1958 convertible top

[Spk99]

Hi all - first time poster.
I am in the market for a 58-60 convertible.
I’ve found a 58 at a dealer.
They say the roof mechanism isn’t working but it can be operated manually.
I’m in Australia and the car is in the US
I will organise an inspection if I decide to go ahead but my question is - did all 58s have an automatic top?
I only ask as the video they sent showing manual operation shows no solenoid on the deck lid.
Would it operate manually if an automatic mechanism was there?
Thanks in advance
Steve

[YellowRose]

1958 convertible top

Hi Steve and welcome to the Forum! I just sent you a Private Message with information you need to know. Please follow up on that. Especially since you are interested in a '58-'60 Convertible from the USA. From what Bill ~ Penelope and others Down Under tell me, importing a classic car from the USA has become a lot more difficult there these days.

Regarding the 1958, though it is the rarest of the three years of Squarebirds, there are some things that you need to know about that year. It did not have leaf springs in the rear because there was a plan, it is said, to air bag it. But that did not happen. It has shock absorbers on the rear, and probably four of them up front, two on each side. It is difficult to find parts for the rear end of the '58, especially rubber bushings from what I understand. Some owners have opted to replace the shocks with leaf springs.

Regarding the convertible top, in 1958 and 1959, it was a manual set up. In 1960 they went to a space age automatic convertible top that many have had problems with. Mainly from not exercising it on a regular basis.

[jopizz]

When Ray says the top is manual that only refers to the trunk lid. That has to be opened by hand. The convertible top itself is not manual. It opens using a switch in the trunk. I suggest you read the 1958 convertible top manual that is in the Technical Resource Library. It will have all the information on how the top works with detailed pictures. If the top is not going up and down using the switch it is extremely heavy and not easily done by hand.

John

[sidewalkman]

Over and above that, be aware that the 58 is a one year only coil rear springs model, 59 and 60 both moved to leaf springs. I've never found the interior of a 58 to be particularly attractive

[Spk99]

Thanks for that. Is there much of a difference in the interiors between 58-60? I can't see it apart from the seats

[Spk99]

Thanks John - much appreciated

[jopizz]

Thanks for that. Is there much of a difference in the interiors between 58-60? I can't see it apart from the seats

1958 and 1959 interiors are basically the same except for some color differences. 1960 has different seat patterns and door/trim panels.

John

[Spk99]

Thanks for accepting me Ray. Yes, unfortunately importing is much more difficult to Australia than it was mainly due to potential asbestos use on the cars. We also get slapped with a large tax when it lands here. But, so many thing in Australia are difficult so we are used to I suppose. Thanks for the info on the roof and the suspension. Im not a mechanic so can I ask, if you know of course, what people convert to leaf springs?

[p38fighter]

The 60 interior mounts differently to the door. I'm doing a 60 interior in my 59.

[YellowRose]

1958 convertible top

Steve, I do not know what percentage of '58 owners have converted to leaf springs, but a number of them have... If you do a Search on this Forum for 1958 leaf springs, you should find a number of post regarding the 1958 rear end that might get you some additional information..

[sidewalkman]

1958 and 1959 interiors are basically the same except for some color differences. 1960 has different seat patterns and door/trim panels.

John

There is a lot more stainless in a 60, the band under the dash that continues onto the door panels is all stainless in a 60, and a few other minor changes. More cosmetic in the interior and exterior.