Dino_'72

So have we made any determination on the center hole on the decklid? Seems like a lot of conflicting answers.

My '72 decklid has a center hole with a chrome plug/flush cap covering it. I only have the soft top. I just assumed all convertibles had this center hole drilled to accommodate a hardtop whether it was ordered from the factory when new, added later, or ordered with removable hardtop only (soft top delete).

So because my car has the center hole, does this mean the original owner also ordered a hard top, otherwise I would have no hole? I can tell this hole thing is naturally important to us guys

69FASTFUN

My 72 is a convertible top only and the deck lid does not have the center hole and is verified by my tank sticker. I use a 68 hard top on my car that does not have the center bolt but the stainless tips were added.

Dino_'72

Thank you for the info. I guess the hard top that came with my car is out there somewhere. If I ever drop the tank, hopefully the sticker is there and can ultimately confirm it.

69L46vert

I believe the center bolt was added partway through the 69 model year. I also think that very early 69 hardtops had no chrome tips.

As an answer to the OP's original question, Yes, a folding top will go on a hardtop only car with no modification.

The reverse not being true as the side holes would have to be drilled in the decklid as well as the center bolt hole.

theandies

Totally forgot about the side holes......good catch.

jason75

Does anyone know if front part of frame fro 72 is different from a 78? If so what is the difference. Thanks

gguillot

My '72 LT-1 has the factory hardtop and has the center hole on the decklid. Hardtop is verified from the tank sticker.

The hardtop does not have a center pin, but there is some type bracket in the center that might have held a pin or bolt. (I can't really see it - I can feel it - I've got the top stored away and it is hard to get to.)

midigike

Well, I just purchased a 72' top for my 68 and it has the center bolt mounting plate. This top has all the original hardware and inner head liner.
From my investigating they all should have the center bolt, chrome end tips after /mid 69. On my 68 I had to change the studs( long all thread rod ) that went into the soft top slots on the deck lid to the ball type on the soft top to make it work.
Also the deck lid needs to have the side bolt retainers in the sides of the deck lid behind the seats. This must be done-

Side bolt that mounts inside sides of rear deck lid

And no matter what you do- you will scratch the inner deck lid with the mounting taps from the top- it sucks I know
There will be a big gap between the top and deck lid if there is no center bolt.

All original 72 top, I bought from the second owner of the car, the hardtop was on the car when he bought from the first original owner. Center bolt mount is riveted to top.


But man it makes the car look so much more classy

69L46vert

Looks nice on there midigike. Those tops are super solid when all bolted up. Really nice in cold weather. The best of both worlds. I need to make a hoist for mine that store it up on the ceiling when off the car.
I notice the chrome tip revision in the AIM was 12/13/68.

I agree the center bolt is a good addition. My Sept. 68 car did not have the center bolt but I drilled and installed one. Without it I had a substantial gap with the new weatherstripping.

midigike

Thanks 69L46vert, hardtop looks great on these cars.

Also don't forget to get the deck lid protector strip. Just a strip of vinyl but protects the paint from the gasket biting in
Black vynil decklid protector, bought at Mid America Motorworks, Effingham

69L46vert

I need to get that vinyl protector. Just painted mine on Labor Day and can already see where the seal outline is starting to show when the top is off.

midigike

hmm, I may have an extra, if I do I'll send it to you.

midigike

Found it!

69L46 you want this protector? I have an extra. They are quality and last a long time. Is black

69L46 you want this extra one? I'm 60015 zip code

69L46vert

Sure do, Sending PM. Thanks Midigike

midigike

69L46-

sent the protector to you, should have arrived for the weekend!

69L46vert

Found it I the mailbox yesterday! I was away for the weekend. Thanks a ton. I'll install it today. Very nice of you to send it to me. BTW can you use any tail light gaskets? I have lots of extras. Both for the lenses and the body. If you do I'll send them out to you.

I opted to drill the center hole too even though it wasn't there from the factory since as you stated, there was a pretty big gap without it.
And got the weatherstripping all installed and adjusted the windows to the hardtop. Nice and tight now. I may not even drive it much in the rain but it passed the water test pretty well. Adjusting everything was pretty straightforward but took some time to dial it all in nice. Thanks again, Rick