. I know on High Windshield top frames, the headers are often bent - there are threads here about how to address that. Are you missing pieces, or are they damaged? Are you talking about removing/replacing individual pieces or joints and rivets etc.
I think you can get a better answer if you be a little more specific with what you have, and what you want to have when done.

I'll pull it out of the garage and take some photos. It wasn't on the car when I bought it so I don't know if it's missing anything.

I'd like 'closer to OEM than not'.

Photos to follow shortly...

[C.Costine]

I would be interested in your bow when your done with it if you plan on selling it. Ray gave me a frame, but did not have the bow.

Bob, the one that I referred to is for a low windshield. I do have a complete top with frame for a '68 but I don't know about selling just the front bow.

[Bigtaku]

I have not messed with mine for 3 years but I was about to dive into it. I think I remember hearing that paint can rub off on the soft top canvas. What is the name of the thread that goes into this in detail? Powder Coating would be difficult due to the size of the frame but I would think that would be the best.