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Need advice on locating the holes on the deck lid for the hardtop. No windshield trim as car is stripped. So using the hardtop is nor feasible now. Deck lid is removed. Is there a template?
Here's the last page of the Dow Smith C2 Hardtop Assy Manual. You will need to drill two 1/2" holes in the deck lid. I checked the location of my holes with this diagram. The holes are 15-1/2" outward toward each fender from the center body peak line. It doesn't show it on here but they are 9-3/8" forward of the deck lid rear edge. You will also need to drill two 1/2" holes in the front inside of the deck lid ears (View C). Bill
Last edited by NightshiftHD; 03-29-2017 at 12:48 AM.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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I remember when I added the HT to my 66 that it was all together, not apart like yours. That way you just clamp the front one like normal, push down the top a little to seat the weatherstripping around the back and drill the two holes on the inside at each side. Easy peasy. And I used stainless bolts with wing nuts to fasten each side so I could do it with no wrenches.
Last edited by Kerrmudgeon; 10-20-2019 at 02:40 AM.
Here's the last page of the Dow Smith C2 Hardtop Assy Manual. You will need to drill two 1/2" holes in the deck lid. I checked the location of my holes with this diagram. The holes are 15-1/2" outward toward each fender from the center body peak line. It doesn't show it on here but they are 9-3/8" forward of the deck lid rear edge. You will also need to drill two 1/2" holes in the front inside of the deck lid ears (View C). Bill
Thanks Bill! Is there any reference to the 76.5" dimension in the text. Wondering what that is referenced from?
Thanks Bill! Is there any reference to the 76.5" dimension in the text. Wondering what that is referenced from?
Sorry, I have no idea what they are referring to with that. I initially thought it was the width of the deck lid, but that measures a little under 56". But the 2 measurements I gave you are where the rear window bolts go thru. Cheers, Bill
I remember when I added the HT to my 66 that it was all together, not apart like yours. That way you just clamp the front one like normal, push down the top a little to seat the weatherstripping around the back and drill the two holes on the inside at each side. Easy peasy. And I used stainless bolts with wing nuts to fasten each side so I could do it with no wrenches.
Ya, that's the best way to position where the side holes go.
Last edited by NightshiftHD; 03-29-2017 at 09:10 AM.
Mine was a two top car (minus the HT which I re-added so I did not have to deal with your issue).
However, my 2c is that I would be really reluctant to do this w/out a final fit due to variances/tolerances - esp deck lid fit. I understand why you would want to at this stage though. Shouldn't be a too big of deal drilling post paint & assembly if you are careful.
From the 1966 Chassis Service Manual (ST72), this was the Chevy service way. Requires assembled deck lid assembly, at minimum. Note the hole centers are found by transferring witness marks from the individual hardtop to be used -- not from a drawing that likely represents typical, toleranced hard top locations.
Need advice on locating the holes on the deck lid for the hardtop. No windshield trim as car is stripped. So using the hardtop is nor feasible now. Deck lid is removed. Is there a template?
If you check ebay or craigs list you can buy a (OEM) rear deck lid with holes already in it for less than $500. Then you just paint your color and mount it. Then save the original lid for future. That is what I did on mine. Fit perfect. I just checked Ebay and there are several available - just put C2 Corvette rear deck lid in ebay search.
If you check ebay or craigs list you can buy a (OEM) rear deck lid with holes already in it for less than $500. Then you just paint your color and mount it. Then save the original lid for future. That is what I did on mine. Fit perfect. I just checked Ebay and there are several available - just put C2 Corvette rear deck lid in ebay search.
Great if you want to go backwards for your own piece of mind down the road.
IF you are looking to add the HT & use it (I do from Nov- Apr here) - why worry about the theoretical next guy & cost? The stock "button" fillers & bolts do not detract that much IMO.
03-28-2017, 10:09 PM
Adding a hardtop to a C2 ragtop only.
