Hardtop Removal
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Hardtop Removal
I got my 74 convertible back from the shop after getting it prepped for summer and getting the hardtop refurbished. I delivered the top to the shop via pickup and have never removed it before. Question is where are the bolts etc that hold it down in the rear? How to remove and any special tools required
Last edited by dtrospi2008; Jun 13, 2008 at 11:41 AM. Reason: to finish
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
I got my 74 convertible back from the shop after getting it prepped for summer and getting the hardtop refurbished. I delivered the top to the shop via pickup and have never removed it before. Question is where are the bolts etc that hold it down in the rear? How to remove and any special tools required
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Excelsior, MN
Yes, they DO have bolts. They don't use the lock pins like the softtops.
One on each side of the deck lid,directly behind the doors. There are studs that pass through the receivers on the deck lid. The studs are secured with special washers, and nuts. 3/8" coarse wing nuts and flat washers are a good substitute. In the middle of the back of the top, directly under the window, should be a bracket with a small square hole. A bolt like a carriage bolt mounts there, and locates in a ferrule in the middle of the deck lid.
To see the correct ways of mounting, look in your AIM or owners manual. It's all there, easy to find. The vendor catalogs on line also provide basic information on this subject.
One on each side of the deck lid,directly behind the doors. There are studs that pass through the receivers on the deck lid. The studs are secured with special washers, and nuts. 3/8" coarse wing nuts and flat washers are a good substitute. In the middle of the back of the top, directly under the window, should be a bracket with a small square hole. A bolt like a carriage bolt mounts there, and locates in a ferrule in the middle of the deck lid.
To see the correct ways of mounting, look in your AIM or owners manual. It's all there, easy to find. The vendor catalogs on line also provide basic information on this subject.
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: ********** New York
My hardtop pops on and off you pop the 3 front levers down , pull the same release lever that pops the rear of the soft top and your free. If you have 2 people one to lift the rear and the other to release. I usally just put my shoulder on the headline pull the release then run around to the other side do the same .Step on the door cill lean over the top grab each side with 1 hand lift up .
It's not that lite the tops wiegh about 50-60 lbs but sense they are akward to lift by 1 person it feelslike it wieghs 100lbs
There is NO bolt holding it down I'm 210% positive
It's not that lite the tops wiegh about 50-60 lbs but sense they are akward to lift by 1 person it feelslike it wieghs 100lbs
There is NO bolt holding it down I'm 210% positive
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Excelsior, MN
You are 210 % WRONG !!!
On pages 288 C07-A1, and page 293 C07-A6 of the 1970 AIM clearly show the bolts, and how they are installed.
Join the NCRS, come over to our tech board and ask your question.
The experts are there, and you'll correct answers, from the guys and gals that have been around these cars since day one.
Below are 2 pages out of the 1971 owners manual
On pages 288 C07-A1, and page 293 C07-A6 of the 1970 AIM clearly show the bolts, and how they are installed.
Join the NCRS, come over to our tech board and ask your question.
The experts are there, and you'll correct answers, from the guys and gals that have been around these cars since day one.
Below are 2 pages out of the 1971 owners manual
Last edited by NorthShore Bob; Jun 13, 2008 at 09:22 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
A popular mod to the tops is to put the pins in them to make it easier to install the top. My top came with the bolts and I installed the pins to make it easier. Should have saved my money, the top has only been on the car one time since I have owned it.
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Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: ********** New York
You are 210 % WRONG !!!
On pages 288 C07-A1, and page 293 C07-A6 of the 1970 AIM clearly show the bolts, and how they are installed.
Join the NCRS, come over to our tech board and ask your question.
The experts are there, and you'll correct answers, from the guys and gals that have been around these cars since day one.
On pages 288 C07-A1, and page 293 C07-A6 of the 1970 AIM clearly show the bolts, and how they are installed.
Join the NCRS, come over to our tech board and ask your question.
The experts are there, and you'll correct answers, from the guys and gals that have been around these cars since day one.
Wow thats funny cause I have a 69 w/ a factory hardtop and it has 1 metal pin on each side just like my soft top, As well does my boys hardtop I guess someone must have modified both of them. My mistake on informing you
SO NorthShore Bob a few Questions for you--
Is YOUR hard top mounted with bolts ?
Does it damage the locking mechanism on your rear deck lid that is designed to lock on the pins that come on the soft top - Not that a bolt obviously cant be use just curious about your personal expericence with bolt holding your top on
Last question dont want to waste your time but being I'm new hear @ CF is it customary to invite people to other boards or forums cause people here aren't experts or do we just correct mistakes of people who weren't old enough or born 39 yrs ago to own a corvette I mean you know around since day 1 experts.
Last edited by BB427; Jun 13, 2008 at 10:03 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Excelsior, MN
Here are the AIM drawings for those of you who don't posses an AIM
Yes, mine does have the 2 side bolts, and the 3 studs in back, and yes, if not careful, paint damage is a real probability, and has happened.
Yes, mine does have the 2 side bolts, and the 3 studs in back, and yes, if not careful, paint damage is a real probability, and has happened.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
This is a case where you both are right. In 68 the tops were held by the latches. Starting in 69 or near that time GM changed the mounting to the bolts. The 74 in question would have had bolts from the factory.
Note the date in the AIM page above 5-6-69 this is probably near the change to the center bolt and most 69's were already built.
Note the date in the AIM page above 5-6-69 this is probably near the change to the center bolt and most 69's were already built.
Last edited by LYLE; Jun 15, 2008 at 08:43 AM.
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: ********** New York
This is a case where you both are right. In 69 the tops were held by the latches. Starting in 70 or near that time GM changed the mounting to the bolts. The 74 in question would have had bolts from the factory.
Note the date in the AIM page above 5-6-69 this is probably near the change to bolts and most 69's were already built.
Note the date in the AIM page above 5-6-69 this is probably near the change to bolts and most 69's were already built.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
My hardtop pops on and off you pop the 3 front levers down , pull the same release lever that pops the rear of the soft top and your free. If you have 2 people one to lift the rear and the other to release. I usally just put my shoulder on the headline pull the release then run around to the other side do the same .Step on the door cill lean over the top grab each side with 1 hand lift up .
It's not that lite the tops wiegh about 50-60 lbs but sense they are akward to lift by 1 person it feelslike it wieghs 100lbs
There is NO bolt holding it down I'm 210% positive
It's not that lite the tops wiegh about 50-60 lbs but sense they are akward to lift by 1 person it feelslike it wieghs 100lbs
There is NO bolt holding it down I'm 210% positive
