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Hardtop removal

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Old Sep 3, 2016 | 12:29 AM
  #1  
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From: Colby KS
Default Hardtop removal

I need ideas on removing my hardtop from my 1990 convertible. I didn't put it on so I'm not sure how it attaches. The front has been loosened but when I pull the lever to release the back corners, neither side wants to release. I must be overlooking something. The company that I bought the car from put the hardtop on last week for transportation. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Old Sep 3, 2016 | 12:52 AM
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Do not know never had one. But untill someone that does shows up try setting the ebrake.
Old Sep 3, 2016 | 01:40 AM
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See post #3 here:
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=23368
Old Sep 3, 2016 | 10:52 AM
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Default 90 hard top removal

Originally Posted by 1ollie1
I need ideas on removing my hardtop from my 1990 convertible. I didn't put it on so I'm not sure how it attaches. The front has been loosened but when I pull the lever to release the back corners, neither side wants to release. I must be overlooking something. The company that I bought the car from put the hardtop on last week for transportation. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Have you removed the brackets just above and behind the door jambs? Right next to soft top hinge?
Old Sep 3, 2016 | 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve62
Have you removed the brackets just above and behind the door jambs? Right next to soft top hinge?
I have not. There are rectangular hollow brackets attached to the hardtop on each side. Wondered what they were for, don't appear to be in the way of removing the top?
Old Sep 3, 2016 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
Do not know never had one. But untill someone that does shows up try setting the ebrake.


I see you had 30 years with GM, congrats. I'll bite - what is an ebrake - emergency brake?
Old Sep 3, 2016 | 12:32 PM
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[QUOTE=1ollie1;1592983035]I have not. There are rectangular hollow brackets attached to the hardtop on each side. Wondered what they were for, don't appear to be in the way of removing the top? Where are you heading with your question?


I have friends in Sunrise Beach, he's retired from banking, I'm retired was in banking for a few years. Small world.
Old Sep 3, 2016 | 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 1ollie1
I see you had 30 years with GM, congrats. I'll bite - what is an ebrake - emergency brake?
Thank you and yes on the ebrake.
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Old Sep 3, 2016 | 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 1ollie1
I have not. There are rectangular hollow brackets attached to the hardtop on each side. Wondered what they were for, don't appear to be in the way of removing the top?
Those steel brackets are what provides the stiffness to the 'vert when the top is properly installed. There are 5 bolts on each side and they all have to be removed to be able to lift the hardtop off the car. Also, the rear locating pins on the decklid each have a small encapsulated bolt that has to be loosened. IIRC, it takes a 10mm wrench.

These pins do not clamp the top in place; the small bolts hold the rear of the top and when you install the top, these bolts are for snugging the hardtop down so that the weatherstripping seals properly.

If you want a copy of the original GM hardtop install instructions, send me a PM and I can provide them.

Last edited by c4cruiser; Sep 3, 2016 at 07:35 PM.
Old Sep 3, 2016 | 08:22 PM
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From: Colby KS
Default Hardtop

Originally Posted by Steve62
Have you removed the brackets just above and behind the door jambs? Right next to soft top hinge?

I did not have those small brackets on my vert. Thanks
Old Sep 3, 2016 | 08:35 PM
  #11  
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From: Colby KS
Default Hardtop

Originally Posted by c4cruiser
Those steel brackets are what provides the stiffness to the 'vert when the top is properly installed. There are 5 bolts on each side and they all have to be removed to be able to lift the hardtop off the car. Also, the rear locating pins on the decklid each have a small encapsulated bolt that has to be loosened. IIRC, it takes a 10mm wrench.

These pins do not clamp the top in place; the small bolts hold the rear of the top and when you install the top, these bolts are for snugging the hardtop down so that the weatherstripping seals properly.

If you want a copy of the original GM hardtop install instructions, send me a PM and I can provide them.

I do not find the brackets with the 5 bolts? I believe I have an OEM hardtop as opposed to a Smoothline model? The rear "locating" pins in the back have a stud protruding with a top requiring a 5/16" wrench. On that stud (each side) is a lock nut taking a 7/8" wrench. The other end of the studs must be in the receiving bracket in the deck lid. The releasing cable/handle moves but is not releasing the stud on either side.
I surely would like the GM instructions that you say you can provide.
Old Sep 4, 2016 | 10:15 AM
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Here's the GM hardtop installation instructions.







Old Jan 6, 2023 | 07:03 PM
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Default Did you get it figured out?

Originally Posted by 1ollie1
i need ideas on removing my hardtop from my 1990 convertible. I didn't put it on so i'm not sure how it attaches. The front has been loosened but when i pull the lever to release the back corners, neither side wants to release. I must be overlooking something. The company that i bought the car from put the hardtop on last week for transportation. Any ideas would be appreciated.
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Old Jan 7, 2023 | 01:52 PM
  #14  
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Since the thread is over six years old, and my friend c4Cruiser has passed away in the interim, I am sure the OP has figured it out.

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