When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
How do you secure a removable hardtop on a C3 convertible, besides just the front levers and the two mounting prongs on the deck lid? I have two flanges on the sides of my top, but nowhere to bolt them to the back sides of the rear compartment. Do you have to add something to the sides to bolt these in?
How do you secure a removable hardtop on a C3 convertible, besides just the front levers and the two mounting prongs on the deck lid? I have two flanges on the sides of my top, but nowhere to bolt them to the back sides of the rear compartment. Do you have to add something to the sides to bolt these in?
Thanks for your help!
Dave Murray
Peoria, IL
Mine has a third, center lever in the front. I can not speak of the rear, but sure some will chime in. Honestly, thinking of airflow coming in from the front, I don’t think you have anything to be concerned about, unless just trying to be “correct”. I’ve yet to remove mine. I know what’s under there (soft top, in need of re-doing, but have that new sitting in a box). Those front latches take the brunt of what what comes at the top, unless the windows are down and uplift is a concern.
Thanks for your response, Litevette ... Yes, I have all three levers in front secured, but the back area rattles when I drive. Either the two prongs on the deck lid need to be adjusted, or there must be some way to put bolts through the flanges on the sides to secure it to the body better. At least that's what I'm thinking. I hate to screw through the fiberglass and add some brackets, though. The top is totally restored with great new rubber and weather stripping, and it looks great on the car. It's just a little noisy when you drive and hit a bump or a rough spot in the road.
There are eight points for attaching a C3 convertible hard top. Three at the front. Five along the back. If you're not seeing that, likely yours wasn't prepped for a hardtop.
You're probably looking for the three bolt locations,, one centered under the rear glass,, and, one each side directly behind the door jamb.
.
. If not there, you can easily add proper fasteners to do the job...
There are eight points for attaching a C3 convertible hard top. Three at the front. Five along the back. If you're not seeing that, likely yours wasn't prepped for a hardtop.
You're probably looking for the three bolt locations,, one centered under the rear glass,, and, one each side directly behind the door jamb.
.
. If not there, you can easily add proper fasteners to do the job...
60 Shark - Do you have any photos you could share with me of the center rear and two side bolt attachments? Apparently my convertible was never prepped for the hardtop, because there's nothing in those locations right now. I appreciate your help!
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
This was just discussed last week. You should have 2 brackets on the side that go through hollow flange bolts that bolt to your deck lid. It is factory that way....I will try to find the post or atleast a parts diagram
Hopefully this pics can help you visualize what's used.
.
.
See the center hole,, right side pin latch,, right side bolt hole. This is underside of the left side bolt hole showing threads for bolt,,, Underside of center hole showing the trim hold down tabs. Top of center he trim,,, Right side bolt hole,,,
This was just discussed last week. You should have 2 brackets on the side that go through hollow flange bolts that bolt to your deck lid. It is factory that way....I will try to find the post or atleast a parts diagram
Thanks! I have the flanges with bolt holes on my top, but no places on the deck lid for attaching them, so mine apparently wasn't set up at the factory for a removable top. I'd love to see the parts diagram or, even better, photos of those on someone's convertible.
Anywhere you can, unless again concerned about NCRS type judging, you can always add foam strips between components to avoid squeakiness. Many a hard top owner, even with all possible points attached, report such squeakiness. Nature of the beast with a fiberglass body and associated flex on an old azz car. I have no qualms about adding various thickness/density foams outta sight, outta mind in areas to increase my driving pleasure. But, the all original guys will tell you why you should not. Your mileage may vary and it is up to you to determine what you will do to remedy sounds if you really want to. BTW, a hardtop vs a soft top has always looked better in my opinion.
There should be two studs that go through where the soft top pins are. There shouldn't be pins on the HT. There are brackets that bolt the HT to the deck lid. Later cars have the small hole in the deck lid because earlier ones didn't seal good and were prone to leaking. Those three attachment points with the two on the side of the deck lid hold the back of the HT for a total of 5 attachments to the deck lid. Then of course the three front clips.
I have a 1968 C3 convertible as well as the hardtop for it. My car is a "no A/C Corvette", it does have a big hot 427 heat generator. If I use the hard-top it can get pretty warm in the car, The convertible top is not much better as it too gets really HOT in the summer. I will use the hardtop during the winter months. It also protects the car parts on the interior. It is also better than having the convertible get snow on it.
The "Convertible" soft top works the best for me and my Corvette, I keep the top down and enjoy the convertible part of the car. That way you can really enjoy the engine from its sounds.
If you are driving in a monsoon then I would choose the hard top. The convertible top leaked like crazy the first time it rained after we bought the C3 and that cold water squarely in my lap. The seals were some of the first to be replaced.
If you want it to rattle and squeak. With my bracket/nuts installed it's a lot better than the ST pins (I've tried it and went back) as far as securing it and reducing rattles.
I changed mine ,a 69 to the soft top pins and it works just fine and nothing rattles.
but I worry about the rubbing on the rear deck. But I sure do like it
Securing a Removable Hardtop on a C3
