C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Michaelis C3 T Tops - Please Help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 13, 2022 | 10:34 AM
  #1  
3Sleeper!'s Avatar
3Sleeper!
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default Michaelis C3 T Tops - Please Help

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?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2022 | 10:36 AM
  #2  
3Sleeper!'s Avatar
3Sleeper!
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default


Michaelis C3 T Tops

Michaelis C3 T Tops

Original Chevy Tab

Original Chevy Tab
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2022 | 12:06 PM
  #3  
fstntq's Avatar
fstntq
Racer
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 381
Likes: 90
From: Portland, the original!
Default

the underside is not shown but it looks eminently reproduceable with some flat stock, a Roto Zip and a Dremel.
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2022 | 12:23 PM
  #4  
3Sleeper!'s Avatar
3Sleeper!
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2022 | 05:14 PM
  #5  
jahufford's Avatar
jahufford
Cruising
 
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Default

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
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2022 | 07:59 PM
  #6  
Bikespace's Avatar
Bikespace
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
Default

Looks like it would be easy enough to 3D print, if you are handy with Solidworks or Fusion 360.

It could be a real bummer if it didn't hold, though.
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2022 | 08:30 PM
  #7  
Sexybtch's Avatar
Sexybtch
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 29
Likes: 21
From: Maine
Default

worse comes to worse they could be fabricated. we do stuff like that at work all the time. obviously original parts are preferred.
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2022 | 08:41 PM
  #8  
bluthundr's Avatar
bluthundr
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 174
From: Fort Wayne IN
Default

A chunk of aluminum, a hack saw, a file, and a couple hours tweaking while watching TV could probably produce something comparable and stronger
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 13, 2022 | 09:31 PM
  #9  
forman's Avatar
forman
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,270
Likes: 375
From: Randolph nj
Default

starboard and 20 min of my time that would have been done
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2022 | 08:29 AM
  #10  
3Sleeper!'s Avatar
3Sleeper!
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

Thank you. This is very helpful! I'm going to give them a call to see if they can find what I'm looking for.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2022 | 11:34 AM
  #11  
mark79,80's Avatar
mark79,80
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Default

Originally Posted by jahufford
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.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2022 | 12:13 PM
  #12  
3Sleeper!'s Avatar
3Sleeper!
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2022 | 09:26 AM
  #13  
cottoneg's Avatar
cottoneg
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 281
From: New York
Default

Originally Posted by 3Sleeper!
Does anyone know where I can purchase a set of original tabs or if someone reproduces them?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Try Gee's Auto Sales, 570-376-3421. He ships. Has ever Corvette part I have needed.
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2022 | 10:48 PM
  #14  
bluthundr's Avatar
bluthundr
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 174
From: Fort Wayne IN
Default

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
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Michaelis C3 T Tops - Please Help





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:56 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE