Missing convertible top boot channel
 

I am missing the channel that screws to the rear seat frame. Are there any other options as far as getting the boot to attach? I ordered a boot and they are asking about what kind of clips I want. I started researching here and realized I don't have this part, and I'm guessing its tough to find - just wondering what my options are, if any.

Thanks!

I wonder if you could use one off a b-body and cut it to fit. I may go measure and let you know. If so I know Steve at www.indianapontiacs.com has a couple drop tops he is parting out.

patrick

I saw another thread where somebody mentioned this. Said you only need to trim to fit and it is otherwise the same. To be honest I'm not even at the point where I know how it attaches.

4 or 5 screws cannot remember but I think 5. Just mounts to the back of the rear seat or rear of the back seat. lol

patrick

I am glad I did not throw my old top boot away. I went and looked at it and the old channel was attached to that bead on the front.

Just a question on how it attaches; the old boot has these plastic "C" clips all around it. Do these get clipped onto the pinchweld moulding?

This is the question I am trying to answer. Probably makes sense to some more experienced with convertibles:

"if the original is one that slides under or one that uses chrome or clips."

I would be inclined to say it uses clips?

The channel was screwed onto the back behind the seat. The front of the boot had a plastic bead piping that you would slide into one end of the channel and work it thru until it was centered. The clips you mentioned are 68 only. All 68 GM 'a" bodies used a clip that was wider and flarred similar in design to the 66-67 "A' and 67-69 'F' bodies. This was superceded to the 69-72 style that looks like plastic mylar that merely slides or slips under the edge of the well moulding. Due to cost and the fact that it was one year only, no-one has ever paid up to reproduce the first design retainer clips.

The 69-72 style will work on your car. If you just need a couple of the 68 style clips to reuse your original I might have a couple here somewhere.

Are there any other parts I need to make the 69+ style work? It sounds like I just need to tell him that I want the one that slides under. If that is not possible I might need some of those clips, Leo. Mine look like they are pretty tired & chalky.

The 69 style with the mylar sliders works really well and looks very neat. I bought a new one 10+ years ago and it is still in great shape. The only thing to watch out for is corrosion or paint buildup under the chrome trim. It took a little work to get all the sliders to run under the chrome the first time I installed mine but no problems since.

Walt

I replaced mine w/69-72 style back in the early 80's because some of the original clips were broken. Fit's great. Wish I had kept the original boot back then but know I saved the unbroken clips,,,somewhere.LOL

My brother says his Conv Boot needs something to stay on: clips? snaps? I have not looked yet, but is there a simple "snaps hardware kit"

I assume the well fabric is attached properly.

Slide rails are available. I had to get one after my top installer failed to re-install it when replacing the top well. It was too late before I noticed--they tossed the part.

Based on a tip here at PY, I bought a new one from The Parts Place (www.thepartsplaceinc.com), part number CV1733G.

It screws onto the metal framing behind the set, at the front of the top well. I had to cut about 5 inches off of it (made it the same length as the bead on the boot), and drill holes in the car. Very easy.

Paul

not that it really matters, but though there're five or six holes in the channel for mounting it, I've never parted/owned a vert that had more than three screws holding it in so don't be alarmed if you don't find holes in the back seat brace that match up with every hole in the channel. Anything to save a few seconds on the assembly line eh?

There are 2 snaps (per side) on the metal piece which screws to the armrest, I believe these are called the top piston covers.