Hardtop Question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11,108
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From: Behind The Redwood Curtain, The State of Jefferson
Hardtop Question
Next weekend we're going on a breakfast run and it's supposed to be tops down. The problem is, my wife can't help me take it off. Is there a way I could take it off myself, other than the pulley set up?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 858
Likes: 6
From: Hobe Sound FL
Hardtop Removal - Easy
I presume you put it on. If not, you have 2 captive bolts in the front, the bolts on L & R behind doors, then the captive bolts from the top in the back, L & R. The ones in the top are 3/8", the others using star heads.
After loosening all, top ready for removal, you get on one side, her on the other, lift straight up, then back it off over the deck, set on something like a blanket, etc. Decide where you will store it. Lean it up against a wall until you decide to hook up the harness and winch it up.
The tops weighs less then 70 lbs. That gives your wife 35 lbs. on one side, and 35 lbs. maximum for you on the other side. My wife works out, so 35 lbs. is a piece of cake for her. If she can't do it, get someone else.
The mounting flanges on the L & R side of car unbolt with 3 each side.
One of the forum members sent me the Corvette GM instructions for attaching and removal. I can send them to you, then print. My e mail:
vinterrv@aol.com.
Boatman
Hobe Sound, FL
After loosening all, top ready for removal, you get on one side, her on the other, lift straight up, then back it off over the deck, set on something like a blanket, etc. Decide where you will store it. Lean it up against a wall until you decide to hook up the harness and winch it up.
The tops weighs less then 70 lbs. That gives your wife 35 lbs. on one side, and 35 lbs. maximum for you on the other side. My wife works out, so 35 lbs. is a piece of cake for her. If she can't do it, get someone else.
The mounting flanges on the L & R side of car unbolt with 3 each side.
One of the forum members sent me the Corvette GM instructions for attaching and removal. I can send them to you, then print. My e mail:
vinterrv@aol.com.
Boatman
Hobe Sound, FL
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Behind The Redwood Curtain, The State of Jefferson
I know how to mount/unmount it. We used to put it on and take it off together all the time. We put it on last fall when it was cold. The problem now is that she's 6 months pregnant and shouldn't be lifting much (she's short too so it's an awkward lift for her. It wouldn't be a problem if someone I knew ever came to visit. We'll see how it goes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 2
From: Castro Valley Calif.
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
The only thing I can think of is pad the deck heavily and roll it off backwards...be careful of the B pillar mounts though 
Why not just offer a select neighbor a glass of frothy adult beverage in exchange for 5 minutes of time?
Why not just offer a select neighbor a glass of frothy adult beverage in exchange for 5 minutes of time?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
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From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I was going to suggest that my brother-in-law come over to help but a Google map search shows he is WAY too far away in Big Bear. Can't a club member come over and help you out? I'll bet all you have to do is ask. Or - you could meet at a club member's house on the way there and store it in their garage.
Congratulations on the coming addition!
Congratulations on the coming addition!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11,108
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From: Behind The Redwood Curtain, The State of Jefferson
The dude in the picture is my dad (2.5 hours away). The neighbors aren't very neighborly. And the closest club member is still an hours away. I was asked so as to avoid having to find someone else to help. No worries really, if the weather is crappy we'll probably leave it on anyway, hopefully not though.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 0
From: Leeds Alabama
The person in your group that says its a top down only run should take on the duty of helping you out, other than than , screw it, leave the top up. You cant take it off alone without damage (trust me)
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11,108
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From: Behind The Redwood Curtain, The State of Jefferson
If only it were that simple. We're really secluded, so there is no mail man (Post Office only) and newspapers are delivered by someone (???) at around 4:30 AM. We're going to try to get it off before we go, it may just stay. No big deal. It's going to be a pretty long ride to the breakfast (an hour fifteen just to the meet) and we're leaving at around 7:00 so it might be better having it on. thanks guys
thanks guys
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 239
From: Northern VA
I usually do it myself. I put a thick blanket over the rear deck and keep the windows up for support. Pull it back until I can get my arms around the underside. Lift and GENTLY put down on another thick blacket. Remember, lift with your knees 
