Mounting Hardtop for First TIme
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Mounting Hardtop for First TIme
I have a 71 vert that did not come from the factory with a hardtop. I bought a hardtop and am getting ready to put the mounting bolts/hardware on the deck lid (NEAR THE DOOR HANDLE). Does anyone have a pic of the bolt/mounting hardware in the deck lid?
I have a set of bolts from a 67 shown in the pic below, is this the same for a 71?
Thanks for your help.
I have a set of bolts from a 67 shown in the pic below, is this the same for a 71?
Thanks for your help.
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 372
Likes: 11
From: Abilene TX
Looks the same as mine. I also have a 71 and it did not come from factory with a hardtop. I put the top on and marked the holes and then drilled for the hardware. If you have a later hardtop it should have a threaded stud in the middle, below the back window.This helps hold down the area below the rear window to help the weatherstip seal better. If it is present you will also have to drill a hole in your conv decklid and get the ferrel that goes in the hole. Mine has 8 attaching points, 3 in the rear, 2 on the sides, and 3 on the windshield header.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
How important?
I'm in the process of restoring a hartop for my '69 and I'm curious how important these 2 bolts are? My top has nothing there and the car has never had a hardtop, it also is like the blue hatch in you picture. Looks easy enough to add... Any pictures of one installed?
Hans
Hans
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The 68-75 optional hardtops are essentially the same. Not much changed with them throughout their production run. Get the assembly instruction manual for your year and take a look at the factory diagram for the installation.
If memory serves, you will need to adjust your door glasses to the hardtop weatherstripping because the hardtop weatherstripping has no adjustment. Once that's done, pull the hardtop, raise the folding top, and adjust the weatherstripping on the folding top to meet the door glasses.
If memory serves, you will need to adjust your door glasses to the hardtop weatherstripping because the hardtop weatherstripping has no adjustment. Once that's done, pull the hardtop, raise the folding top, and adjust the weatherstripping on the folding top to meet the door glasses.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
If memory serves, you will need to adjust your door glasses to the hardtop weatherstripping because the hardtop weatherstripping has no adjustment. Once that's done, pull the hardtop, raise the folding top, and adjust the weatherstripping on the folding top to meet the door glasses.
Yep, understand it's a real pain in the nether region to get it right. Not looking forward to it since my glass and top fit PERFECT! I may not worry about it since the main reason I want to use it is when I take it on road courses. Eventually it'll get a roll bar, and at that point some sactioning bodies require a hardtop (think Miata cup), but the glass has to be down anyway, so close might just be good enough!
Hans
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
There has been a lot of debate on the forum about what is required to keep the top on.
Some guys use the same studs as the softtop (on the hardtop). The hardtop I got has 2 bolts that go up from the underside of the deck lid and screw into the hardtop. I have not put them in but it looks tough to get under there.
I was figuring on using the softop studs and then putting the screws in the side.
Some guys use the same studs as the softtop (on the hardtop). The hardtop I got has 2 bolts that go up from the underside of the deck lid and screw into the hardtop. I have not put them in but it looks tough to get under there.
I was figuring on using the softop studs and then putting the screws in the side.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Is it hard to install the bolts with the softop in the way?
I definatley want to use at least 2 bolts, I agree 4 is probably over kill. I saw a post on here about 6 months ago where a guy was talking about one of the forum members that had thiers blow off at 60 mph. I don't know how he had it attached.
here is another thread i was looking at as a reference:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...hlight=hardtop
I definatley want to use at least 2 bolts, I agree 4 is probably over kill. I saw a post on here about 6 months ago where a guy was talking about one of the forum members that had thiers blow off at 60 mph. I don't know how he had it attached.
here is another thread i was looking at as a reference:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...hlight=hardtop
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
i cant say, my soft top frame is rusted out and the cloth is destroyed so i dont have it on the car.
i can assure you though, that hard top is not going anywhere. ive been well over 100mph and that hard top has no intrest of blowing off.
i can assure you though, that hard top is not going anywhere. ive been well over 100mph and that hard top has no intrest of blowing off.