'69 Convertible Top Replacement
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
'69 Convertible Top Replacement
Hey Guys,
I'm having my top replaced on my ’69 by a professional but I agreed to obtain all the parts. I believe I have most of them. The trick is that I have a brand new frame with all new parts. I also have a complete donor frame less the vinyl and weather stripping.
Here are the questions:
Does anyone know where I can download a diagram of the top assembly with all the parts? I have a "1969 Assembly Manual" but it is not much help. I also used Eckler’s and Corvette Central, but limited help available. Are there better Vendors to choose from?
Also, is there frame channeling that the rubber weather stripping mounts to or is the weather stripping cemented on?
All your opinions, experiences, and comments are welcome.
Thanks Guys,
fb250r
I'm having my top replaced on my ’69 by a professional but I agreed to obtain all the parts. I believe I have most of them. The trick is that I have a brand new frame with all new parts. I also have a complete donor frame less the vinyl and weather stripping.
Here are the questions:
Does anyone know where I can download a diagram of the top assembly with all the parts? I have a "1969 Assembly Manual" but it is not much help. I also used Eckler’s and Corvette Central, but limited help available. Are there better Vendors to choose from?
Also, is there frame channeling that the rubber weather stripping mounts to or is the weather stripping cemented on?
All your opinions, experiences, and comments are welcome.
Thanks Guys,
fb250r
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,367
Likes: 1,061
From: Virginia USA
I haven't done my rag top replacment yet but all the catalogs have kits for installation. They should include everything you need to install the top. There are kits for the weather stripping and I think it is a combination of glue, screws and a channel that holds the rubber on. Like I said I have not done this yet so I have 0 experiance on this project. Someone will help you that has done this....then I'll know too. 
I only use my rag top during the summer. I have the hard top for winter use.
I only use my rag top during the summer. I have the hard top for winter use.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I did a few tops on C3's
Very simple but time consuming job (about 4 hours)
The weatherstrip around the windows is bolted on through the top frame. The rear weatherstrip (bow) is pressed into a groove in the bow (together with the rear of the top)
The pads are stapled to the top frame. The front of the top also attaches with staples.
Don't remember exactly how the front weatherstrip attaches... Haven't done this in a while...
Very simple but time consuming job (about 4 hours)
The weatherstrip around the windows is bolted on through the top frame. The rear weatherstrip (bow) is pressed into a groove in the bow (together with the rear of the top)
The pads are stapled to the top frame. The front of the top also attaches with staples.
Don't remember exactly how the front weatherstrip attaches... Haven't done this in a while...
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
My '68 Chassis and Service Manual shows a little on the folding top, but not a whole lot. Still, a little help may be better than no help. I haven't seen the '69 Chassis and Service Manual so I can't say whether it gives any further/better information. There is a back issue of Corvette Fever and/or Vette Magazine (can't recall which) with a photo feature on Shark softtop replacement.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,216
Likes: 4
From: Smile, it's just the internet.
What's the purpose of the diagram?
Doc Rebuild has all the bows listed separately, but that's it. No diagram. The front weatherstrip has push-in fasteners all along the length. However, the ends are screwed in place. There is also the windlace up front that acts as a decorative weatherstrip. It is stapled to the front tack strip.
I replaced mine about three weeks ago...
Doc Rebuild has all the bows listed separately, but that's it. No diagram. The front weatherstrip has push-in fasteners all along the length. However, the ends are screwed in place. There is also the windlace up front that acts as a decorative weatherstrip. It is stapled to the front tack strip.
I replaced mine about three weeks ago...
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 22
From: Marietta Ga.
This might help
http://www.rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair3.html
Also check an aim for procedures to alighn the fram to the windows before you put on material
http://www.rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair3.html
Also check an aim for procedures to alighn the fram to the windows before you put on material
