Frame disassembly

[Swoff574]

Hey all,
I have a 1964 dodge dart GT convertible. I would like to remove and disassemble the convertible top frame to paint it and replace some parts from a parts car. I cannot find any information on how to disassemble the darn thing. I am hesitant to start hammering on the thing just because I don't want to destroy anything. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

 

[WV64Signet]

Not 100% sure what you're looking for, but these are a good start.

Pardon Our Interruption...

Do you mean the front and/or rear frame extensions?

 

[Darter6]

Remove the struts and lower control arm. To do that you have to remove the torsion bars. Once done split the upper ball joint form the spindle.
Also steering shaft as the steering box will remain with the K frame.(assuming the engine and transmission are removed already.)
Next remove the 4 K frame bolts while supporting it and lower the k frame from the body.
You do know that the frame rails are unitised to the floor and body thus there is no real frame removal from the rest of the body.
As far as the rear the leaf spring hangers front and rear and roll the housing, springs out from under. That's all that it takes.

 

[RAT ROD AL]

I think he's talking the Vert top frame !

@Dana67Dart HELP

 

[Swoff574]

My bad. I am trying remove the convertible top frame. I edited the question.

 

[chewy]

Hey all,
I have a 1964 dodge dart GT convertible. I would like to remove and disassemble the convertible top frame to paint it and replace some parts from a parts car. I cannot find any information on how to disassemble the darn thing. I am hesitant to start hammering on the thing just because I don't want to destroy anything. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

If I remember correctly, instructions are in the technical service manual.

I'd probably leave the springs and the ram(if electric top) in place, clean them up and mask around them. When I had a new top installed in 2002, I had to weld one of the top bows and stitch in new metal on the front bow. Plus paid for a tig weld on one of the knuckles that was cracked.

 

[1WildRT]

My experience with top frames is B & E body but I suspect it transfers to A body...

First, before removing the top look to see if there are two 1/2" alignment holes per side through the top frame side brackets & the inner structure where the frame bolts... These are supposed to allow you to remove & reinstall the top in the exact location... Typically two 1/2" rods are inserted to align the bracket, tighten the bolts & move to the other side..

The three bows are screwed to the side mechanisms removal & reinstallation is straightforward..

The front header is slotted allowing adjustment. to align with the front windshield frame... I always scribe the header before removal so it can be returned to it's original adjustment...

After that I usually glass bead everything & paint it or have everything powder coated...

At least on B & E the bushings are all bronze so powder coating doesn't hurt anything...

Accept the two rear uprights which are coated with rubber hand grips... Those I remove before powder coat & paint separately..

 

[RustyRatRod]

My bad. I am trying remove the convertible top frame. I edited the question.

I'm really glad you straightened that out. lol

 

[Darter6]

I think he's talking the Vert top frame !

My bad. I am trying remove the convertible top frame. I edited the question.

ooops !!! I was thinking different..