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For Father's Day I'm trying to do everything in my power to help my pops and was hoping someone has run into this issue:
My pops purchased the Michaelis C3 T Tops for his 77, but one of the Bakelite (assuming) tabs broke. Due to the layout change, the original metal tabs won't work. Does anyone know where I can purchase a set of original tabs or if someone reproduces them?
Wish the angled lip (tab) I'd imagine I'd do more than simply cutting out a template etc. We've been trying to customize the Chevy tabs by drilling a hole in the raised portion, but then we're dealt with sourcing different bolt sizes due to it being raised in the center.
It's just crazy to me that replacements weren't ever reproduced simply because I can't be the first person having this issue.
Looks like Eckler's, Zip and Volunteer are all out of stock.
Found one on eBay for $24.99, but doesn't list the year, only OEM# 359630. Eckler's is showing from 68-82, Zip is showing 68-82 and Volunteer is showing one from 78-82 and it looks just like the pictures on Eckler's and Zip. I would call Volunteer Vette and see what they tell you.
Looks like Corvette Mods might have them. They are showing 78-82, but they have the front and back pictures online and they look like yours. Here is the Link: https://www.corvettemods.com/C3-Corv...html?pid=16837
You can check Corvette Pacifica too.
If the above doesn't pan out I would call Piper's Corvette Specialties, Inc, 217-275-3742. He has a Corvette salvage yard. If he don't have any used ones he will probably be able to find them for you. I couldn't find an AC idler pulley for my 68 and he knew someone that did. They were only on the 1968 427engines with AC.
Looks like Eckler's, Zip and Volunteer are all out of stock.
Found one on eBay for $24.99, but doesn't list the year, only OEM# 359630. Eckler's is showing from 68-82, Zip is showing 68-82 and Volunteer is showing one from 78-82 and it looks just like the pictures on Eckler's and Zip. I would call Volunteer Vette and see what they tell you.
Looks like Corvette Mods might have them. They are showing 78-82, but they have the front and back pictures online and they look like yours. Here is the Link: https://www.corvettemods.com/C3-Corv...html?pid=16837
You can check Corvette Pacifica too.
If the above doesn't pan out I would call Piper's Corvette Specialties, Inc, 217-275-3742. He has a Corvette salvage yard. If he don't have any used ones he will probably be able to find them for you. I couldn't find an AC idler pulley for my 68 and he knew someone that did. They were only on the 1968 427engines with AC.
Thanks,
Jim
I would not deal with Corvette Mods. Look at the transaction section, for multiple posts about negative experiences with Corvette Mods.
And though I didn't call Corvette Mods, I tried all the others to no avail. Piper's had a few sets years ago, but wouldn't be able to locate an aftermarket part.
So I think the next step is try to find someone to recreate them. Piper confirmed they were plastic (some form) and my Dad feels they were Bakelite. Either way the material would worry me vs the cost of the tops. So I think I need to find someone to recreate using plate steel etc.
If anyone is interested, please let me know. I can always send you all the specs. Still shocks me that this isn't a bigger issue. My dad can't be the only guy.
If you can write up a good enough drawing with dimensions, I could try to build it in CAD and if you know someone with a 3D printer they could try printing it for you