C2 Hardtop on a C3?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
C2 Hardtop on a C3?
Has anyone tried to fit a C2 removable hardtop on a C3? I just like the look of the C2 rear window better. Need to know things like pin and clamps location and how the side windows fit. Probably doesn't work but wanted to put it out there in case anyone tried it before. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,257
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I'm no C2 expert to be certain, But clearly this is a very different body. Sitting on basically the same frame yes. But a completely different body. With different doors and door glass.
just my opinion, But I think your dreaming.
just my opinion, But I think your dreaming.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
The Mid Year Corvettes have the spine that runs down the middle of the back deck. The hardtop accounts for that and, even if the rest of it fit, there would be a gap in the middle at the back.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
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From: Chino Hills CA
Just remined me of something I saw a few years ago in a corvette boneyard. It was a removeable hardtop for a C2 convertible that looked like a C2 spilt window hardtop. It was aftermarket, fiberglass, and lightweight. I once made a removable hardtop for my little Nash using 1/2" x 1/2" box channel and bending it to the contour of the body, roof as well as the frame , then fabbed up sheet metal welded to the frame. Ended up looking like a '57 T-Bird with portholes. "Beat it to fit, paint it to match" as we used to say.
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Team Owner
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 13
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To David Mc:
If you do put your C2 top on your C3 take some pictures of how far off the side windows are, windshield frame and back. But please don't scratch your paint. Also interested in how different the pin locations are.
Some background: I am restoring a 77. Had to take off the body, and remove the nose and rear sections from the cage to get at all the rust. Rocker panels and body mounts on the frame were gone. While apart I decided to turn it into a 73 convertible. (Sorry originalists) I now have all the body pieces, but haven't glued the rear section to the rear under section. So I still have some flexibility on location. I do realize this is probably not a good idea but interested in the details. Thanks
Some background: I am restoring a 77. Had to take off the body, and remove the nose and rear sections from the cage to get at all the rust. Rocker panels and body mounts on the frame were gone. While apart I decided to turn it into a 73 convertible. (Sorry originalists) I now have all the body pieces, but haven't glued the rear section to the rear under section. So I still have some flexibility on location. I do realize this is probably not a good idea but interested in the details. Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
I think it's a great idea! MIght as well go all out and go the 68-72 route and do a chrome front bumper. Keep in mind you have to replace your door glass with convertible pieces if you plan on installing a soft top or removeable hard top. Mine was a fun project, enjoyed every minute of it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 768
From: Waterford WI
It has a different shape in order to fit the opening at top and rear of the opening. They will fit your 77 doors just fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,253
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From: Waterford WI
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
When I bought my glass to swap out, it wasn't a fortune, but I didn't know how many different types of 'vert' glass there was. I wasn't picky, so I just got a pair of the cheapest ones that matched each other. Installation and adjustment were pretty straightforward.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,347
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From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
If your doin the C2 top on your C3, skip acquiring the door glass until you custom fit the top location. You'll likely need the glass custom made to work properly.
. Its a ton of work, but I like your ideas.
. Its a ton of work, but I like your ideas.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Finish up
Just to let everyone know, While taking measurements I found the C2 top was wider by about 4 inches where it sits on the windshield. Not an easy modification. I was also reminded by others that I need to get the car finished and on the road. So I bought a C3 top, and at least for now that's what I'm going with. I did learn a few things, like the door glass being different. Finding out now gives me time to leisurely start shopping. Thanks everyone for responding.
Race Director
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From: Cottonwood AZ
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