69 Conv Q's

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Jul 30, 2004 | 09:50 AM

snyper

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Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 71

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From: St. Charles, MO

69 Conv Q's

I recently added a 69 Convertible to my collection. That brings me to a C3, C4, and C5. While excited it does not have the soft top option, only the hard top. I really want the ability to not have to leave home and not have protection from the quick shower.

I need any and all info anyone can give me on what I would need to do to add a soft top to the car and where I might get the parts.

Thanks!

Jul 30, 2004 | 10:20 AM

gkvetteuno

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 947

Likes: 46

From: Saint Cloud Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by snyper

FWIW, I ordered a new 1970 convertible with hardtop only in lieu of the soft top. The car came with both tops. The soft top was standard and the hardtop was optional. While not sure, I suspect yours was the same. In any event, look down in the inner quarter trim panels to see if the tapped mounting plates are there for the soft top mounting bolts. If so nothing else is needed to mount the soft top. The soft tops are occasionally seen on eBay and at Corvette swap meets. Be mineful that the rubber, latches ect. can run into a few dollars quick. The tops were also prone to rust in the front header. Buying one with good components and no rust would be well worth a few hundred bucks more. Depending on the seller, I imagine $500 to $1000. Most seen need new cloth, another $200 or so. Finding one that needs nothing would be nice, which, like most Corvette items is out there and available for a price.

Jul 30, 2004 | 10:24 AM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2000

Posts: 38,923

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Buy an assembly instruction manual (AIM) for your '69. Everything you want to know about your softtop, including the old part numbers, are in the AIM. Your best hope of finding a complete folding top will be at a swap meet or off eBay. Good Luck.

Jul 30, 2004 | 10:55 AM

CruisinCO

Racer

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 411

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From: Arvada CO

Stripping mine 69 top down to bare bones as another side project... Rust in the front header is a biggy.. It's a total PIA.

Jul 30, 2004 | 10:56 AM

gkvetteuno

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 947

Likes: 46

From: Saint Cloud Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Mike

Hey Easy Mike, bought my first new Corvette, a 65 red 365 HP vert, in Horse Cave from Hensley Chevrolet in 1964, the second he had sold. Maybe I can look you up sometime when up that way.

Jul 30, 2004 | 11:09 AM

CGGorman

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 20,216

Likes: 4

From: Smile, it's just the internet.

You can buy complete frames from any of the majors for around 1500. The fabric, weatherstriping, etc. will run you maybe another 500. Again, any of the majors can help you.

The frame should bolt right onto the car. Of course, it will need assembled and aligned before you can put any fabric on it. Once on the car, you can mount the hard top without removing it. I have both and love both the weather versatility AND the different looks.

Jul 30, 2004 | 11:12 AM

snyper

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Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 71

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From: St. Charles, MO

I have been able to find the complete soft top from corvettecentral and another but it is 2k. Little more than I want to spend on a convience... The hardtop is in very good condition but really dont like running in somewhere with the top off, so was hoping to find a softtop solution...

So far I've had no luck on Ebay for the top but continue to look.

Just to confirm when you say header you are talking of the most forward piece of steel that the latches attach to correct?

Jul 30, 2004 | 11:20 AM

CruisinCO

Racer

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 411

Likes: 0

From: Arvada CO

Yes, the 2 front corners are most prone to water damage.... Mine wasn't visable until I began stripping the old weatherstip off.
And it is just bolts in with 4 bolts behind your seats. It's easier to bolt on/off with the rear quarter panals removed. Those are just 4 little screws.
FYI- As CGGorman stated, if you get one, align and adjust 'before' you put new fabric on...

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Jul 30, 2004 | 11:55 AM

HDIronman

Pro

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 708

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From: somewhere south of normal

[QUOTE=snyper]The hardtop is in very good condition but really dont like running in somewhere with the top off, so was hoping to find a softtop solution...QUOTE]

If I had to put my top up every time I exited the car I would never get anywhere....

I just use the alarm, which is only a deterant.

Seriously, I hardly ever put my top up unless it's in the garage. I also have a perfect hardtop, and I NEVER use it, it stays in the garage all the time.

I'm in the middle of restoring my soft top right now. Had the frame blasted, and re-painted. As soon as I can get the frame back on the car and adjusted I can install the new material.

I would keep searching for a solid used frame/top. Just my $.02

Jul 30, 2004 | 12:35 PM

#10

criz51

Instructor

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 111

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From: Golden CO

Might try these guys found in Hemmings

convertible parts - 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Hinckley, OH
CONVERTIBLE top assemblies: 1963-67, 1968-75 Corvettes, NOS hardware. Greenhoe's, 330-723-0899, OH.