Roof question
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6
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Roof question
I have my 84 corvette. I get asked all the time if the top comes off and I always said that it doesn't. But I really don't know. I was reading on here about a gm tool that comes with the car for taking it off. I think it was a torx bit...not sure how to spell that for sure. But does the top come off of my corvette coupe?
I know the obvious that if it does I should take it off and put it back in on level ground. Besides that is there anything else I should know? I have a crappy pic my friend took on his phone of the car on my profile if that helps at all.
I know the obvious that if it does I should take it off and put it back in on level ground. Besides that is there anything else I should know? I have a crappy pic my friend took on his phone of the car on my profile if that helps at all.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Marysville CA - 2002
Originally Posted by Bryan_broken_eq
I have my 84 corvette. I get asked all the time if the top comes off and I always said that it doesn't. But I really don't know. I was reading on here about a gm tool that comes with the car for taking it off. I think it was a torx bit...not sure how to spell that for sure. But does the top come off of my corvette coupe?
I know the obvious that if it does I should take it off and put it back in on level ground. Besides that is there anything else I should know? I have a crappy pic my friend took on his phone of the car on my profile if that helps at all.
I know the obvious that if it does I should take it off and put it back in on level ground. Besides that is there anything else I should know? I have a crappy pic my friend took on his phone of the car on my profile if that helps at all.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Yes, the top comes off.
There are four bolts: one under each sunvisor that screw vertically up and one each at the rear that are horizontal. Your owners maunal will show them.
Without the top the car will flex considerably more than it does with the top in place.
There are four bolts: one under each sunvisor that screw vertically up and one each at the rear that are horizontal. Your owners maunal will show them.
Without the top the car will flex considerably more than it does with the top in place.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 783
Likes: 2
From: Wake Forest, NC
St. Jude Donor '05
Your car should have come with a tool to remove the top. It basically looks like a socket wrench with a short extension and torx bit permenantly attached.
You can get one from Ecklers, Mid America, or just about anywhere if you don't have it... or just use a torx bit in a socket wrnech you already have.
In the rear hatch, the two plastic "cups" that protrude from the floor are used to store your top when it's out. The back corners fit into that and there is a spring-tensioned bolt that holds the front of the top clipped in place if you have everything lined up correctly.
Do you have a glass roof? If so, be careful securing it in the rear that you don't break the corners...
You can get one from Ecklers, Mid America, or just about anywhere if you don't have it... or just use a torx bit in a socket wrnech you already have.
In the rear hatch, the two plastic "cups" that protrude from the floor are used to store your top when it's out. The back corners fit into that and there is a spring-tensioned bolt that holds the front of the top clipped in place if you have everything lined up correctly.
Do you have a glass roof? If so, be careful securing it in the rear that you don't break the corners...
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Installing it is more critical then removing as far as vehicle configuration. But yes generally a flat surface, both doors open and windows down, and the hatch open. Allways tighten the rear two torx bolts first then secure the front two.
Yes the vehicle is more flexible with the top removed. It makes it much more fun to drive that way <grin>.
There are a number of places you should be able to get a reproduction owners manual. You can try to locate an original, but that may be a difficult task. Also you may wish to locate a set of service manuals for it as well.
Good luck, have fun with the top down.
Yes the vehicle is more flexible with the top removed. It makes it much more fun to drive that way <grin>.
There are a number of places you should be able to get a reproduction owners manual. You can try to locate an original, but that may be a difficult task. Also you may wish to locate a set of service manuals for it as well.
Good luck, have fun with the top down.
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Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6
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Sorry all for my stupidity. This is my first corvette, but not my last. I'll probably just buy a socket. Thank you for all the instructions. I'm definately going to get an owners manual before I post more stupid questions lol. What sucks is that by the time I get off of work I probably won't be able to play with it.
Thank you all.
Thank you all.
There's always time for a ride!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 3
From: Lowell Arkansas
remember that some people dont see some things as clearly as others. at the same time they are very sharp in other areas. for instance i was at Bikes Blues and Bar-B-Q this weekend. a friend of mine was insulted that they had a sign that read "NO COLORS", i had to explain to her that colors were not the same thing in the biker world as what she thought they were. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: Copperas Cove TX
Originally Posted by Bryan_broken_eq
I have my 84 corvette. I get asked all the time if the top comes off and I always said that it doesn't. But I really don't know. I was reading on here about a gm tool that comes with the car for taking it off. I think it was a torx bit...not sure how to spell that for sure. But does the top come off of my corvette coupe?
I know the obvious that if it does I should take it off and put it back in on level ground. Besides that is there anything else I should know? I have a crappy pic my friend took on his phone of the car on my profile if that helps at all.
I know the obvious that if it does I should take it off and put it back in on level ground. Besides that is there anything else I should know? I have a crappy pic my friend took on his phone of the car on my profile if that helps at all.
Welcome to the Forum, keep the questions coming, the only stupid question is one that is not ask........Unlike some answers........
Have a Great Day!!!!!!!!
Last edited by LoneStarSoldier; Oct 3, 2005 at 06:46 PM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 630
Likes: 2
From: BEMIDJI MN
Originally Posted by Bryan_broken_eq
Sorry all for my stupidity. This is my first corvette, but not my last. I'll probably just buy a socket. Thank you for all the instructions. I'm definately going to get an owners manual before I post more stupid questions lol. What sucks is that by the time I get off of work I probably won't be able to play with it.
Thank you all.
Thank you all.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,111
Likes: 1
From: My redneck of the woods louisiana
Originally Posted by 93JetJocky
Installing it is more critical then removing as far as vehicle configuration. But yes generally a flat surface, both doors open and windows down, and the hatch open. Allways tighten the rear two torx bolts first then secure the front two.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Just FYI, the top is fitted and adjusted to the chassis in this fashion. The reason is, the rear two are fixed (well more so then the front in that the rear's require shims to adjust forward and aft), and the front two are adjustable by loosening the hold down plate bolts on the top, attached with three bolts.
When you get a new top you must fit it to your vehicle. The process is to remove the windshield trim, mirror and sun shades. Then with the front hold down plate loose, set the top on the vehicle and secure the rear two bolts. Since the hold down plate are loose on the front you can tighten the capture bolt and it aligns the hold down plate. Then through access holes you tighten the hold down plate bolts. Loosen all the capture bolts and remove the top. Torque the hold down plate bolts. Re-install the top and once the rear's are tightened the fronts should align perfectly. If so, re-install the sun shades, mirror and trim.
Therefore, understanding how the top is fitted to the vehicle you now understand why the rear bolts are tightened first then the front two.
When you get a new top you must fit it to your vehicle. The process is to remove the windshield trim, mirror and sun shades. Then with the front hold down plate loose, set the top on the vehicle and secure the rear two bolts. Since the hold down plate are loose on the front you can tighten the capture bolt and it aligns the hold down plate. Then through access holes you tighten the hold down plate bolts. Loosen all the capture bolts and remove the top. Torque the hold down plate bolts. Re-install the top and once the rear's are tightened the fronts should align perfectly. If so, re-install the sun shades, mirror and trim.
Therefore, understanding how the top is fitted to the vehicle you now understand why the rear bolts are tightened first then the front two.
Last edited by 93JetJocky; Oct 14, 2005 at 07:25 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 64
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Don't feel stupid, I just bought my first Corvette on Saturday.
Never driven one before. I was pleasently surprised at the power and handling.
On Sunday it was beautiful and I decided to look at the top. My old Z28 t tops used to have handles that opend and the tops came right out.
I was bummed that this top had bolts with star heads of which I did not have the tool. Looked in all the comparments nothing. No owners manual either. Top stayed on all day....I was not happy.
On Monday went to Chevy garage and they told me what to do and about the bolts in the front as well. Went to four different places and nobody had the 40 long bit only short. The fronts are resested and if you you used and adapter it wouldn't fit through the small opening. Had to order one....bummed. Not going to be to many more Sundays like the one I missed. Oh well. Anyone live in the Portsmouth NH area. I have a lot of questions about this car Thanks. Michael Paul
Never driven one before. I was pleasently surprised at the power and handling.
On Sunday it was beautiful and I decided to look at the top. My old Z28 t tops used to have handles that opend and the tops came right out.
I was bummed that this top had bolts with star heads of which I did not have the tool. Looked in all the comparments nothing. No owners manual either. Top stayed on all day....I was not happy.
On Monday went to Chevy garage and they told me what to do and about the bolts in the front as well. Went to four different places and nobody had the 40 long bit only short. The fronts are resested and if you you used and adapter it wouldn't fit through the small opening. Had to order one....bummed. Not going to be to many more Sundays like the one I missed. Oh well. Anyone live in the Portsmouth NH area. I have a lot of questions about this car Thanks. Michael Paul
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Here's one that gets most new owners especially without manuals.
The emergency brake. When you pull the handle up it sets the brake. Then push the handle back down to recess it. To release the e-brake, pull up again holding the button to just beyond where you set it and push it back down.
LOL, I had mine a year and never knew it would recess out of the way, crawled over that handle many times. First time I set it I couldn't figure out how to release it. Had to call the dealer back. Duh!
I may be wrong but I believe MyGM.com or something like that gives you PDF's of your owners manual when you become a member. Don't hold me to it though. I think that is where I got the PDF. I also got an original color owner manual still sealed from http://www.coastcorvette.com/. I got a reproduction (its basically a B&W copy with comb binding that I use for references.
The emergency brake. When you pull the handle up it sets the brake. Then push the handle back down to recess it. To release the e-brake, pull up again holding the button to just beyond where you set it and push it back down.
LOL, I had mine a year and never knew it would recess out of the way, crawled over that handle many times. First time I set it I couldn't figure out how to release it. Had to call the dealer back. Duh!
I may be wrong but I believe MyGM.com or something like that gives you PDF's of your owners manual when you become a member. Don't hold me to it though. I think that is where I got the PDF. I also got an original color owner manual still sealed from http://www.coastcorvette.com/. I got a reproduction (its basically a B&W copy with comb binding that I use for references.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Marysville CA - 2002
Originally Posted by DISHMEE
Don't feel stupid, I just bought my first Corvette on Saturday.
Never driven one before. I was pleasently surprised at the power and handling.
On Sunday it was beautiful and I decided to look at the top. My old Z28 t tops used to have handles that opend and the tops came right out.
I was bummed that this top had bolts with star heads of which I did not have the tool. Looked in all the comparments nothing. No owners manual either. Top stayed on all day....I was not happy.
On Monday went to Chevy garage and they told me what to do and about the bolts in the front as well. Went to four different places and nobody had the 40 long bit only short. The fronts are resested and if you you used and adapter it wouldn't fit through the small opening. Had to order one....bummed. Not going to be to many more Sundays like the one I missed. Oh well. Anyone live in the Portsmouth NH area. I have a lot of questions about this car Thanks. Michael Paul
Never driven one before. I was pleasently surprised at the power and handling.
On Sunday it was beautiful and I decided to look at the top. My old Z28 t tops used to have handles that opend and the tops came right out.
I was bummed that this top had bolts with star heads of which I did not have the tool. Looked in all the comparments nothing. No owners manual either. Top stayed on all day....I was not happy.
On Monday went to Chevy garage and they told me what to do and about the bolts in the front as well. Went to four different places and nobody had the 40 long bit only short. The fronts are resested and if you you used and adapter it wouldn't fit through the small opening. Had to order one....bummed. Not going to be to many more Sundays like the one I missed. Oh well. Anyone live in the Portsmouth NH area. I have a lot of questions about this car Thanks. Michael Paul