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Have a 1972 coupe. Is it possible to convert the sun visor to one that will pivot to the side window. Looking at the later models, 1980 through 82, it looks like these sun visors do pivot. Is it possible to convert a 72 to the later version, or is there another option in the aftermarket?
I'm listening now. Would this allow you to use 77-82 T-Tops as well? I should start a new thread on this...
If you want to install 78-82 single handle T-tops on a 68-77 Corvette, all you need are a pair of the 78 (chrome) or 79-82 (black) rear T-top mounting plate/top pin receivers. These replace the plate and triangle shaped nut in the targa bar to accept the rear pin from the 78-82 T-tops. There's no need to change the windshield header top corner moldings to use 78-82 tops on an earlier Corvette.
The rear pin receivers have a switch in them that was wired into the alarm system of late 78's to 82 Corvettes, but it doesn't prevent you from using the receivers in an earlier Corvette. The 78 and 79-82 rear top receivers sell for about $30 each and are available from any Corvette vendor.
The 78 and 79-82 receivers are identical except for the finish on them. I know that some people just remove the triangle head nut from the targa bar and let the pin go in it's hole, but the correct receivers have a nylon insert that keeps them from rattling.
If you want to install 78-82 single handle T-tops on a 68-77 Corvette, all you need are a pair of the 78 (chrome) or 79-82 (black) rear T-top mounting plate/top pin receivers. These replace the plate and triangle shaped nut in the targa bar to accept the rear pin from the 78-82 T-tops. There's no need to change the windshield header top corner moldings to use 78-82 tops on an earlier Corvette.
The rear pin receivers have a switch in them that was wired into the alarm system of late 78's to 82 Corvettes, but it doesn't prevent you from using the receivers in an earlier Corvette. The 78 and 79-82 rear top receivers sell for about $30 each and are available from any Corvette vendor.
The 78 and 79-82 receivers are identical except for the finish on them. I know that some people just remove the triangle head nut from the targa bar and let the pin go in it's hole, but the correct receivers have a nylon insert that keeps them from rattling.
Do you know if the 77+ windshield piece can mount in the earlier models without too much modification? And will it still accept the old style T-Tops?
To the best of my knowledge, if they're not a direct bolt on they should be close to it. I can tell you the windshield frame (the header, 2 a-pillars and 2 corners) that the corner moldings mount on are the same basic stampings for all 68-82 Corvettes. The top outer windshield molding is the same on 68-82's, except for the later ones being painted black. There are differences in the top header "T" shaped molding (the one that goes between the two chrome corner pieces) but to my knowledge those differences are more about the area where the "T" molding meets the targa bar and not about where it meets the corners.
The one area I'm not too sure about would be how the interior a-pillar and header moldings will fit around with the area of the corner plates where the visor rods go in? The earlier a-pillar moldings are vinyl wrapped and padded making them much thicker than the molded plastic moldings used on 77-82's. The difference in the thickness of the moldings make cause interference between the molding and the hollow boss on the corner molding the visor rod goes through?
There shouldn't be any issues with the T-tops because the position of the front latches and alignment pins is the same on all tops.
I use to have a bunch of old windshield top corner moldings from cars we parted over the years, but a couple years back I went through the shop and scrapped piles of old parts that hadn't sold and I figured never would. I don't remember if I still have any of the 69-76 and 77-82 top corner moldings around to compare, but I'll try to take a look later today.
To the best of my knowledge, if they're not a direct bolt on they should be close to it. I can tell you the windshield frame (the header, 2 a-pillars and 2 corners) that the corner moldings mount on are the same basic stampings for all 68-82 Corvettes. The top outer windshield molding is the same on 68-82's, except for the later ones being painted black. There are differences in the top header "T" shaped molding (the one that goes between the two chrome corner pieces) but to my knowledge those differences are more about the area where the "T" molding meets the targa bar and not about where it meets the corners.
The one area I'm not too sure about would be how the interior a-pillar and header moldings will fit around with the area of the corner plates where the visor rods go in? The earlier a-pillar moldings are vinyl wrapped and padded making them much thicker than the molded plastic moldings used on 77-82's. The difference in the thickness of the moldings make cause interference between the molding and the hollow boss on the corner molding the visor rod goes through?
There shouldn't be any issues with the T-tops because the position of the front latches and alignment pins is the same on all tops.
I use to have a bunch of old windshield top corner moldings from cars we parted over the years, but a couple years back I went through the shop and scrapped piles of old parts that hadn't sold and I figured never would. I don't remember if I still have any of the 69-76 and 77-82 top corner moldings around to compare, but I'll try to take a look later today.
Thanks again! I think the vinyl moulding would be retty easy to modify.