Ok to remove these? Fixed backplate?

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Mar 22, 2025 | 02:21 PM

aalmans

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Joined: Dec 2020

Posts: 95

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From: Oudenbosch, The Netherlands

Ok to remove these? Fixed backplate?

Hi there,

I am preparing my 1981 for paint and would like to remove these door and T-top elements to sand them properly. Are these safe to remove? I hope no backplate will fall into a place I cannot reach afterward. It is probably okay, as that would be a terrible design, but I wanted to make sure!

Thanks!

Mar 22, 2025 | 02:35 PM

kansas123

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 2,812

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From: Wichita Kansas

Ttt

Mar 22, 2025 | 03:55 PM

69L88

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 3,401

Likes: 1,814

From: Apple Valley, MN

They were installed when the factory painted them. Use an exacto knife and remove the finish.

Drilling them out will result in the rivet end falling into a place you can’t access and potentially causing a rattle.

Mar 22, 2025 | 08:21 PM

RickDett

Racer

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 358

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From: Brigantine NJ USA

Maybe this will help.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...this-fall.html

Mar 23, 2025 | 01:05 AM

caskiguy

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 9,244

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From: Lake Tahoe, CA

Here are a few pictures of the T-Top part look inside the frame area there is probably 2 rivets/ The plate shouldn't be able to drop, but as someone mentioned I belive, use a long bolt to retain it for peace of mind. There is a gasket(s) behind the part that I don't believe can be replaced. As for the door latch strike it should just unscrew. Ecklers, CC and others sell them.