convert top hold down bow problem
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
convert top hold down bow problem
Convert top hold down bow mechanism on my 68 covert looks a little tired, but I think it would work with decent release cables. Ones on the car look like they are for a lawn mower. I have a WTB on the parts forum, but any vendor suggestion is appreciated. Tried all the normal ones and found only for newer model years. With colder weather, I actually had to put the top up for the first time! RA
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Ron-
The cables were the same style used on lawn mowers, it's called Bowden Cable. It was also used on mid year hood catch release between the lock.
I know the mid years use cables under the deck lid but (and it may just be 68) I didn't think the 68 used them, I thought the handle to rear soft top lock was a rod on 68-75.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/decklid-rod-lh
https://willcoxcorvette.com/decklid-rod-rh
The locks have a history of the latch spring breaking and when this happens the latch won't spring back and hold the soft top lock pin.
Willcox
The cables were the same style used on lawn mowers, it's called Bowden Cable. It was also used on mid year hood catch release between the lock.
I know the mid years use cables under the deck lid but (and it may just be 68) I didn't think the 68 used them, I thought the handle to rear soft top lock was a rod on 68-75.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/decklid-rod-lh
https://willcoxcorvette.com/decklid-rod-rh
The locks have a history of the latch spring breaking and when this happens the latch won't spring back and hold the soft top lock pin.
Willcox
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
top latches
Ron-
The cables were the same style used on lawn mowers, it's called Bowden Cable. It was also used on mid year hood catch release between the lock.
I know the mid years use cables under the deck lid but (and it may just be 68) I didn't think the 68 used them, I thought the handle to rear soft top lock was a rod on 68-75.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/decklid-rod-lh
https://willcoxcorvette.com/decklid-rod-rh
The locks have a history of the latch spring breaking and when this happens the latch won't spring back and hold the soft top lock pin.
Willcox
The cables were the same style used on lawn mowers, it's called Bowden Cable. It was also used on mid year hood catch release between the lock.
I know the mid years use cables under the deck lid but (and it may just be 68) I didn't think the 68 used them, I thought the handle to rear soft top lock was a rod on 68-75.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/decklid-rod-lh
https://willcoxcorvette.com/decklid-rod-rh
The locks have a history of the latch spring breaking and when this happens the latch won't spring back and hold the soft top lock pin.
Willcox
Racer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 463
Likes: 129
Convert top hold down bow mechanism on my 68 covert looks a little tired, but I think it would work with decent release cables. Ones on the car look like they are for a lawn mower. I have a WTB on the parts forum, but any vendor suggestion is appreciated. Tried all the normal ones and found only for newer model years. With colder weather, I actually had to put the top up for the first time! RA
68 convertibles produced through Dec. of 1967 actually did use Bowden cables, just not with the bubba setup you have. Complaints of them rattling caused a switch to the rods that were then used to the end of production.
The locks you show are late 68+ style with split pivot pins. Car built through late April 1968 used a single pin as shown in the attached picture.
John
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
latches
RA
68 convertibles produced through Dec. of 1967 actually did use Bowden cables, just not with the bubba setup you have. Complaints of them rattling caused a switch to the rods that were then used to the end of production.
The locks you show are late 68+ style with split pivot pins. Car built through late April 1968 used a single pin as shown in the attached picture.
John
68 convertibles produced through Dec. of 1967 actually did use Bowden cables, just not with the bubba setup you have. Complaints of them rattling caused a switch to the rods that were then used to the end of production.
The locks you show are late 68+ style with split pivot pins. Car built through late April 1968 used a single pin as shown in the attached picture.
John
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
bolts for bezel
RA
68 convertibles produced through Dec. of 1967 actually did use Bowden cables, just not with the bubba setup you have. Complaints of them rattling caused a switch to the rods that were then used to the end of production.
The locks you show are late 68+ style with split pivot pins. Car built through late April 1968 used a single pin as shown in the attached picture.
John
68 convertibles produced through Dec. of 1967 actually did use Bowden cables, just not with the bubba setup you have. Complaints of them rattling caused a switch to the rods that were then used to the end of production.
The locks you show are late 68+ style with split pivot pins. Car built through late April 1968 used a single pin as shown in the attached picture.
John
Racer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 463
Likes: 129
The bolt you show in the picture is the pinch bolt used on the front windshield locks on soft and hard tops for all of 68 and early 69. See attached picture.
The rear chrome bezel should have studs on it that pass through the lock on the underside of the rear deck. You can see the nuts used to hold them in place on the studs in my earlier posted picture.
John
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
convert top bezel
RA
The bolt you show in the picture is the pinch bolt used on the front windshield locks on soft and hard tops for all of 68 and early 69. See attached picture.
The rear chrome bezel should have studs on it that pass through the lock on the underside of the rear deck. You can see the nuts used to hold them in place on the studs in my earlier posted picture.
John
The bolt you show in the picture is the pinch bolt used on the front windshield locks on soft and hard tops for all of 68 and early 69. See attached picture.
The rear chrome bezel should have studs on it that pass through the lock on the underside of the rear deck. You can see the nuts used to hold them in place on the studs in my earlier posted picture.
John
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
bezels
John- thanks. should have noticed those on the front hold down. Attached is the bezel for the rear deck that is on my car. I have been looking for a replacement with two holes and for the correct bolts. If I had to guess, when prev owner removed the bezels to repaint the car, he broke the studs off the bezels, drilled holes and used the crappy bolts shown, mixed up the right and left latches, used the cables and got the messed up system I am trying to correct. Now I have to find someone who still stocks the bezels. A couple places I noticed no longer carry them. RA