1965 Valiant Convertible Top Bows

[ToofLife]

Hi all. I’ve just begun restoration of a 1965 Valiant Signet Convertible. It has a 4 speed manual and 8 3/4 rear. At present it has a 225 slant six from a newer vehicle (1973). I’m building a 318 to replace it. My main concern at this early stage is the frame for the convertible top. All components are in good shape except for the rearmost bow. It’s rusted through on both sides and is completely unusable. I found another car for potential parts. The condition of that particular piece was exactly the same…garbage.
I’ve casually looked for convertible top frame parts, but feel like this segment might be hard to come by individually. I think a completely intact and usable frame would likely be attached to a higher quality restorable car (which I don’t need). Does anyone have any ideas what might be the best path to travel to find something I could use?
I’ve already taken the entire top off of my car, but I have a photo of the parts car that shows the exact issue. Thanks all for any insight

 

[cudamark]

Yup, hard part to find as well as the front header bow with the latches. In my search for good parts, I looked at 10 top frames before I found a good front bow. The only usable rear one I found still needs some work......and these were all SoCal parts cars.

 

[fj55-100]

Ebay , has a Alberts auto parts in Connecticut has a valiant convert they are parting out . do not know if the top parts are still there

 

[toolmanmike]

Hi all. I’ve just begun restoration of a 1965 Valiant Signet Convertible. It has a 4 speed manual and 8 3/4 rear. At present it has a 225 slant six from a newer vehicle (1973). I’m building a 318 to replace it. My main concern at this early stage is the frame for the convertible top. All components are in good shape except for the rearmost bow. It’s rusted through on both sides and is completely unusable. I found another car for potential parts. The condition of that particular piece was exactly the same…garbage.
I’ve casually looked for convertible top frame parts, but feel like this segment might be hard to come by individually. I think a completely intact and usable frame would likely be attached to a higher quality restorable car (which I don’t need). Does anyone have any ideas what might be the best path to travel to find something I could use?
I’ve already taken the entire top off of my car, but I have a photo of the parts car that shows the exact issue. Thanks all for any insight

View attachment 1716526871

View attachment 1716526872

Have you tried a Parts Wanted ad here? Noone repops those parts so used is your only choice.

 

[Mr. Wolfie]

Dm sent.