68 aux. Hardtop Studs
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,280
Likes: 356
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
68 aux. Hardtop Studs
Anybody use the all thread GM studs on their 68 vert with the auxillary hardtop? I bought the studs etc. and tried to install today. No way! they don't fit down the receiver. Do 68's use the same funnel studs as the convertible top? thanks, john
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,280
Likes: 356
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
ok, so they cannot use the stud, that is threaded on both ends, w/o the cone shaped end?
in other word, 8's must use the cone shaped studs, not the all thread ones?
in other word, 8's must use the cone shaped studs, not the all thread ones?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 1,359
I use the studs on my 68....
Have to be real careful when installing the hardtop, because if you slip up you'll ruin the paint. Of course, I probably haven't had the hardtop on in 10 years so I don't worry too much about it.
I have been pondering about installing it, just to see how well my a/c really cools....this might give me some incentive.
I have been pondering about installing it, just to see how well my a/c really cools....this might give me some incentive.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia PA
BTW.....post '68 recievers are back ordered.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
I think the later studs will fit the 68s just fine, they just increased the diameter of the studs for strength. Threaded rod with large washers was very common years ago, just be careful with the length if you dont want to stick holes in the convertible top.
I havent checked on availability, but the C4 convertibles use essentially the same latch. You may be able to use the later ones and convert your old ones. I have not tried this though.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
I replaced the bow lock housings on the hardtop on my 68 with later style bow locks in order to use the havier duty studs. It had the early style soft top pins, and of course one was broken off in the housing. You would think that GM would have come up with something a bit more elaborate than threaded rod.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,280
Likes: 356
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
my 69 studs will not fit down the receiver.so i guess what you guys are saying is either go w./ the convertivle top cone type ones or get newer receivers to accept the all thread studs??
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
You can see the little pins I have on my hardtop. These are from the soft top, or at least they are the same as the ones on the soft top.
However, I would only use these in addition to the side bolts that firmly secure the hardtop to the side of the decklid. I would not rely on these pins and the 3 front clips alone to keep the hardtop on the car!!
However, I would only use these in addition to the side bolts that firmly secure the hardtop to the side of the decklid. I would not rely on these pins and the 3 front clips alone to keep the hardtop on the car!!
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,280
Likes: 356
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
You can see the little pins I have on my hardtop. These are from the soft top, or at least they are the same as the ones on the soft top.
However, I would only use these in addition to the side bolts that firmly secure the hardtop to the side of the decklid. I would not rely on these pins and the 3 front clips alone to keep the hardtop on the car!!
However, I would only use these in addition to the side bolts that firmly secure the hardtop to the side of the decklid. I would not rely on these pins and the 3 front clips alone to keep the hardtop on the car!!