Does anyone know if a hardtop from a 90 vert will fit an 89?

 

It should.

 

i think so, but want to be sure before i pop the $$ for the top.

 

When you buy it, make sure to get the rear mounting hardware with it. The hardware is obselete, pricey and hard to find.

 

he has all the hardware with it brand new. top has never been on car and did not come with the car new. he is not the original owner so i guess there is a good chance it's not even for a 90, didn't think of that! are there any differences in the tops over the years?

 

Im not 100% sure but I think 88 to 96 are the same.

 

www.smoothline.com sells them new and they seem to indicate that one size fits all.

 

89 was the first year for the hardtop and I believe they are interchangeable 89-96. It isn't impossible for it to fit 86-88 either. It's just not a direct bolt on like the later years.



8mm ratchet wrench
torx ratchet
10 bolts
deck lid cover
2 side brackets

But it doesn't stiffen the car like the factory top.

 

You can retrofit the C4 convertible hardtop to fit the 86-88 verts. I did it on my 87 and would be glad to help anyone out with advice.
The hardtop was first offered on the 1989 Corvette convertible and was available through 1996.
Your available storage space is next to nothing with it on though. Your significant other will only have room to pack a very small nightie and a toothbrush.

 

The Speedline top is simply a figerglass shell and does not bolt on like the OEM hardtop. This top uses the only the windshield mounts and the two rear decklid latches for attaching.

The OEM top, in addition to using the widnshield mounting bolts and the decklid latches (the rear locating pins on the hardtop has bolts that screw into the latches) has a steel bar that connects to the two rear door pillars using the large steel brackerts and this provides a huge increase in the stiffness of the convertible body. The 'vert body with the hardtop installed is actually stiffer than a coupe.

 

I can definitely say yes, the hardtop will fit your convertible. Since all of the parts are available, brackets, bolts, and both wrenches with the top, the two things to worry about are the color and weather stripping. Costs quite a bit to change the color. If it needs weather stripping, I advise using the OEM from GM, but GM wants both of your arms and legs (ie very very expensive). I replaced my weather stripping last year with OEM and am glad I did not go with the aftermarket brands. Also, advise that you pick up the top and mount it rather than having it shipped if you purchase it.
I've heard good and bad about the Smoothline top; saw one that was in terrible shape (and not from neglect), and others that looked terrific, but they do not attach in the same way according to some reports; they must be painted also as they come with primer only. The OEM is the way to go, gives stability-rigidness that you don't experience in the convertible mode. The only drawback to a removable hard top when it is attached is the loss of storage space in the back compartment. I use my luggage rack more when it is attached than I do when it is not. If you do buy one, I suggest that you purchase the "pillow" for the convertible top window for use when it is down in the compartment. I really love my hard top on the 94. It came as a factory option. Had removable hard tops for my 56, 66, and 91 convertibles, and used them every winter. Of course the C2s have trunks, so one does not lose storage space.

 

I have an 86 and have the chance to buy a 90 hardtop that has been in storage for 20 years. What would I have to do to make it fit?

 

I think you have to change some of the mounting stuff on the windshield IIRC, not sure. more will chime in. it has been done, it is not real popular. You could buy a fake one from smoothe line, and it only weighs 50 lbs so you can move it your self, but it does not really stiffen the car.