1971 auxillary hardtop question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
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From: Corvetteville USA
1971 auxillary hardtop question
Can you get an auxillary hardtop for a roadster that did not come with one from the factory? If so, does it go on without modifying the vehicle at all?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Corvetteville USA
Oh thank you! An answer I like to hear. No modification to the body of the car. 
Now if you remove the pin (I assume this was for better securing the top) what keeps the top on in place? I am not a tech expert. I can just drive!
Best regards.
Now if you remove the pin (I assume this was for better securing the top) what keeps the top on in place? I am not a tech expert. I can just drive!
Best regards.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2011
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You'll need to drill two holes in the deck lid for the two bolts that secure the top. It would probably be a good idea to drill a third hole too if the top comes with the third center fastener. All the hardware to do this is available from the Corvette suppliers.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
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From: Corvetteville USA
I was hoping no drilling was needed. Gosh dern it!!!!!!!!! I just wanted to know if somehow a top can get on and secure it without modifying the body. O well!!!!!!!!!!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
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From: Charleston SC
In MHO the two rear pins (convertable mounts) and the three windshield clamps are sufficient, especially to find out if you like the top or not. If I were to use the top quite a bit, I may consider a more permanent attachment. As previously mentioned, the third pin hole (middle of rear deck) wasn't used until, I believe, late '69 or so. There will probably be a slight gap if not used. If the top you obtain has a third mount, it can be removed easily. No big deal. The 2 holes a poster mentioned that need to be drilled are located on either inner side of the forward portion of the deck lid. These are more for insurance that the top will stay on, but, in my opinion, not mandatory. The bolts shown in Paul's post are the proper way to mount the top, but I personally use the convertible pins off the soft top, the three windshield latches, recently the two side bolts and have had no problem. Have a great weekend, Bill
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Corvetteville USA
I am looking at a pedigree chrome bumper and the tank sticker doesn't have the auxillary top on the form. If I were to get this one I would hate to start drilling holes where they weren't intended. I just wanted to know if one could be added without changing anything to the corvette. It does appear it can be. If I do end up with it I will certainly let you know.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
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From: Corvetteville USA
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
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From: Cameron Park CA
Maybe this photo will help. Look to the right of the driver's headrest, you'll see the "nuts" that accept the top hold down bolts. The piece you see in the photo is a bolt that is secured by a nut behind the panel. The female hole you see is threaded. The top has small tabs in the forward side just behind the window opening. For a more finished appearance you can leave the stainless top hold down bolts in place with the top off - they are nicely finished stainless. In the photo, the bolts are not installed; I keep them with the top.
I hope this helps
Pete
I hope this helps
Pete
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
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From: Charleston SC
I'd like to know that myself! He (Paul74) had posted pics of the rear mounting pins (actually bolts with the special washers for mounting the top thru the convertible pin holes in the deck). I've seen the post somewhere and thought it was in your thread. NOT!!! I've used the search function and no luck. It's somewhere in this forum. Have a great "Great Game" day, Bill.
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
If so, does it go on without modifying the vehicle at all?
The assembly instruction manual (AIM) for any model year when the convertible was available will show the top and how it installs.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Ontario
Last edited by Paul L; Feb 3, 2013 at 10:06 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Hardtop Side Bolts
Maybe this photo will help. Look to the right of the driver's headrest, you'll see the "nuts" that accept the top hold down bolts. The piece you see in the photo is a bolt that is secured by a nut behind the panel. The female hole you see is threaded. The top has small tabs in the forward side just behind the window opening. For a more finished appearance you can leave the stainless top hold down bolts in place with the top off - they are nicely finished stainless. In the photo, the bolts are not installed; I keep them with the top.
I hope this helps
Pete
I hope this helps
Pete
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
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From: Cameron Park CA
Great pic. Thanks. I just ordered those parts. So you just drill a hole (correct diameter of course) in the side of the rear deck and insert the threaded female plug fastened by a nut on the other side. Then the hex head bolt locks the top on at those points. Looks pretty simple (famous last words!). This is going to be a real treat project in April. But I will do it.
If you have a soft top folded in addition to the hard top, you really have to open the deck lid with the hard top on it to be able to install those special square "washers" with the folded edges and the lock washers and nuts to secure the top to the deck. Those side bolts we're talking about make the top much more stable when you open the deck. I have a 2X4 piece of lumber with notches cut into both ends that I use between the windshield frame and the front of the top to hold it open while I'm securing everything. I recommend having a helper to keep the brace in place so the top doesn't come crashing down on the your back or head. That would be
.Pete
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Ontario
Paul: Thanks! You are correct, you have to drill those two holes, and insert the threaded female plug in the holes.
If you have a soft top folded in addition to the hard top, you really have to open the deck lid with the hard top on it to be able to install those special square "washers" with the folded edges and the lock washers and nuts to secure the top to the deck. Those side bolts we're talking about make the top much more stable when you open the deck. I have a 2X4 piece of lumber with notches cut into both ends that I use between the windshield frame and the front of the top to hold it open while I'm securing everything. I recommend having a helper to keep the brace in place so the top doesn't come crashing down on the your back or head. That would be.
Pete
If you have a soft top folded in addition to the hard top, you really have to open the deck lid with the hard top on it to be able to install those special square "washers" with the folded edges and the lock washers and nuts to secure the top to the deck. Those side bolts we're talking about make the top much more stable when you open the deck. I have a 2X4 piece of lumber with notches cut into both ends that I use between the windshield frame and the front of the top to hold it open while I'm securing everything. I recommend having a helper to keep the brace in place so the top doesn't come crashing down on the your back or head. That would be
.Pete
Sometimes I wonder why I even got into this hardtop thing. Except I wanted one. Everyone loves a challenge. And when they are on they sure do look good! And then you take it off for the summer. The funny thing is that it has no value when you sell. But these cars are a hobby, not investments. As I posted earlier today for the young lady with her 1973 BB, $20,000 is a bargain.
Last edited by Paul L; Mar 2, 2013 at 08:25 PM.
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 243
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From: North Georgia
Paul: Thanks! You are correct, you have to drill those two holes, and insert the threaded female plug in the holes.
If you have a soft top folded in addition to the hard top, you really have to open the deck lid with the hard top on it to be able to install those special square "washers" with the folded edges and the lock washers and nuts to secure the top to the deck. Those side bolts we're talking about make the top much more stable when you open the deck. I have a 2X4 piece of lumber with notches cut into both ends that I use between the windshield frame and the front of the top to hold it open while I'm securing everything. I recommend having a helper to keep the brace in place so the top doesn't come crashing down on the your back or head. That would be.
Pete
If you have a soft top folded in addition to the hard top, you really have to open the deck lid with the hard top on it to be able to install those special square "washers" with the folded edges and the lock washers and nuts to secure the top to the deck. Those side bolts we're talking about make the top much more stable when you open the deck. I have a 2X4 piece of lumber with notches cut into both ends that I use between the windshield frame and the front of the top to hold it open while I'm securing everything. I recommend having a helper to keep the brace in place so the top doesn't come crashing down on the your back or head. That would be
.Pete
Pete why do you have to open deck lid with hardtop on for rear
pin hardware? Seems like there is room to attach the 2 rear pin plate and nuts
that go in convertible pin holes
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
I agree with a lot of you guys, the cars look really
with the hard tops on them, but installing & removing the hardtop gets to be a real PITA. I prefer to leave the hardtop in the closet.Pete
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
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From: Corvetteville USA
Well since I am the OP I thought I would chime in.
I may be ending up with a 1969 corvette. It is a roadster and the seller
added an auxillary top. I asked him if he had to drill holes in the body. He said he did not and it fits into the soft top holdings (whatever they call it) and attaches in the front like the soft top would.
Hopefully, I pull the trigger on this one. Waiting patiently now.
I may be ending up with a 1969 corvette. It is a roadster and the seller
added an auxillary top. I asked him if he had to drill holes in the body. He said he did not and it fits into the soft top holdings (whatever they call it) and attaches in the front like the soft top would.
Hopefully, I pull the trigger on this one. Waiting patiently now.