Spowell637

Would someone please explain the proper removal of the hardtop from a 1966 Roadster? The photos in the owners manual are badly faded.

thanks in advance.

kenba

Same way you take the convertible top off. Unlatch unbolt & remove. Hard to believe if you own a Corvette you need help on how to remove the hardtop. just saying. GOOD LUCK

Spowell637

My first c2 , a recent purchase. I've never had the hardtop off meaning I've never used the convertible top. But thanks for your help

dcamick

You have to "Lighten Up"!!!

Spowell637

Meant no disrespect. But since you replied, let me explain exactly what I don't under stand. I understand unlatching the front and removing the two 'side bolts".
where are the rest of the bolts located. Thanks for listening.

dcamick

Your going to end up with some paint marks that might not rub out....I would get some help removing to top unless you have rigged up a nice little hand hoist to pull that top up off your vette. What I do when replacing the HT is put down some 1" painters tape to help save your paint. They have a protective film you can purchase from a Corvette Parts retailer that might do the same thing...............

From what I remember from My Dad's 66..... the rear bolts or lugs go down into the existing jams (Latch holes) on the back deck.....Someone else may remember more than I do!!!!

Nowhere Man

Undo the latch’s under the sun visors. Open the deck lid up and then remove the two nuts under the back window of the hard top. Lower the deck lid and latch it. Then remove the two bolts on the side. With two people lift straight up and walk it behind the car.

After38Years

What may not be obvious is that there are two small diameter bolts in the rear of the HT below the trim band. They are very difficult to reach with the convertible top in place unless you have small hands and able to do some contortions. As Nowhere Man says, you can pivot the whole assembly of the deck lid and HT up and with the help of a friend, remove the nuts, then pivot back down to remove the side bolts where the HT bolts to the decklid.

Spowell637

Thanks so much to everyone for your responses!

Mike67nv

In case you get ambitious or just want to be able to take your top off and on by yourself, here's a thread I started about a year ago. It has worked great for me.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...top-hoist.html

warrenmj

I never thought of lifting the deck lid to remove the 2 window bolts and I’ve never heard anyone mention it before. I’ve been putting my HT on in the fall and taking it off in the spring for the past 3 years, but do the contortion method. I will try this other way when I take it off this year. Brilliant

MaineDoc

With my 66 I unlatch the windshield latches and sit in the car while lifting the top up, after unlatching the back lid. I have a small piece of 4 by 4 that I wrap in a towel. I place this on top of the windshield while I undo the two bolts under the rear deck. I use a gear wrench swivel ratchet and all goes easy. I then lower the top and remove the two 1/2 inch bolts on the sides.

Railroadman

We all had a first time. For some of us it was so long ago we forget that there was a learning curve.

bbxlr8

I put mine on every fall (around Thanksgiving or so) & drive until the salt hits the roads here in PA & off in about April. I do it myself BUT I don't use the back two small deck bolts/nuts anymore (they had a small rubber end on them but will still do a number on your deck). Get help on the first removal as noted above. I also use nice furniture moving blankets on & off w/ back & front header, but any old reg blanket or big towel will help. BTW - I find I never use the soft top anymore unless I get caught out in unexpected rain.

After you see what is involved combined with your dexterity and physical shape will let you know how to proceed in the future. Those back bolts are the PIA.

Railroadman

I remember taking the top off my '67 by myself, and remember it was a handful. That was in 1968, and I would certainly not attempt that single-handed today. Like Clint Eastwood said - "A man's gotta know his limitations!"

Rob_64-365

I'm sure you can figure out the front header latches...
The yellow arrow points to the 2 side fasteners, one on each side.
The blue arrow points to a chrome ring, where 2 studs come off of the hard top, & pass thru the deck lid, where nuts are attached.
I never use mine, & I actually forgot about them until this post, but I never use my hard top.

Gavin65

That's one hell of a view out the back door

Gavin65

I don't use the rear bolts anymore a PITA to remove, just the top latches and the side bolts,

Mike67nv

I found a couple of beefy 1/4-20 wing nuts I use instead of the original nuts. They are a lot easier for me to remove and install - no need for a wrench or socket and ratchet.

Jaguarmaven

Wish I hadn't sold my 1960 orig 2 top Silver/white coves for $825.00 in 74. Remember taking off the hardtop by myself {but I was 21 back then}.

Regards,

Dan