56 Sunliner Covt TOp Frame help


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By rgrove - 19 Years Ago
So, I'm almost done with the car. I finally saved enough money to do the top - it's the winter project.



However, I'm trying to get the chrome pivot pins out, and what a pain! Many of them are held in place with roll-pins. Ive been able to get some out with a drift, but there are a few that will not budge. Ive tried drilling them also, but they just seem to dull the bits (using bits meant for steel/metals) I've got them soaking in PB Blaster, but just can't get some of them out... Any other ideas? Is the top frame aluminum? Could I use heat? Any other ideas?



Also, what do people do for the pins that are rivited? Just leave them in and paint them? I heard a rumor of someone who made stainless caps for those, but he hasn't returned my call yet... Anyone have any thoughts??



Thanks in advance to anyone with any help!!!
By pintoplumber - 19 Years Ago
Here's a thought. Go to a good hardware store or a plumbing store and look at the faucet handle pulling tool. It might work for what you're describing.
By bird55 - 19 Years Ago
IF the top frame is anything like the tbirds and i suspect it is, then it is aluminum, and you are doing it right by driving the roll pin out first (not a piece of cake) as you already know. You can find replacement pins for the bird conv tops from all the tbird suppliers and they will probably work, provided you check the length, etc. And they also have them in a newer style which has a c-clip to close it up if you prefer. they sell both styles for the concours guys. good luck.
By rgrove - 18 Years Ago
Thanks for the replies, guys.  The faucet tool was a good ides - but the pin on the tool was too big for the roll pins...

Otherwise, it has just been a case of beating the living h*ll out of the oins.  Finally have the whole thing taken apart, except for the rivited pins.  Dropping of the latches, and removeable pins at the chrome guy tomorrow...

Hope I can remember how to put this thing back together.... good thing i took a bunch of pix.


also, yes, the top side rails are Aluminum

THanks again for the help!