Hardtop
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
From: SOUTHWEST INDIANA
Hardtop
Once again, i apologize for my ignorance. (New to Vettes). I have a 68 convertible with a hardtop. mt hardtop doesn't have any pins at the rear mounting points. I am trying to determine what i need to secure this hardtop. Should i have the same rear pins that are on my soft top?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 728
Likes: 346
From: Smyrna, TN
The 68 is a bit different in a lot of ways...
I did a quick search and found this:
https://corvetteparts.com/item/pin-c...-striker-1968e
So apparently, they changed the pin at some point. This is the first design.
Check the threads on your top. These pins are 1/4" x 20 thread.
So even though it says 1968e, it also says it is for Early, Late or Mid 1968
I'm originally from E'ville BTW
I did a quick search and found this:
https://corvetteparts.com/item/pin-c...-striker-1968e
So apparently, they changed the pin at some point. This is the first design.
Check the threads on your top. These pins are 1/4" x 20 thread.
So even though it says 1968e, it also says it is for Early, Late or Mid 1968
I'm originally from E'ville BTW
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 104
Likes: 65
From: Southern New England USA
Check the threads on your top. The later ‘68 and on used 3/8” studs instead of the softtop style pins.
Don’t forget the two shouldered bolts that go on the tabs near the seat backs.
https:/www.corvettecentral.com/68-75-hardtop-bow-lock-stud-retainer-rear-433026
Don’t forget the two shouldered bolts that go on the tabs near the seat backs.
https:/www.corvettecentral.com/68-75-hardtop-bow-lock-stud-retainer-rear-433026
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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use the pins that the soft top uses , studs are a pain in the *** and not totally necessary if the top fits properly. If you use studs put the top on using the 2 side bolts then open the lid and prop it open to put the studs nuts on. And just a side note using the studs will probably scratch the hell out of your stainless plates or your paint trying to get them into the holes
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,248
Likes: 766
From: Waterford WI
use the pins that the soft top uses , studs are a pain in the *** and not totally necessary if the top fits properly. If you use studs put the top on using the 2 side bolts then open the lid and prop it open to put the studs nuts on. And just a side note using the studs will probably scratch the hell out of your stainless plates or your paint trying to get them into the holes
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,033
Likes: 9,155
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I explained it in post #5
You install the bolts that hold the sides to the deck lid. open the deck lid and prop it open, then you can put those nuts on
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Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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you have to put the studs in the top first, thats why people worry about them getting all scratched trying to put it together. I saw how much of a pain in the *** it was going to be when I first put mine together, so I got rid of the studs and just used the soft top spikes. It doesnt lock down super tight because 68s dont have the center bolt but its good enough for the short season its on there
