W
- Last seen
- Joined
- May 18, 2020
- Thunderbird Year
- 1957
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you can check out this Link to the following as they do excellent restorations and have tops available: https://www.amosminter.com/Minter_Convertible_Top.htmlCan a soft convertible top be installed fairly easily on a 1957 t-bird that only came with a hardtop? If so, what is the average cost of a new soft top?
In short yes.Can a soft convertible top be installed fairly easily on a 1957 t-bird that only came with a hardtop? If so, what is the average cost of a new soft top?
What was the (rough) cost?Hi WEL, My 56 came only with a hard top from the factory and I wanted to have a soft top to raise and lower as needed. I ordered a repro top and the swing arm assembly and it came with all attaching hardware. It took only a couple of hours to install and adjust. I purchased it from Hills Thunderbird in Ohio about a year ago. It took about six weeks to get it from the time ordered, but that may have been due to it being a custom color. -KipView attachment 11892
The tops come in either canvas or vinyl with canvas being more expensive. My canvas top with the swingbar and shipping was approx $3,500.00. This was in May of 2019.What was the (rough) cost?
The folks in TX seem to be quite proud of their tops....
Thx
George
Can a soft convertible top be installed fairly easily on a 1957 t-bird that only came with a hardtop? If so, what is the average cost of a new soft top?
Having removed both tops, I think the soft top is as heavy as the hardtop. I was able to carry the soft top from my garage to my basement by myself, for safe storage. The hardtop, however, although not too heavy, is awkward, requiring two people to carry it.In short yes.
In 1957 you could order one or both tops. All Thunderbirds were built with the ability to use either top. I am sure you have noticed that on the rear deck the plate that is used to lock down the rear of the top uses only one of the two holes on each side. the other set of holes are for the convertible top. I do not know why that is just the design. when you look on the floor behind your seat you should see on each side two studs. those studs are for mounting the swing bar for the convertible top. It is not necessary to use them but without a swing bar the top does not fold up and swing down. Otherwise the top is very heavy to manhandle around. Prices vary. If you want the highest quality I believe Jewell is the source.
good luck , J.
One the the soft top was installed it has not been removed since. ....the hardtop is on a 1 inch pipe rack I made hanging from the rafters in the garage over the Bird.. Hasn't been on the car since...i just keep it.. Been sitting about 10 years.
Oh dude, You need to drop the top and enjoy the cockpit with the lid on. Plus to let the seals settle a bit if not just over the winter. A whole nother experience. I also hang my top from the rafters during the summer but over the winter it looks good on the car before I throw the cover over. Stow the rag top behind the seat with the cover and know it's there but classy.One the the soft top was installed it has not been removed since. ....the hardtop is on a 1 inch pipe rack I made hanging from the rafters in the garage over the Bird.. Hasn't been on the car since...i just keep it.. Been sitting about 10 years.