Hardtop mounting
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 21
From: Charleston SC
Hardtop mounting
'74 Convertible. The hardtop apparently has never been put on the car and I need help trying to locate the position to drill the large holes for the side bolts. I have an AIM for the vehicle but cannot find the section that covers that area. If somebody has a diagram or can point me to the section in the AIM I'd sure appreciate it. Have a great weekend, Bill
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 21
From: Charleston SC
Thanks Mike. Couldn't find that particular page but I know it's in there. I was hoping there would be some measurements exactly where the hole was located, tho it looks like it's centered. I'll go with that. I'll post a pic with the top mounted. I do like the convertible but think the top looks pretty good too. Again, thanks. Brgds, Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 298
From: Midlothian VA
Might be easier to simply put the top on and use the side bolt holes located on the top to identify & mark the center point on the lid for the threaded receiving nuts/anchors.
And if you don't have them; I found that lug nuts make perfect retaining bolts for the side/lid anchors.
And if you don't have them; I found that lug nuts make perfect retaining bolts for the side/lid anchors.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Billem: Adjust your door glasses to seal well against the hard top weatherstipping. Hard top w/s is not adjustable. Remove the hardtop, raise the folding top, then set the folding top weatherstripping to seal against the door glasses. Folding top w/s can be fitted.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Nov 11, 2012 at 01:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 21
From: Charleston SC
Went on a club dinner cruise last night (Vette club). About 90 miles total and it rode nice. Not much air leak. Weather was perfect. Had a great time. Now I need to figure how to install the headliner. Apparently it has shrunk and doesn't fit great (I'm trying like He!! to keep this post "G" rated and having a rought time!) Anyway, I'm happy the way the top looks and glad I put it on. Still like the convertible.
Have a great week, Brgds, Bill
Have a great week, Brgds, Bill
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 21
From: Charleston SC
This is the first time I've attempted a youtube video. Just seeing how it works. Have a great day, Bill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjOuF...ature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjOuF...ature=youtu.be
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Went on a club dinner cruise last night (Vette club). About 90 miles total and it rode nice. Not much air leak. Weather was perfect. Had a great time. Now I need to figure how to install the headliner. Apparently it has shrunk and doesn't fit great (I'm trying like He!! to keep this post "G" rated and having a rought time!) Anyway, I'm happy the way the top looks and glad I put it on. Still like the convertible.
Have a great week, Brgds, Bill
Have a great week, Brgds, Bill
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Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 243
Likes: 2
From: North Georgia
glad I read this post.....soooo if your car did not come from the factory you need to drill holes for the side bolts?....
just now getting my hardtop painted to match the car so will have to look into this
just now getting my hardtop painted to match the car so will have to look into this
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 1
From: Roanoke Rapids NC
Just addressed the shrunken headliner problem on my 74 hardtop. I carefully stripped the old vinyl off, leaving the fiberboard and molded foam intact. Used heat and weight to flatten the piece back out. Then recovered with black madrid vinyl I bought off ebay. Used a combination of Contact cement, epoxy, and staples along the edges. As you know there are some complex curves in it, the only way I got the vinyl to match contour was to put the pieces in a vacuum bag. I'm very pleased with the results and saved about $450 over buying a new liner 
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...Product_Viewed
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 315
From: Belmont Michigan
Can you tell me what the purpose of this retainer is? Would a flat washer not do the job?
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...Product_Viewed
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...Product_Viewed
"In addition, using a reproduction hardtop stud lower retainer from Eckler's will add authenticity and value to your Corvette."
Now, do you really want to put just plain ole washers on there?
The last hardtop I owned had the retainers with it, but the hardtop I got with my '75 had nothing as far as retainers or nuts.
Willcox has them a tad cheaper: http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=6811