How to install 55 bird softtop?

[wa4ko]

I just bought a 1955 Thunderbird and has the hardtop up, I also got the soft top but I do not see where it attaches to the bird? I understand the windshield hooks and the rear anchor hooks but how does the frame attach to the body?? and does it store behind the seat when you have it down? Cannot seem to find any information in the books I have??
Thanks
Larry

 

[paul2748]

I just bought a 1955 Thunderbird and has the hardtop up, I also got the soft top but I do not see where it attaches to the bird? I understand the windshield hooks and the rear anchor hooks but how does the frame attach to the body?? and does it store behind the seat when you have it down? Cannot seem to find any information in the books I have??
Thanks
Larry

There are three mounting points. The windshield, the side clamps and the rear clamps. The folding top attaches to the body the same way the hard top does, but you use different holes in the rear. I forget which is which, but I think the soft top used the most forward ones. The frame of the soft top should have two studs that go into the plates on the body (rear clamps).

Some TBirds came with what is called a swing arm. The top attaches to this arm and with counterbalanced springs the top "swings" behind the rear seat for storage. You have to release all mounting points for this. If not swing arm equipped, then you just remove the folded top and stow it behind the seat.

 

[wa4ko]

Thanks Paul, I do not have the swing arms so I am not sure how often I would use
this top. It is real heavy even two people will have to work to get it up and down and it probably will scratch up the rear deck trying to find the holes. Thanks for the info I could not find that information any place else
Larry

 

[paul2748]

Thanks Paul, I do not have the swing arms so I am not sure how often I would use
this top. It is real heavy even two people will have to work to get it up and down and it probably will scratch up the rear deck trying to find the holes. Thanks for the info I could not find that information any place else
Larry

I have a 56 TBird and I put up and lower the top by myself (I'm 70) so its not a big deal for one person ( this is an aftermarket top).

One of the good times driving an early TBird is with the top down. When I bought my cat, I only had the hard top. I quickly bought an aftermarket soft top and banished my hardtop to the cellar. The top stays down from spring to fall and only goes up for rain. It is great driving with the top down.

An alternative to stowing the top underneath is to fold it back "baby carriage" style.

I would recommend you get and install the swing arm.