[tjs72lemans]

I'm replacing my top on my vert. The manual says you can disconnect piston rod to manually operate top. Are these under pressure to where if disconnected it's hard to get hooked back up? It looks like just one bolt off the arm of top mechanism.

[69Customs]

They are only under pressure when you push the up/down switch and the pump is running. I removed mine few times while putting a new top on. Just make sure you measure the distance apart the rear bow is to the next one while the existing top is still on as this is a critical dimension. I tied a non- stretch string to keep the distance plus measured.

[tjs72lemans]

Thank you. Is the last bow or tack rail suppose to move at all. I notice as I move my top up and down, that rear tack rail also moves some (1/2"?).

[69Customs]

If your talking about the final tack rail that's below the body by the top well that stay in place and doesn't move. It's been 24 years since I did my top. I followed an article out of a hot rod mag. on how to install a top. Since then with the internet there should be plenty of articles and you tube videos out there. It doesn't even have to for a gm car as most tops fasten the same way. The article I followed was done on a ford Fairlane. Just a lot of measurements, double checking and take your time. Don't rip the old top off. Pull each staple out one at a time carefully so you don't mess up the cork tack strip. Use nickel or Stainless steel staples so you don't have rust streaks. Get a top with glass window as that's what was original. Plastic is a pain. New guide wires on the sides and new pads. Critical to get centered perfectly as some tops don't have more than 1/8" on each side. If your top now goes up fine don't mess with any adjustment and if you want to clean and paint it take it out as an assembly, leave everything together sand any rust or bare spots , then paint.
Do not take it apart or you will have one heck of a time getting it adjusted!

[tjs72lemans]

I thought I read somewhere for my year (72) the rear trim stick (below rear deck lid) was movable. It is attached to sides of hinge with a shoulder bolt on each side which allows it to pivot down to top of water trough and up to rear deck ceiling. My thought is it pushes down when top goes down and pulls up to seal rear of window area to pinch weld molding for a tight fit. I had a plastic window and am going to a stock type glass rear now. I had a hard time trying to find info on this top replacement. Most are similar, but not the same.