68-69 hardtop question
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
I put pins (like the convertible soft top) in the back like this:
But I would never rely on those pins alone, along with the front latches to keep the hardtop on. I always make sure I screw in the bolts through the tabs on the hardtop (on the left side of the above picture) that go into the side of the car here:
But I would never rely on those pins alone, along with the front latches to keep the hardtop on. I always make sure I screw in the bolts through the tabs on the hardtop (on the left side of the above picture) that go into the side of the car here:
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,325
Likes: 359
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
I put pins (like the convertible soft top) in the back like this:
But I would never rely on those pins alone, along with the front latches to keep the hardtop on. I always make sure I screw in the bolts through the tabs on the hardtop (on the left side of the above picture) that go into the side of the car here:
But I would never rely on those pins alone, along with the front latches to keep the hardtop on. I always make sure I screw in the bolts through the tabs on the hardtop (on the left side of the above picture) that go into the side of the car here:
On another side note, 68's had a unique rear latch. You MUST use the soft top pins. The bolts will not work on a 68 because the latch inside protrudes out too far unlike 69's. Also, most vendors sell a static cling vinyl or plastic thingy that goes under the rear weatherstrip that protects the finish on the deck. Sorry, off topic there.
Last edited by avalonjohn; Feb 7, 2012 at 12:07 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
GOOD ADVICE not using the rear pins alone.....in 1985, (at age 17) I took the on ramp to I-95, late as usual for school. I had just tried to install the HT the night before and never even noticed the side bolts. Well, ....yes.....it was like an f-18 ejection canopy at 80 mph! Luckily nobody was behind me. The top was recovered and damaged, and 25 yrs later was restored.
On another side note, 68's had a unique rear latch. You MUST use the soft top pins. The bolts will not work on a 68 because the latch inside protrudes out too far unlike 69's. Also, most vendors sell a static cling vinyl or plastic thingy that goes under the rear weatherstrip that protects the finish on the deck. Sorry, off topic there.
On another side note, 68's had a unique rear latch. You MUST use the soft top pins. The bolts will not work on a 68 because the latch inside protrudes out too far unlike 69's. Also, most vendors sell a static cling vinyl or plastic thingy that goes under the rear weatherstrip that protects the finish on the deck. Sorry, off topic there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
There is absolutely no way I can reach those bolts with the soft top folded under the deck lid. Question: did verts come with shoulder strap belts? I have rear mouldings made for shoulder belts to roll up into but no shoulder belt. I thought the shoulder belts were taken out, maybe I have the wrong mouldings? The shoulder belt part of the moulding is what is blocking access to the bolts I think.
My '71 has the mouldings for shoulder straps but came with just the lap belts.
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,325
Likes: 359
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
Anyhow, My guess is that the latches and holdown system were redesigned as production continued.
Last edited by avalonjohn; Feb 7, 2012 at 04:26 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 97
From: Lake Norman, NC
FWIW, according to M. Antonick's Corvette Black Book, shoulder belts were an option on all convertibles (std on all coupes), right up through 1975 when they stopped making convertibles.
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Azza
