Chloe8898

A friend was given a C-1 hardtop for his 63 Corvette as a gift but obviously, it did not fit. Now I want to make sure of the year and dimensions before putting it up for sale. Where can I find the schematic or measurements for C-1 hardtops? I was told they may differ for the '57. Please help. thank you.

wmf62

a picture would definitely help...

this will help you narrow it down; 56 - 60 have 3 hold-down bolt attachments to the rear deck lid, 61 - 62 have 2

Bill

Chloe8898

Here are some pics to help. There are 3 circular brackets along the back and single small "pins" under each window.






pin



one of three circular brackets along the back

68hemi

Which C1 hardtop do you have?
56-60 are basically the same although a 56 has a narrow stainless steel header bar across the top front while 57-62 have a wider chrome piece there.
61-62 have a ridge in the middle of the convertible top cover like the 63-67 so the bottom of the hardtop has a dip in it to fit this.

Chloe8898

I assume it's a 57 or 58. My friend had a 59 it did not fit. You can see by the first pic the SS strip across the front is quite wide.

68hemi

There is no reason it will not fit a 59 or 60.

Some times when the are stored leaning up against a wall they will spread out. When you try to mount them they seem to wide. You have to run the center bolt in about half way and then have someone on the other side of the top put pressure on it as you push the top at the side and back at the same time to get the other two bolts in. It will help if you have the front clipped into place. I encountered this recently when I bought my 57 in Feb, 2017.
Also the front top holes in the windshield frame are different. one is oblong. You put the pin in the round hole first and the oblong hole allows for movement to center the other pin.

I store my top over the car hanging on the hardtop hoist which will hopefully keep it from spreading out.

wmf62

otherwise, the only other distinguishing items are the pattern of the headliner.

is there a date code etched/burned in the lower edge of the quarter windows?

Bill

68hemi

Yes, I was going to mention that but over the years many have been changed when the hardtops get moved from one car to another. If it has original plexiglass in it, it is date coded.

Chloe8898

Thank you Bill.
There are no numbers or any distinguishing marks on the top. The corvette my friend had was sold a year ago so I have no reference for the spreading out of the frame. All I know is someone bought it for him and it did not fit. I wish I had more information. I just don't know how much to sell it for or what year it fits. Any info on those 2 questions would be very helpful. Thank you again!

wmf62

date code location on a 62 HT

Bill

wmf62

it should fit anything from 56 to 60. taking a WAG, I would guess 2 - 3K depending on overall condition and the condition of all the 'chrome pieces.

Bill

68hemi

Based on what I can see in the pictures it appears to be a pretty good driver quality top. Should be worth $2500-3000. The problem is you will likely need to find a some what local buyer as crating and shipping is expensive. I would advertise it in your local Craig's list.

Chloe8898

Here's what is etched in the window and again, thank you so much!

68hemi

116 I believe would be Nov. 1956 which means it came on a 1957 model.

Chloe8898

You are a rockstar! Thank you!

62corvette

As opposed to previous estimates of the value, because I see missing stainless trim along the bottom of the side window and along the right side of the back window, and the y-shaped piece that fits over the two, I think the values you have been given are very high. Are those missing on the other side, too? The missing molding at the center of the front header is much less expensive. Asking value can be like getting an appraisal. When you ask "what will you (seriously, cash in hand) pay for this" that number dramatically drops. If you had that top at a Corvette swap meet, you might get $1600-1800 for it. On the forum, with someone needing to pay shipping, maybe $1500-1600. The buyer always determines. The seller can only ask a price.

Chloe8898

Thank you for the info. The pics are just poor quality. All the trim pieces are there as well as the molding. It does have some cosmetic defects but it was never used on his car and was always kept covered in his garage.

Again, thank you for the response. It encouraged me to double check all the points you brought up.

68hemi

Check here for prices of missing chrome.

http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...defined&page=1

SunsetC6

And if you get a hardtop that fits really nice all the way around you my friend are a LUCKY man. None of them ever fit totally perfect. It will drive you nuts.

68hemi

When was the last time you or anyone else for that matter bought a C1 hardtop for that kind of money unless it was from an un-informed seller? Also, a few missing chrome pieces do not merit the kind of price change you indicate, you need to look at the prices if the chrome available.

As to your statement " The buyer always determines. The seller can only ask a price." untrue, the buyer can't buy something a seller won't sell. It is a matter of supply and demand. The real price will be determined by the market in the sellers geographic area as it is very unlikely it will be shipped.