Convertible top, how do you tell the year
 

Looking through some of the parts we have, I found a convertible top, and likely a frame. How do you tell the year the top is off of? I haven't worked my way over to it to uncover it, but know it's white.

The date code should be stamped on the back window.

Hi D,
While not a 'date', if it's an original top there might also be some characteristics about just how it was made and stitched that could give a hint as to what 'era' it's from.

For instance how the front roll and rear tack-strip are done can indicate the age of the top.
Also, just what the material to the rear of the side door window is can be a clue.

Regards,
Alan

69 Tophttp://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...923/ZX812p.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...923/N0FfKg.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...922/EKiXDU.jpg

As you can see in this picture from Al Knoch Corvette Interiors there is a date stamp on the left rear bottom of the window:

http://www.alknochinteriors.com/_ass...ge/tpk6869.jpg

Not sure how to decode it but it is there if it's original (it was on mine before I replaced it) and Al Knoch can stamp new tops with it if desired.

Is there a way to tell on the frame?

When I replaced my top I did recondition my frame by blasting it and a repaint but I didn't look for any serial number or date stamps because I'm just not into that kind of thing so I don't know. Alan may be able to answer that or you could look through a judging book. If there was a stamp on the frame a judging book should have that information.

We inherited some parts and not sure what everything is. The parts are a lot of C2 and C3, but since we don't have any convertibles I have limited knowledge.

Post up a picture of the frame and I should be able to tell if it's for a C2 or C3.
Round Rock, Tx. We lived there for 10 years and my oldest was born in RR Hospital. Lived in Cat Hollow off of O'Connor Drive.

Please post the pictures as Andies suggests. The date code will tell you when it was manufactured, but not the model year of the top. A good service replacement may have a date code much newer than the car. I would fear a service replacement for a C2 could have a date after 1967.

Here is the area theandies mentions above blown up so you can see the logo and date code to help you determine. (This photo is taken from the Richard Prince 2nd ed. 68-82 Restoration Book). The 171 translates to Jan. 1971. As far as date codes on the frame, I don't think there were any on the frames. At least I couldn't find any mention of that mentioned in any of my C3 Judging Guides or reference materials. The frames are only judged for condition/ fit / hardware and correct satin black color.
If you post a picture I'm sure someone will be able to tell you more.
Hope this helps,
Tooch

So what no one has come out and said, if it is a c-3 frame, it will fit 68 to 74 c-3. I think there was s alight difference with the cable over the window between 68 and later years, but don't take that to the bank.

I would think the frame would fit a '75 too. :thumbs:

appreciate the info. The to is buried in a corner that doesn't have much access.

To id between c2 and c3... to me the quickest way is to look at the header. The header bow on a C3 was huge... the c2 bow was way smaller. A 68-75 top would also have an abs plastic header panel cover.

C3 header panel cover.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/media/ca...vette-part.jpg

C3 header
https://willcoxcorvette.com/media/ca...vette-part.jpg

C2 Header
https://willcoxcorvette.com/media/ca...tte-part_1.jpg

The 68 top tension cables were different, they were shorter by 2-3".
And lastly, the 73-75 tops had an extra stay cable for the rear bow on the driver side.

Willcox

That's what I was going to look for if he posted a picture.
My '71 frame has the stay cable for the rear bow, drivers side.

This is why it's going take a while, as that is as close I can get to it.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...6b50eb35c0.jpg

I know there's a C3 under that pile. :lol: