hardtop installation on conv???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 18
From: Trabuco Canyon CA
hardtop installation on conv???
I just recently purchased a hardtop and want to get in on this weekend.
Does anyone know of a good link to instructions or could possibly e-mail them to me?
Thanks in advance.
Does anyone know of a good link to instructions or could possibly e-mail them to me?
Thanks in advance.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 0
From: Bucks county Pa
Re: hardtop installation on conv??? (rxalot)
The process is pretty straightforward and i dont know of instrctions. After some trial and error fitting i can tell you what worked.
put softtop down and close boot (obviously)
Leave the side brackets bolted to the top but loosely
lay hard top on car... this takes two people
you need to pull the release handle( the same one for the back of the soft top) this lets the top drop down onto the car
there are two 8 mm screws in the rear corners they are long and best tightened with a racheting battery teninal wrench these need to be fairly tight
then there are two t40 torx screws in the windshield header that screw into the front of the top they are up in the hole above each visor(like on a coupe)
Finally loosen the torx screws on the side brackets
Bolt the brackets to the interior and tighten THEN tighten the torx screws that fasten the brackets to the hard top.
Look for light through the gap under the weatherstripping (there shouldnt be any)
If there is carefully tighten the 8mm screws in the rear corners more.
Hope this helps Best of luck youll love it :cheers:
put softtop down and close boot (obviously)
Leave the side brackets bolted to the top but loosely
lay hard top on car... this takes two people
you need to pull the release handle( the same one for the back of the soft top) this lets the top drop down onto the car
there are two 8 mm screws in the rear corners they are long and best tightened with a racheting battery teninal wrench these need to be fairly tight
then there are two t40 torx screws in the windshield header that screw into the front of the top they are up in the hole above each visor(like on a coupe)
Finally loosen the torx screws on the side brackets
Bolt the brackets to the interior and tighten THEN tighten the torx screws that fasten the brackets to the hard top.
Look for light through the gap under the weatherstripping (there shouldnt be any)
If there is carefully tighten the 8mm screws in the rear corners more.
Hope this helps Best of luck youll love it :cheers:
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Lake Stevens WA
Re: hardtop installation on conv??? (rxalot)
I see you've got good instructions. The change will be immediately noticeable and you'll certainly like the added structural integrity and stiffness. I like the
sun in the summer, but like the way my car feels and handles much better in the winter with the hardtop on.
Enjoy.
- Glenn :cheers:
sun in the summer, but like the way my car feels and handles much better in the winter with the hardtop on.
Enjoy.
- Glenn :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 0
From: Northern tip of Virginia
Re: hardtop installation on conv??? (rxalot)
If you have an owners manual, there are instructions in there.
There are also insructions that come with the top itself..check with the seller to see if he has them.
I found out that it was easiest BY FAR to connect the bolts above the windshield FIRST... then connect the 2 rear corner bolts.
I then tightened those 4 bolts before hooking up the bracket bolts. (but "install" the brackets 1st).
When I connected the brackets, I found that if positioned the bracket in the uppermost position, creating a small gap between the bottom flange and the connecting point, that the top would be drawn down much tighter and ALL rattles would disappear.
One more hint............. check the rubber bumpers on you deck lid to make sure they are adjusted correctly. I had 1 that was "loose" and created a rattle that took me 2 weeks to cure. (required removal of the top)
you will love your new solid, rattle free inviroment... :D
There are also insructions that come with the top itself..check with the seller to see if he has them.
I found out that it was easiest BY FAR to connect the bolts above the windshield FIRST... then connect the 2 rear corner bolts.
I then tightened those 4 bolts before hooking up the bracket bolts. (but "install" the brackets 1st).
When I connected the brackets, I found that if positioned the bracket in the uppermost position, creating a small gap between the bottom flange and the connecting point, that the top would be drawn down much tighter and ALL rattles would disappear.
One more hint............. check the rubber bumpers on you deck lid to make sure they are adjusted correctly. I had 1 that was "loose" and created a rattle that took me 2 weeks to cure. (required removal of the top)
you will love your new solid, rattle free inviroment... :D
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 18
From: Trabuco Canyon CA
Re: hardtop installation on conv??? (blk90rdstr)
Thanks for the instructions. I am going to try to get it on today. When I purchased it, good news is that it came with hardware and the package shelf, the bad news is that no instructions. If I can figure out where to upload the pictures, I will post later.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: hardtop installation on conv??? (rxalot)
I have some instructions for installation and also a document on how to build a hoist and carrier for removal and install. Get me an e-mail address and I'll send them to you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 18
From: Trabuco Canyon CA
Re: hardtop installation on conv??? (c4cruiser)
I have gotten it on but would love to actually have hard copy instructions.
spr.hanson@verizon.net is my e-mail.
Working on posting pictures. Looks wunderbar.
spr.hanson@verizon.net is my e-mail.
Working on posting pictures. Looks wunderbar.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 18
From: Trabuco Canyon CA
Re: hardtop installation on conv??? (rxalot)
Pictures as follows. Happy Halloween. Not great Pics but #3 is OK.
http://home1.gte.net/res1e1sb/images/lt1c4.jpg
http://home1.gte.net/res1e1sb/images/HDtop_94vette.jpg
http://home1.gte.net/res1e1sb/images..._94vette_a.jpg
As before, thanks for the help.
http://home1.gte.net/res1e1sb/images/lt1c4.jpg
http://home1.gte.net/res1e1sb/images/HDtop_94vette.jpg
http://home1.gte.net/res1e1sb/images..._94vette_a.jpg
As before, thanks for the help.
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: hardtop installation on conv??? (rxalot)
You'll find the hardtop makes the roadster a LOT stiffer and quieter inside. Most squeaks and rattles will go away.
I usually use my hard top for autocross and track days. The Corvette Marque club in Seattle hosts a track day at Pacific Raceways (old SIR) and they require a roll bar for roadsters, but the hardtop is accepted. NHRA also allows roadsters to run up to 11.99 with a hardtop.
I usually use my hard top for autocross and track days. The Corvette Marque club in Seattle hosts a track day at Pacific Raceways (old SIR) and they require a roll bar for roadsters, but the hardtop is accepted. NHRA also allows roadsters to run up to 11.99 with a hardtop.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 604
Likes: 0
From: CROSSING INTO CHARLOTTE NC FROM SC! SC
WOW This is what I was looking for !!!
First thanks to
Phil-tha-Rush !!
He's been guiding me along with this hardtop topic for a minute here.
In all honesty I always wished my roadster was a coupe...
until the top came down of course.
Now thanks to this thread I can have the best of both worlds !!!
Its what I've been looking for !!!!
Now all I need to find is a Aqua colored Top ... Sigh..
What did everyone pay for their tops ??? Love to know What I'm up against here !!
Please let me know ....
Mark A ..
I've posted my first picture of my Roadster ....
Hope is big enough ...
Whats the chances of getting an Aqua colored one ??
and if I go with white will it look stupid ??
[Modified by madquake, 7:16 PM 11/1/2002]
Phil-tha-Rush !!
He's been guiding me along with this hardtop topic for a minute here.
In all honesty I always wished my roadster was a coupe...
until the top came down of course.
Now thanks to this thread I can have the best of both worlds !!!
Its what I've been looking for !!!!
Now all I need to find is a Aqua colored Top ... Sigh..
What did everyone pay for their tops ??? Love to know What I'm up against here !!
Please let me know ....
Mark A ..
I've posted my first picture of my Roadster ....
Hope is big enough ...
Whats the chances of getting an Aqua colored one ??
and if I go with white will it look stupid ??
[Modified by madquake, 7:16 PM 11/1/2002]
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 18
From: Trabuco Canyon CA
Re: WOW This is what I was looking for !!! (madquake)
Phil's instructions were a great help. Especially for a first timer install. Took the car for a spin today. Did not really notice it being any quieter since I need to adjust the drivers window to get rid of some wind noise but the "cowl / dash shake" that I had normally seen over bumps did disappear.
I am going to be overseas over the winter but am looking forward to joining the Corvette Marque club on my return and getting a little track time. Bought the top to keep out Mr Winter here in the NW but the other reasons are a bonus.
madquake: I purchased my top on e-bay for $900. I have not seen any Aqua colors, mostly blue / red / white. Believe it or not, mine came off of an Aqua colored car that the second purchaser did not want a white hardtop. Patience or trying to find a really good deal so that the extra dollars can get the top painted. Be careful of the good deals though, as some do not include the hardware / package tray / original instructions. The hardware is a must and difficult to find / expensive. (the hardware set includes 10 bolts and the two "angle irons"). Best of luck.
I am going to be overseas over the winter but am looking forward to joining the Corvette Marque club on my return and getting a little track time. Bought the top to keep out Mr Winter here in the NW but the other reasons are a bonus.
madquake: I purchased my top on e-bay for $900. I have not seen any Aqua colors, mostly blue / red / white. Believe it or not, mine came off of an Aqua colored car that the second purchaser did not want a white hardtop. Patience or trying to find a really good deal so that the extra dollars can get the top painted. Be careful of the good deals though, as some do not include the hardware / package tray / original instructions. The hardware is a must and difficult to find / expensive. (the hardware set includes 10 bolts and the two "angle irons"). Best of luck.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 604
Likes: 0
From: CROSSING INTO CHARLOTTE NC FROM SC! SC
Re: WOW This is what I was looking for !!! (rxalot)
Scott thanks !!!
Extremely Valuable information especially about the hardware!!
This is why I love Forums you get to interact with real live people about real life issues... :yesnod:
Well my next color if I couldn't get aqua is white since I do have a white soft conv. top ... I could use it for now until I could get it painted Aqua later on if I felt I didn't like it.
One last question for you or anyone that may know so I can jot it down in my notes.
Whats all year GM Vette Tops will fit my 93 ??
Again Thanks to everyone here on the forum for all the help.
Mark A.
Extremely Valuable information especially about the hardware!!
This is why I love Forums you get to interact with real live people about real life issues... :yesnod:
Well my next color if I couldn't get aqua is white since I do have a white soft conv. top ... I could use it for now until I could get it painted Aqua later on if I felt I didn't like it.
One last question for you or anyone that may know so I can jot it down in my notes.
Whats all year GM Vette Tops will fit my 93 ??
Again Thanks to everyone here on the forum for all the help.
Mark A.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 0
From: Northern tip of Virginia
Re: WOW This is what I was looking for !!! (madquake)
try this link (Contemporary Corvettes)
They may have tops in stock. $1200 http://www.contemporarycorvette.com/specials.htm
As far as getting the right color, you might have to wait forever!
You might consider buying a top that is in "new" condition, then have it painted. (about $150)
Mine was polo green when I bought it.. the seller happened to be a painter, and painted it red for me.
[Modified by Phil-tha-Rush, 9:20 AM 11/2/2002]
They may have tops in stock. $1200 http://www.contemporarycorvette.com/specials.htm
As far as getting the right color, you might have to wait forever!
You might consider buying a top that is in "new" condition, then have it painted. (about $150)
Mine was polo green when I bought it.. the seller happened to be a painter, and painted it red for me.
[Modified by Phil-tha-Rush, 9:20 AM 11/2/2002]
