Hi On my 1989 Camaro IROC Z, "ASC" , GM factory authorized, Convertible, the second bow (from front) sags down with the top up. It does not hold the fabric up, taunt, like the 3 RD and 4 TH bows.

It appears to have been built without ever having right side "Flip Rods". Evidenced by the lack of drilled holes, to mount the Flip Rods to. Please see attached photos and opine. I always wondered why the top required so much effort to raise up and down. But I never forced it! Is this top correct for my 1989? It is not lined with a headliner.

I suppose I will need to buy the aftermarket rods, and drill and tap some holes? Ever seen one built like this? Thanks.

 

MODS Please delete this post

 

Right side no holes drilled for flip rods

 

My 89 has flip rods, but your one fliprod looks vastly different from the ones I've seen. It's possible someone repaired it at ASC or afterward.
What do your latches look like?

 

Do these photos show enough or shall I post a top open photo? The fabrics is more than shot, this is an in progress restoration I am doing.

 

That's fine, I thought maybe you might have the early type latches, but they're the same as mine.
Someone in the other thread mentioned the early type frames don't have the flip rods, but the latches on those frame are much larger. Yours are much smaller, like mine.

I've never seen a flip rod like the one you have, but ASC did many other GM and other car brands. I'm wondering if they mixed and matched, so to speak. It's possible you could buy the flip rods and update it by drilling like you said. I'd be tempted to try that if the top is somewhat difficult to raise/lower.

Maybe somebody here with more knowledge will chime in. I can't tell from my phone screen if the round bar that the one flip rod is attached to is threaded on the bow side. Both of mine are.

 

I guess when I am ready to install a new top, I will look into aftermarket Flip Rods and install them. Top Down Solutions(TDS) I presume?

Yes, the top is difficult, to the point where my wife could not raise and lower it. (However the top on her 2005 Toyota Camry Solara Vert, is fully electric, except for the latches)!

Thanks folks. Anyone else ?

 

I meant where the rod attaches to the bow (arrow). Yours doesn't appear to have threads there. What it does if i adjust it, IDK. I noticed your flip rod attaches farther forward than mine. Length looks about the same. Maybe Lon (TDS) will have some insight.

 

This photo shows how the top sags down, at the second bow. I am hoping to correct this with new Flip Rods, and a new top fabric.

 

Good catch, 841LE!

I will check and advise later!


TDS Representative, please drop it to this thread. Looks like I am going to need some top frame parts!

Thanks, all.

 

Both (left side, right side) round bars are welded to the flat rod.

 

Welded... i wonder if it was damaged at one point and welded/repaired. I noticed too your bow doesn't reach the rail above the weather strip. Does the end of the bow stop without touching the rail or is that just the pic.
On mine it seems a bit longer with a slight bend. So many variations, if that is not a repair.

The other end of the round bar is hinged with a pin (bad pic).

 

My flip rods are not compatible with your convertible top frame.

Lon Salgren
Top-Down Solutions

 

Thanks all! My car's production date is 12/88, not too early in the typical August to August run. I guess when I replace the top, I will just have to check everything for straightness/incorrect bends and lube it up.

 

My ‘91 is the same. Only a single flip rod on the drivers side and no provision for on on the passenger side. The single is not tubular as well

 

Does you second bow(from front) fail to stand up and hold the fabric taut? Like in my photos.

 

It seems to function just fine. It will stand up and keep the fabric taught (granted it has a replaced top on it). But yes, was always curious why I had only 1 flip rod and no provision for one on the other side. Sounds like I’m not the only one…

 

How about a photo of your top, up. I'd like to compare my and your 2ND bow positions. When I replace the top, I will try to find a way to make the 2ND bow "Stand Tall"!

 

I wouldn’t say mine stands tall. It’s more even, but no sag at all. Sorry, I don’t have any other inside frame pics at the moment.

 

Nice looking Camaro! It will be a while before i get to top replacement. If your get any more inside and / or side view outsides, please post them. My IROC Z Vert need quite a bit of work. Thanks.

 

Hey, I have an 89 vert RS and my frame is the exact same as yours, no flip rods on the right side. The reason I found this is because my driver side flip rod broke and can't find one anywhere.

 

You can purchase new flip rods from Top Down Solutions!!!

 

Op saying thank you for your response.

 

I don't think those flip rods are compatible with my top. I guess I can try to make it work.

 

OP , here...The top on my 1989 IROC Z , "LEFT SIDE ONLY FLIP ROD", Vert has needed a new top, since I bought it. Just how good/bad will a NEW, fabric top look, when it is installed? Is it gonna sag down, at the second bow?