New mbr/69 torino conv lift arms cracked

As far as the car goes, floor/trunk pans were previously replaced, and the rear 1/4 panels/wheelhouses have been repaired. The drive train is in really good shape, dash/electrical all works but needs a new top, exterior paint job and the entire interior needs refurb. I have 99% of the original parts (mostly in boxes) that will just take time a patience to straighten, clean and and/or re-chrome/re-paint before assembly. 

The only parts that I'm not sure I can refurb is the aluminum convertible top lift arms that are heavily corroded and cracked where the cable assist spring is mounted. These arms act as part of the top frame and as part of small side window channel. Additionally, the original two spoke steering wheel center pad is badly warped.  

Does anyone know an aftermarket source or individual that might have new/good used replacements for these items?

Thanks all in advance for any repair advice/references anyone can provide.

v/r

in getting started with this build I'm just stoked with this car... Does anyone have any advice for a good product to stop internal panel/wheelhouse rust without a complete car teardown and acid bath or media blast? Previous body work completed looks really good with lower quarter panel sheet metal and lower wheelhouses sheet metal replaced/patched. I plan on making this car a driver for pleasure and not a show car but want to stop as much rust as I can without causing any petroleum base type products that could bleed through into previous repairs? I do plan on pulling any all parts off that I can to media blast and paint/recondition and/or should, I cut the rear quarters out now and replace them before paint? I've seen worse quarter panel repairs and rust and I just hate to cut out all the previous body work for the expense involved if I don't have to.

Hello.

I have a complete top removed from a 1969 Montego MX vert.

It is the complete top mechanism, it is 100% operational and in good order.

I also have the complete wiring harness, switch, pump and most of the vert specific items.

There is no way I will separate the specific items you are asking for from this top, but I will sell the unit complete for $300.

I live in MA, and the item would need to be shipped freight.

If you wanted the pump (bench tested good), and the rest of the wiring I would add it in for cheap.

Thanks, Mike Howard.

How did you get on with your lift arms?

I have a 70 vert that needs a full restoration, and the lift arms have cracked and been welded and cracked again. I am looking to make two new ones but I am worried that I will get the holes for the pins slightly out of place.

Do you get any made?

Cheers

Paul

i recently bought a 68 GT 390 convert with the broken arms.  i got the car at a very low price so i had the arms welded back together and 3D scanned.  they are currently being machined on a 5-axis C&C mill out of billet 7050 aluminum and am told they will be 4 times as strong as the originals.

 

This single item purchase is expensive, will cost me $4800 for those arms.  i have since had them priced by this company and a couple in china in 20, and 50 set quantities, and can get the cost down closer to $2000 to 2400.

Also working on a sand casting company that could get the cost lower.

if anyone is interested in getting their top working again, please connect.

those arms lasted 50 years on most cars with no maintenance.  if they had been serviced like we do our engine oil, and used white lithium grease at the bearings and joints every 10 years, and replace the hydraulic cylinders every 20 years they probably would never have broken.

regarding the diecast arms in the 66-71 Torino, Fairlane and Montego convertibles, they are not available anywhere. Most of them break because no one greases the bushing every 5 or so years.

i am a new member in late 2025.

i bought a 68 Torino convertible last September with the broken arms.  i welded the arms back together, and them 3D scanned and then milled out of billet aluminum.  they are not cheap but are 4 times stronger than the originals.  have found or modified all of the nylon bushings needed, and made some of the custom fasteners that needed replacing.  got it all figured out, and now have a nice operating top.

if anyone is interested in where to get these arms give me a call or text 925-366-8400 and will put you in touch with the machine shop.  Dave

I tried to add a video, but can't figure that out.  First picture is of the old broken arms welded back together for scanning and the new arms that were milled out of 7050 aircraft aluminum billet.

The other three pictures are of the new arm installed in the top frame.  The canvas top installer has ordered the new top and it will be installed in a couple of weeks.

rr