C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 03:04 PM
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Default c4 convertible top

Just bought a 1990 convertible,how does the top come down? No instructions and no manual help!
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 03:22 PM
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Reach behind the driver's seat, under the deck there is a lever. Pull it to release the rear latches. Behind the sunvisors are two latches that need to be released. When the rear of the top is free, raise the rear edge of the top, then press the rear deck release button, either on the rear edge of either door, or the yellow button on the console. Raise the rear deck until you can drop the top behind the seats, rear first, and fold the rest of the top in. Then close the rear lid.
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:04 PM
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....I have a 1990 Vert also..one thing to add---buy a "pillow" or use a folded towel to put in the fold of the rear plastic window so it does not scratch.
Have fun
Bill
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Old Apr 4, 2011 | 04:19 PM
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There is, also, a yellow button under the deck lid, just inside the front edge, driver's side, near the curved part.

Keep checking the Forum for an Owner's Manual in the Parts Wanted/For Sale section. They pop up from time to time. Or, you can get one (a reprint) from CorvetteCentral, MidAmerica, or somebody like that.
I would recommend that you get a paint protector from them, too. It's a static-cling strip that goes on the rear lid where the soft top's gasket sits. Dirt gets between the gasket and paint and, through movement and vibration, rubs the paint like sandpaper. Cheap insurance.

Congratulations on the buy.
A Corvette convertible is the only way to fly. But, then again, I'm biased.


Mike
'90 'vert
white/red
46,000 mi.

PS---CorvetteCentral.....part# 114011......$34.95
MidAmerica.....part# 600-013.....$49.99 (comes with the cover)

Last edited by j-wireman; Apr 4, 2011 at 04:36 PM.
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Old Apr 4, 2011 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by j-wireman
There is, also, a yellow button under the rear lid, just inside the front edge, driver's side, near the curved part.Keep checking the Forum for an Owner's Manual in the Parts Wanted/For Sale section. They pop up from time to time. Or, you can get one (a reprint) from CorvetteCentral, MidAmerica, or somebody like that.
I would recommend that you get a paint protector from them, too. It's a static-cling strip that goes on the rear lid where the soft top's gasket sits. Dirt gets between the gasket and paint and, through movement and vibration, rubs the paint like sandpaper. Cheap insurance.

Congratulations on the buy.
A Corvette convertible is the only way to fly. But, then again, I'm biased.


Mike
'90 'vert
white/red
46,000 mi.

PS---CorvetteCentral.....part# 114011......$34.95
Damn if I didn't forget to mention that button, that's the one I use, too. Been a long top-up winter, memory's good but short.
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Old Apr 4, 2011 | 06:16 PM
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One caveat if you have a 6 speed - if the key is "on" or the car is running the parking brake has to be on in order for the rear deck lid to release. First time I got caught in the rain I hopped out with the car in neutral to put the top up - no go on popping the boot lid. Thought about it for a second and put the parking brake up 1 click = worked.
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Old Apr 4, 2011 | 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted by j-wireman
PS---CorvetteCentral.....part# 114011......$34.95
MidAmerica.....part# 600-013.....$49.99 (comes with the cover)
Nothing like welcoming a new guy to the club by pointing him to the worst places to get parts...

$20 direct from the publisher (helminc.com)
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 11:11 AM
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Nothing like welcoming a new guy to the club by pointing him to the worst places to get parts...
$20 direct from the publisher (helminc.com)
More bad advice...give the newbie a break!

He will no doubt need at some point the factory service manual, which in addition to technical service info contains all the information which is in the owner's manual (including how to put the top up and down). He might as well save the $20 and apply it toward the full FSM.
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by anciano
More bad advice...give the newbie a break!

He will no doubt need at some point the factory service manual, which in addition to technical service info contains all the information which is in the owner's manual (including how to put the top up and down). He might as well save the $20 and apply it toward the full FSM.
The owner's manual mostly insults your intelligence and all the important stuff is in the FSM.
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 10:26 PM
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Solution: download a free pdf of the owners manual right now (Google search) and then get the FSM.
Print out onlly the pages you need of the owners manual (like the light bulb chart or Convertible top instructions) and save a tree.

Welcome Aboard!
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 10:29 PM
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Originally Posted by sailorsteve
Reach behind the driver's seat, under the deck there is a lever. Pull it to release the rear latches. Behind the sunvisors are two latches that need to be released. When the rear of the top is free, raise the rear edge of the top, then press the rear deck release button, either on the rear edge of either door, or the yellow button on the console. Raise the rear deck until you can drop the top behind the seats, rear first, and fold the rest of the top in. Then close the rear lid.
And another thing- DON'T FORGET to swing the front latches back to their closed position before you shut the deck lid or they'll scratch the underside of the lid. Don't ask me how i know!
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