PRE-1955 INSTALLATION GUIDES

MANY OF OUR “OLD TYME” PATTERNS WERE DEVELOPED IN ARO Mfg  CO’s IN-HOUSE TRIM SHOP – OFTEN BEING THE FIRST REPLACEMENT TOP. THESE WERE PATTERNED AS THE ORIGINAL TOPS WERE DESIGNED, LONG BEFORE MULTIPLE TOPS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON YOUR CAR. THERE WERE NEVER ANY TRUE DEALER SERVICE MANUALS TO USE FOR TROUBLESHOOTING or INSTALLATION ASSISTANCE UNTIL SOME FACTORIES OF LATE 1955 MODELS STARTED THE TREND TO HELP THEIR DEALER NETWORKS REPAIR OR ADJUST ISSUES.

AS TIME PASSED, OFTEN A CUSTOMER WOULD REQUEST A “MODERNIZATION” OR UPGRADE FROM THE OLD STYLE IN THE EARLY 1950’s;

1)   Upgrade from BLANK or solid rear curtain with small glass with metal frames to later “Eisen glass” or clear vinyl window

2)   Higher rear bow height for better visibility

3)   Wide open viewing with matching trim on the bottom versus full material curtain

4)   Slightly different styling to make it appear more “modern”.

Sorry, but our Old Tyme patterns are just that – as originally designed. Without the availability for TRUE Dealer Service Manuals we recommend having a PROFESSIONAL INSTALLER perform the job. Installation procedures are not so different from model to model or over the years.

After 6-7 decades, multiple tops of questionable fabrication and normal wear and tear need knowledgeable installers to oversee the installation. They are familiar with how top frames work, knowing where to look for worn pivot points and where necessary adjustments can be made. They understand the wear and tear of roll-up windows to the frame, rubber weather seals as well as necessary adjustments/repairs to the window mechanisms themselves.

THESE ARE NOT "ONE SIZE FITS ALL".

A TYPICAL INSTALLATION BY A PROFESSIONAL MIGHT TAKE 10-12 HOURS, or WHAT THEY ACCESS FROM EXAMINING YOUR JOB. NOVICES COULDTAKE A "LONG" WEEKEND , OR MULTIPLE WEEKENDS WORKING SLOW.

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE.

As a professional installer since 1969 with over 3000 installations personally performed - I have had the opportunity to experience models of all eras.

I offer installation guides (when possible) free of charge.

Putt Georgi, owner