1956 Convertible zipper and clamps

[George Clayton]

The zipper on my rear windows fell off. I am assuming it works from the inside. Am I correct? Does it start from passenger side going to driver side?
Finally, does anyone have a picture of how the clamps nearest the doors work?
Cannot figure out how they function. My attempts do not clamp the top down very securely.

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[Rust]

HI. On my 56 the zipper works from the inside. It starts on the passenger side and goes to the drivers side. make sur you do not have any tension on the top or you will never get the window in place. I have attached a photo of the zipper just a little unzipped, and the pull is on the drivers side. I will also send some clamp photos. To hold down the top, the "T" shaped handle is downward and so is the "J" hook. Slide the "J" hook down & towards the outside of the car as you push the "T"straight up. If the clamp is not tight on mine I can adjust the "J" hook length. I think you just unscrew or screw it with something that will not scratch. BUT you never know how someone made a replacement top and changed the way it clamps. If there is a Thunderbird Club near you JOIN IT!. Them guys know everything. While I was taking the photos, I noticed both of mine need tightening. All the photos are of the clamp in position before you raise the "T" up. Good Luck!

 

[Jim5]

On my 55 side clamps, there is a tiny Allen screw that only young eyes can see, that holds the threaded hook from rotating around. My car is missing one, and it was frustrating that the other one would not turn to adjust until I found the Allen screw. Probably should lose that one too. Once set it’s not like it’s going to spin around randomly.
And YES, join a tbird local chapter. Amongst everyone in the club, everyone’s had your problems and figured them out.