I was finally able to get a good hardtop for my 73 vert and have a couple of questions on the rear mounting points.

My top came with the rear, center mounting bolt (bracket and bolt). I thought this was for the 68s only, correct?

Also, I understand that bolts are used in the rear corners to attach to the holes used for the convertible top. Doc Rebuild has a pretty confusing array of parts for this application. Anyone have a diagram on what/how this mounting works?

Last, is the only year identifier (date code) the one on the glass?

 

My understanding is the 2 bolt mounting in the rear is for '68 only. Everything after that has the center bolt.

As far as your car goes, if it has 2 rear holes it was a non-hardtop car, 3 holes and it was built with a hradtop....IIRC

My hardtop is chalked with a date under the headliner.

 

That makes sense. Is there any difference in the hardware used for the side holes if you also use the soft top? That's really what I'd like to be able to do.

 

68 had the 2 rear only.......2 points in the front, and most (some early did not) had the 2 side bolts that mount to the inside of the deck lid (very important). Later years added the center mount.

Also, the glass is date coded and usually, a faint marker date is also visible on the underside of the top itself if you take the headliner out. As far as the bolts go, most 68's could NOT uses these as the receivers are different. Later years (even late 68') could, but the convertible pins will still work (the bolt method is a little sturdier). The bolts and retainers are readily available throught the major suppliers and they usually have the diagrams. You need the bolt, a retainer bracket, lock washer and nut (I think that's all?). Good luck, john

 

The center bolt wasn't added until sometime during the '69 model year. My '69 vert does not have the center hole and it's a February '69 build car. I don't know if there's any source which has a definitive date for it being added, but it has to be after February of '69.

 

I have '72 Vert that does not have the centre hole in the body. Also the hard top also does not have a bolt in the center. The hard top is not original to the car I believe because the glass is dated '69.
If I understand correctly what is being said, my car was not originally fitted for a hard top ???

 

Without a center hole in the rear deck I would say your car did not come from the factory with a hardtop.

 

Anyone have a pic of the original center hole and plate?