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Old 03-19-2009, 03:52 PM
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ren
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Default Hardtop vendors

I'm considering getting a hardtop for my 63. I've unsuccessfully bid on a few on ebay. Those that I bid on would need almost complete restoration. Has anyone ever purchased or seen a top that came from "SmoothLine" or "Cranes"?
Old 03-19-2009, 07:07 PM
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Just curious......Why would you want the hard top? It scratches the heck out of the paint on your rear deck when it is on the car (or at least it did on mine). I am getting a new paint job so I don't ever plan on putting it back on. I am actually just hanging onto it for re-sale value down the road.

Bob
Old 03-19-2009, 07:48 PM
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I saw one en ebay earlier today. Check item number 270356485146.
Old 03-19-2009, 08:46 PM
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macs65
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Originally Posted by ren
I'm considering getting a hardtop for my 63. I've unsuccessfully bid on a few on ebay. Those that I bid on would need almost complete restoration. Has anyone ever purchased or seen a top that came from "SmoothLine" or "Cranes"?
I rebuilt my top in 2006, picked up a rear window at
"The Hardtop Shop" in PA. They had a large inventory of C1 and C2 tops. They appeared to be very knowlegable. At that time I beleive that a C2 top was in the $3500.00 range. They do have a very good web site. Not familiar with the two names you provided.
Old 03-19-2009, 08:53 PM
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muncieman
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Originally Posted by macs65
I rebuilt my top in 2006, picked up a rear window at
"The Hardtop Shop" in PA. They had a large inventory of C1 and C2 tops. They appeared to be very knowlegable. At that time I beleive that a C2 top was in the $3500.00 range. They do have a very good web site. Not familiar with the two names you provided.
These guys restored the 62 hardtop, flawless work, thing looks new.
Old 03-19-2009, 09:42 PM
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Hitch
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Originally Posted by Gl*******
Just curious......Why would you want the hard top? It scratches the heck out of the paint on your rear deck when it is on the car (or at least it did on mine). I am getting a new paint job so I don't ever plan on putting it back on. I am actually just hanging onto it for re-sale value down the road.

Bob
I really like my hardtop.. It's been on the car for about two years now...

To the OP the best place to find a hard top is as close to your location as you can. Pay as little as you can for a complete top as you will most likely have to replace the headliner, rear window and the weather stripping. Make sure that you have the rest though as it can get expensive purchasing interior and exterior molding.
Old 03-19-2009, 09:59 PM
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Glasshole
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Originally Posted by Hitch
I really like my hardtop.. It's been on the car for about two years now...

To the OP the best place to find a hard top is as close to your location as you can. Pay as little as you can for a complete top as you will most likely have to replace the headliner, rear window and the weather stripping. Make sure that you have the rest though as it can get expensive purchasing interior and exterior molding.
Well if you leave it on all the time I guess it won't make a difference what it does to the rear deck however when you do decide to take it off you will probably see what I mean...... I had the same problem with my brand new 02 T-Bird that had the removable hard top.

Cheers,

Bob
Old 03-19-2009, 10:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Gl*******
Well if you leave it on all the time I guess it won't make a difference what it does to the rear deck however when you do decide to take it off you will probably see what I mean...... I had the same problem with my brand new 02 T-Bird that had the removable hard top.

Cheers,

Bob
if you put the plastic strips on the deck lid between the hardtop and the deck lid you won't have that problem.
Bill
Old 03-19-2009, 10:15 PM
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most vette vendors have a clear film that you apply to the deck lid to protect the paint, whether your using the hardtop or the softtop .. Glassworks restored my top and shipping wasn't an issue .. they did a wonderful job ..

http://www.thehardtopshop.com/
Old 03-19-2009, 11:26 PM
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...a member has a '67 H/T "for sale" currently in the C1,2 "Parts" section; does it fit a '63?
Old 03-20-2009, 08:19 AM
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ren
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I really like the way that a mid-year looks with a hardtop. Thanks for the replies. I'll check out ebay and the hardtop shop. Someone also recommeded that I wait til Aug. and try Carlisle.
Old 03-20-2009, 08:33 AM
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Originally Posted by wmf62
if you put the plastic strips on the deck lid between the hardtop and the deck lid you won't have that problem.
Bill
That's what I use. I love the look of the hardtops on my 61 and 65. Changes the look of the car. I use the hardtops from October to April. Spring is here and time for some open air cruising
Old 03-20-2009, 08:38 AM
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I'm rethinking running with the top up (soft top for me though). Since I've put it up running around Orlando more than one gal has felt compelled to lean in the passenger window to comment on my car and well ... they wear low-cut tops in Florida....

Geez - I'm really getting to be an old perv....
Old 03-20-2009, 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by capevettes
That's what I use. I love the look of the hardtops on my 61 and 65. Changes the look of the car. I use the hardtops from October to April. Spring is here and time for some open air cruising
i prefer the look of a hardtop too. more headroom than a convertible top, and keeps the a/c in better...







Bill
Old 03-20-2009, 07:07 PM
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Dave K.
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I just can't imagine my '62 without the hardtop. I like it's look, when I want a top on it.

Geez - I'm really getting to be an old perv....[/QUOTE]

I have always been a perv.......I am just getting old.
Old 03-20-2009, 07:32 PM
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Default 62 topper

Bill,

That 62 looks soooo good with that hardtop!
Old 03-20-2009, 09:07 PM
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Ren, I have a Parrish Plastics (Smoothline) top that was on my 67 that is in great shape if you are interested, I also have a Corvette HT that I would get rid of. Let me know if you have any interest.
Jeff

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Old 03-20-2009, 09:10 PM
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ren
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Could you provide pictures?
Old 03-22-2009, 10:23 PM
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Yes, I was away but I'll get some to you Monday. Thanks Jeff
Old 03-23-2009, 12:58 AM
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Loren Smith
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Glassworks came out and put on a great show at our local NCRS chapter just a couple of weeks ago. Probably makes more financial sense to buy one outright from them, than overpay for one needing restoration and then pay for the restoration.


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