I am ready to tackle the removal of the old top and clean up of the frame before getting a new top installed. The top assembly is out of the car on a stand and I unzipped the rear window part to start. It seems like there may be a critical measurement between certain bows that matter to the installer for the new top. Before I go wild with the staple remover, can someone advise if I need to measure something first to avoid grief later? I saw nothing specific in the FSM.

The key measurement is the rear bow height. Measure from the top of the chrome trim on the center of the Dutchman panel to the bottom of the rear bow. That is the base setting for top installations. There are reference books out there that installers use but can't hurt to have your old measurement.

I was afraid you were going to say that. I can't measure that dimension directly because the top assembly had been removed from the car before I got it. I was able to measure the distance to the next bow as well as the distance from the rear bow to the bolted-in staple strip, as the old top was still on the frame. I hope this is enough to install a new top properly. Thanks.

you aren't going to install the top on the "bench" are you ?

LOL! No, I am cleaning off the old glue and repainting the frame. I will mount it to the car before getting the top installed. Now I have to find a top installer.

you had me wondering there ! per chance did you look in the FSM to see if any dimensions were shown ?

The top frame is back on and powers up and down really well. The top replacement section of the FSM is pretty cursory with no specific dimensions. I am learning a lot more watching videos online. If anyone knows where to find these critical dimensions, please advise.