jgilevettes

Gang.. I have a '70 convertible that has always had only the ragtop. If I were to buy a hardtop should it fit without any kind of adjustments? Fit right into the ragtop latches above windshield and the two on the back? Somehow I am guessing it may not be so easy....

Thanks

The13Bats

Besides adjustments is is that easy, hts are on the parts section here and craigslist

The door glass should be adjusted to fit the ht then the ragtop adjusted to fit the door glass....its just that easy

avalonjohn

There is also a mounting point on the inside of the deck lid on each side. It is bolted in. These are extremely important. Ask me how I know.

71 Green 454

Yes, you will need to install the side nuts/bolts to secure the hardtop. Also, some use studs/washers/nuts and a center bolt (like mine) to secure the rear of the hardtop. If you purchase a hardtop with the center bolt, you can remove it if you don't want to drill and install the ferrule.

Side nut


Side bolt


Center ferrule, if applicable


Center stud, if applicable


Rear stud (2), some use pins like the soft top.

jgilevettes

Thanks for the responses... Sounds like there is indeed more to it than just finding a hardtop and tossing it on there.

71 Green 454

Don't be discouraged, you might only need to install the side nuts/bolts.
Good luck!

jgilevettes

Thanks.. I believe I will move forward just to have both options for the car. I am having it stripped and painted in the very near future and figure I will get a hardtop prior to that so that it can also be stripped and painted along with the car. Couple nuts and bolts dont scare me but if the install turns out a bit challenging it certainly does not sound like much of an expense for a professional to handle if needed. Certainly dont want to drill a a hole in the rear as mentioned in the thread above.. If that can be avoided I certainly will.

71 Green 454

Chances are, the hardtop you purchase won't have the center bolt. If it does, just remove the bolt from the bracket.

midigike

LT-1 kid

hard tops are cool

jgilevettes

Thanks... Good info... Going to move forward and find a hardtop...

Syl1953

jgilevettes

I am going to get one and move forward although I have never seen a cortez silver with a cortez silver hardtop... always the black tops... I believe I want to go with the silver top even though I have the black interior that would match the other as well.... If anyone has the silver on silver out there I would love to see a pic...

bkvette3

Rescue Rogers

I've had a 74 top, mys 68 top that I am puttiing a new vinyl top on and a 71 that I just picked up. The 74 and 71 have the rear center bolt and the 71 has a bit of a gap. The glass adjustment is all in the AIM. I used a sharpie to label the window adjustment bolts before I started adjusting the glass.It made it a lot easier. Then I adjusted the BUBBA convertible top and it fit and looked better, but bubba stull put it on crooked and wrinkled.

I use a moving blanket to position the top on the car because I use the soft top rear guide pins. I have made a ceiling hoist to make it a 1 man job now as well. The first 2 tops had the side anchors which I always used but my latest top had the side brackets removed. THe top stayed put but it rattled all over the place. Keen parts found me a set of used brackets and I will install them this winter.

The noise reduction and the heat retention for the ride home on cold fall nights after the car shows makes a big difference



74 top with red interior

the 71 top

midigike

jgilevettes

Thanks! I am sold.. Gonna find a top and have it stripped and painted along with the car.. Great contrasting look to the black ragtop that will give me a couple nice choices.

The13Bats

To me the hard top looks better than a coupe.

I was about 17 when i bought my 72 bb convertible, one night about 2am on a dead patch of road at the time, out in nowhere,
My buddy asks if ive been over 100mph,
I say of course, he says prove it, it was cool ish out windows rolled up hard top on i get on it not hard but steady, the hopped up 454 comes to life and the "blem" branded skinny redline bias plys stay in fairly good balance as the speedo walks right past 100,
We hear odd air noise and a rush of cool from behind us,
Those side bolts were missing, the only thing holding the top on was the front latches and it had lifted a fair amount across the rear,
Scary and stupid very stupid, i slowed down quickly.
My dad a navy plane tech made a cool cam lock thing for the side anchors.

jgilevettes

I appreciate that info... This LS5 does not see above about 70 mph... I have the the C7 built to 700 at the wheel for those moments.... Given that, it has not seen above about 80 in recent memory.. Makes me wonder why the heck I spent so much on engine mods

Rescue Rogers

because you can