VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1955-1957 1957 Chevy convertible top question

Hi everyone I'm new here but have a question.
First of all, let me thank you for letting me join!

My husband is helping a lady restore her 57 Chevy Convertible.

My question is this : He is supposed to install a new top onto the old frame but is not sure it's all there and/or doesn't know the measurements between the bows or how they go with the top? Does the top go over the bows after the webbing that you stretch across? How far to adjust the bows to get the top tight. There is no original top to go off of and the top she ordered has no instructions. We're at a loss Can any of you all help a girl out?
Thanks and appreciation,
Julie

Are the top bows on the car they must be installed and a lined with the body, the pads ect go on top of the bows.does she have new tension cables?
When I install a top I tape one small 2X4 peace on each top corner of the windshield and leave it there till the top is installed, when the blocks are removed the top will be tight.
I forgot to say the 2X4 blocks are placed flat side down.
Al

If you are not familiar with the measurements of a '57 top and have not done one before, I would not attempt to install the top without professional help. Getting the top material stretched and secured tightly at both ends is crucial to the proper function. The entire mechanism should be cleaned, painted, and adjusted so the head bow comes to the top of the windshield. Then aligning the side windows to match is a trick. has new rubber been added to the side rails?