1959-1960 Hardtop difference
07-22-2012, 07:03 PM
#2
Safety Car
No. 56 is different on the front. 56-early 57 have no screw holes on the side interior stainless. 56-58 has a three-piece rear bow stainless and a pair of y-moldings along with Headliner differences. 59-60 are identical. 61-62 are alike, and have only white headliners.
07-22-2012, 09:33 PM
#3
Pro
Hardtop
The previous answer is wrong !!,,1960 hardtop is all by itself !! 59 also has the Y mouldings on the sides,,1960 has two long wrap around mouldings at the bottom that meet in the center of the car
09-29-2012, 11:47 AM
#4
Drifting
Member Since: Aug 2004
Location: Galveston & Belton Texas
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This may be a little late based on date of your post but this is my understanding of hardtop differences. According to the NCRS 58-60TIM/JG, 58L-60 tops are identical with the following exceptions:
-Early 59 (thru Oct 58), would have different side and center rear mounting holddown brackets versus later tops . Later 59-60 are identical with the exception of headliner color choices.
The difference during the very early design change is somewhat complicated and very subtle and I suspect some folks can dispute (I question myself). I can tell you that no 59 or 60 had "Y" side exterior clips. In fact (according to NCRS), it appears that the "Y" clip was eliminated around 58 vin 6400. Consequently, your top to be correct would have on the lower outside for trim, two long curved SS sections and a center rear SS Clip. The side bracket style is a mute point unless you are going to have your car judged and it is this very, very early 59 period.
-Early 59 (thru Oct 58), would have different side and center rear mounting holddown brackets versus later tops . Later 59-60 are identical with the exception of headliner color choices.
The difference during the very early design change is somewhat complicated and very subtle and I suspect some folks can dispute (I question myself). I can tell you that no 59 or 60 had "Y" side exterior clips. In fact (according to NCRS), it appears that the "Y" clip was eliminated around 58 vin 6400. Consequently, your top to be correct would have on the lower outside for trim, two long curved SS sections and a center rear SS Clip. The side bracket style is a mute point unless you are going to have your car judged and it is this very, very early 59 period.