Hi, i am having a problem removing the hardtop from my 1970 corvette. The two rear pins release but when i try to lift it off the car with two people, it catches on something and i cant get the top off. Any suggestions would be helpful. ron103@aol.com

 

Are the side bolts in place on the deck lid and, if so, did you remove them?
Located on the deck lid just next to, and outside of, both seat head backs. There's a little cover over the bolt.

 

Those bolts are the most likely cause. There may also be a bolt in the middle (I think it's called the locator bolt) that may have a washer and wingnut on it. These are particularly infuriating as they typically have about 1/2 inch slack so the roof will "give" a little and then stop.

 

Hi, the side bolts and center bolts were removed. It is the rear latches that unlatch, I can get the top up about a half inch and thats it. Thank you for your help, Ron

 

Is the HT actually mounted with soft top pins (unusual) or is it bolted down through the latch (most common) using large nuts on threaded studs. If bolted you should be able to lift then deck lid and HT as an assembly to remove the bolts. This normally requires two sets of hands and most leave the side bolts in place until the latch nuts are removed for safety.

 

It has the soft top pins

 

If the soft top pins aren't pulled up perfectly straight through the latches, they will probably stick/hang-up. It might be easier to unscrew the pins. They (mine do) have a slot at the tip for a screwdriver. They also have flats for a 3/8" wrench if you can get a wrench in there between the deck and top.


Pete

 

Thanks Pete, That will do it! I recently bought the car and will finally get to take the hardtop off to see the new softtop. Thanks again, Ron

 

I've had mine for 2 years with the soft top pins on the hard top (the way I got it). are you saying that they didnt use those from the factory? Did they use a stud with nut originally?
That is interesting if so, and would explain why I never thought it sealed like it should.

 

Here is the 1969 AIM page showing how the HT mounts at the rear:



Hope this helps,
Pete

 

Yup, I have three hard tops and all attach with studs, very large washers, and a retaining bolt. Depending upon the year model there's also a smaller center bolt to pull down the top snug to the deck ( this actually works quite nicely ).

 

Whenever I remove my hardtop, it's always by myself. First, cut 2 three inch squares of scrap 1/4" panelling. Next, standing on the driver's side with door open, reach in and pull the release latch and while holding it, push up with your back and gently lift the top enough to slide one of the squares underneath the pin on the driver's side of the top. Now go around and do the same thing on the passenger's side. The top will now be sitting on the pins on top of the two pieces of panelling. (by the way, you should have first released the 3 header latches) When I get this far, I take my half inch nylon rope which is tied onto a rafter directly above the passenger side even with the rear pins, and pass it under the hardtop so it runs just in front of the pins but touching them, and toss the loose end over the same rafter on the driver's side. Then I pull the rope enough to lift the top about 3 " or so and tie it off on a hook on the wall. I then do the same at the front of the top, with another rope just behind the front latches, and then lift the front about 3" too, and secure that rope on a hook. Lastly, I unscrew the antenna and carefully drive out from under the top, leaving the top suspended from the rafters. Sounds crazy, but it's a one man operation, and I've been doing it like this for 36 years, now, with never a problem. If I ever figure out how to post pictures here, I'll put one up and you can see how easily it's done and how cool it looks!