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convertible-hardtop question?

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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 04:52 PM
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Default convertible-hardtop question?

was 68 the only year that didn't have the center mounting bolt on the rear deck? were the ss tips on all years?
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 05:55 PM
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The stainless steel tips were on '69-'75 production. '68 removeable hardtops didn't have them.

Can't say for sure about that rear center bolt. My '69 convertible doesn't have an attaching point for a rear center bolt.
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 06:16 PM
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My '72 came with a HT, and it has the center bolt and side tabs....

however, early on, I used JUST the convertible top clamps to hold the top on, worked fine....no need for center/side bolts, and never used them....drove it all over hell, not one hint of troubles....

BTW, I have heard of the studs in HTops being somehow differant than the soft top....tipped studs with shoulders for the clamp to engage...

but MY HT had the same as the ST, and held fine.....wasn't till here I heard of anything differant....
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 08:39 PM
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Pretty sure 68 and 69 did not have the center bolt. I think the center bolt started with 70.
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Old Mar 18, 2007 | 09:37 PM
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thanks for the info. I have a top that has a 70 date under the headliner and it has center pin. also have a top with no center pin but does have th SS tips. it must be a 69. thanks
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by 435/427BB
thanks for the info. I have a top that has a 70 date under the headliner and it has center pin. also have a top with no center pin but does have th SS tips. it must be a 69. thanks

My early '70 has no center pin....
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 09:58 AM
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My 71 does not have a center pin.
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 10:30 AM
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now I'm really confused!! my 70 with a center pin is dated 10-70 which would really be a 71 production car but your 71 has no pin. well, I'm just going for driver so I guess it's really not that important but I was just curious! thanks again for the info! Tommy
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 11:56 AM
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'68 was definitely the only year without the stainless tips. I thought the center pin cam into production for '71 but not absolutely sure about that. My hunch is that the center pin got added by dealers when owners with earlier cars complained about leaks. It would be a very easy installation. Also, many of these tops got sold over the counter or were dealer add ons.
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 11:57 AM
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'68 was definitely the only year without the stainless tips. I thought the center pin cam into production for '71 but not absolutely sure about that. My hunch is that the center pin got added by dealers when owners with earlier cars complained about leaks. It would be a very easy installation. Also, many of these tops got sold over the counter or were dealer add ons.
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 04:04 PM
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My 68 hard top did not have the bracket for the center pin. It did have the side tabs. All the other hard tops I have seen had the bracket for the center pin whether or not the pin was installed and the deck drilled to accept it.
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