68 vs 69 Hardtop Changes???
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Mt Airy MD
68 vs 69 Hardtop Changes???
I've read there are different pins for the 68 removable hardtop and the 69 model year. I just purchased a top from a 71 that I plan to use on my 69 that I believe was built in June of 69. My rear deck lid does not have a hole to accept a pin in the center of the lid. Is this due to midyear changes on the 69 or do I possibly have the incorrect deck lid? Are the parts readily available to make any necessary changes to the pins on the top? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 1
From: Westminster Maryland
I think you have the wrong decklid. I bought a ? year hardtop, it has no center pin, fits my 68. I have never heard of a center pin on these. I may be wrong and learn something here, but that's my opinion. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
I have a '69 vert and the rear deck has no center hole. My car has a February build date so the change to the center hole came sometime after that.
You can very easily drill out the rivets that hold the center pin on the hardtop. That's far easier than trying to modify or replace your rear deck.
Also...the easy way to identify an original '68 hardtop is that it doesn't come with the stainless tips on the right and left rear. The metal tips were standard after that.
You can very easily drill out the rivets that hold the center pin on the hardtop. That's far easier than trying to modify or replace your rear deck.
Also...the easy way to identify an original '68 hardtop is that it doesn't come with the stainless tips on the right and left rear. The metal tips were standard after that.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: Liberty Missouri
I am sure someone will chime in here that knows for sure, but I have a ’69 and it only has the two spots for the pins. What I understand that means is that it was not “sold” with the hard top only the soft top. I don’t think it means you have the wrong lid. As for parts I believe I have seen most of the parts on Zip’s website.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
The AIM shows the center pin "REAR CENTER TOP ATTACHMENT" page J 331. It is unclear from the notes just when the center pin was added. There is a ferrule for the hole in the deck lid, but you rarely see them on cars with the hard tops off.
I can scan and post the page if you would like (would do it now, but this computer I'm on doesn't have a scanner attached).
Cheers,
Pete
I can scan and post the page if you would like (would do it now, but this computer I'm on doesn't have a scanner attached).
Cheers,
Pete
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Mt Airy MD
Sounds like the consensus is that 68 had no pin and 69 and later had the pin but it was a factory option and the receiver in the deck lid was factory installed. Anyone have the top without the center pin (69 or later) that can speak to how well the top fits? Is there any movement, vibration, gapping in the center, etc? I'd have to believe GM added the pin for some useful reason and would like to be sure before removing it from the top. Thanks for the feedback everyone.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,712
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From: Tampa FL
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Marietta Ga.
I am sure someone will chime in here that knows for sure, but I have a ’69 and it only has the two spots for the pins. What I understand that means is that it was not “sold” with the hard top only the soft top. I don’t think it means you have the wrong lid. As for parts I believe I have seen most of the parts on Zip’s website.
That's what I have heard. Center hole when hardtop came with car , none when only a softop.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
I have the original invoice and original window sticker for my '69 and it came from the factory with both the soft and removable hardtop and does not have the center mounting hole.
My understanding is that the center mounting hole was added due to sealing problems and water getting in. The center bolt was to make for a better weather seal. I don't know that for a fact but it's what I've been led to believe.
My understanding is that the center mounting hole was added due to sealing problems and water getting in. The center bolt was to make for a better weather seal. I don't know that for a fact but it's what I've been led to believe.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Eden Prairie MN
Somewhere, after '68 is all I know, the center pin was added for sealing issues. My first '68 that came with a factory hardtop, (bought in '71) didn't have this pin, nor did my '69 (bought in '72). I repurchased my '68 a few years ago but the top was missing, and the date coded ('71) top I bought for it had the pin.Easy solution-remove the pin, don't drill the lid.
Rand
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Burning Brakes
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I have the original invoice and original window sticker for my '69 and it came from the factory with both the soft and removable hardtop and does not have the center mounting hole.
My understanding is that the center mounting hole was added due to sealing problems and water getting in. The center bolt was to make for a better weather seal. I don't know that for a fact but it's what I've been led to believe.
My understanding is that the center mounting hole was added due to sealing problems and water getting in. The center bolt was to make for a better weather seal. I don't know that for a fact but it's what I've been led to believe.
same story on my 68'
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I have a early and a late '68 and neither has the center pin.. I bought a hard top at a swap meet a while ago and the top had a center pin.. Removed it in order to use it on my car..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Tampa Florida
My '71 has the hole for the center pin, which in my case is a long bolt that goes thru the hole and has a washer and nut to hold it down. The bolt can be removed by removing the plastic window trim first, then pull the bolt out, then it can be used on a vert. with no hole.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
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From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
My '71 has the hole for the center pin, which in my case is a long bolt that goes thru the hole and has a washer and nut to hold it down. The bolt can be removed by removing the plastic window trim first, then pull the bolt out, then it can be used on a vert. with no hole.