61 hardtop side brackets
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 560
Likes: 2
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
61 hardtop side brackets
How critical are they? I just purchased a hardtop for the 61 and it is missing the side brackets (which I have ordered from Paragon).
Would I be risking the imminent destruction or significant damage of the hardtop by using it without the side brackets installed?
Also, the rivets for those brackets look like they could be a major PITA to install. Since I only care about function and not originality, is there any FUNCTIONAL reason not to just use appropriately sized pop rivets?
Thanks!
DT
Would I be risking the imminent destruction or significant damage of the hardtop by using it without the side brackets installed?
Also, the rivets for those brackets look like they could be a major PITA to install. Since I only care about function and not originality, is there any FUNCTIONAL reason not to just use appropriately sized pop rivets?
Thanks!
DT
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,470
Likes: 1,548
From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
I used #8-32 machine screws and acorn nuts. the acorn nuts go on the passenger compartment side.
I cannot recall if i used truss head screws, or flat head screws and countersunk them, or what, as all i can see now is the acorn nuts.
Doug
I cannot recall if i used truss head screws, or flat head screws and countersunk them, or what, as all i can see now is the acorn nuts.
Doug
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 560
Likes: 2
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
Thanks Doug, I might try that.
How does the side bracket attach in the car? Looking at the area behind the door jam I can see a reinforced landing in what I think is the correct area but no provision for any fastener. Is there just a rubber bumper that inserts into the side bracket that makes a friction fit onto the landing? I didn't see any rubber pieces on Paragon except for a couple small dougnuts which I ordered.
DT
How does the side bracket attach in the car? Looking at the area behind the door jam I can see a reinforced landing in what I think is the correct area but no provision for any fastener. Is there just a rubber bumper that inserts into the side bracket that makes a friction fit onto the landing? I didn't see any rubber pieces on Paragon except for a couple small dougnuts which I ordered.
DT
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,470
Likes: 1,548
From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
There is a chromed threaded insert with nut that goes in the recess, for the mounting bolts to screw into. You obviously have to drill two holes.
Doug
Doug
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,901
Likes: 751
From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
the side brackets are not necessary, but are nice to have; just 2 more bolts to install/remove if you take the top on/off.
no damage to the car/top if you don't use them.
Bill
no damage to the car/top if you don't use them.
Bill
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Michael S. Palmer
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Jarrettsville Maryland
I had the same problem with my hardtop when I bought it. The person that installed the hardtop on my car drilled the proper holes in the deck lid and happened to have another hardtop 61 in the shop to use for measurements for the side bracket mounting holes. I bought the side brackets from corvette central and attached them to the hardtop with sheet metal screws. Had to drill out the bracket holes for the screws to fit through, but they worked great!
Of course, post pics once it's installed!
Of course, post pics once it's installed!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 102
From: Toms River New Jersey
brackets
The pop rivets will work fine. If you then want to go crazy take the chrome plated rivets and cut the heads off. Then epoxy them over the pop rivet head. Just makes it look nicer. Rich
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 560
Likes: 2
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
Thanks guys! As long as there is no risk of damage to the top I think I will use it for a while without the side mounts - plenty of more pressing jobs in the queue.
I got lucky (I think) on the color and its one of the three that I consider usable on my car without an immediate respray required - black (the other two being white and silver). Other than the missing mounts the top is in really nice condition with good plexi, stainless and paint, and what on first look appears to be a perfect headliner. Once its cleaned up and mounted I'll take some pics and solicit opinions regarding a respray (have a dumb idea for a fourth color).
Thanks again! You guys are the best!
DT
I got lucky (I think) on the color and its one of the three that I consider usable on my car without an immediate respray required - black (the other two being white and silver). Other than the missing mounts the top is in really nice condition with good plexi, stainless and paint, and what on first look appears to be a perfect headliner. Once its cleaned up and mounted I'll take some pics and solicit opinions regarding a respray (have a dumb idea for a fourth color).
Thanks again! You guys are the best!
DT