convertible hardtop
 

Friends,
I just bought a hardtop for my 94 convertible. I have all the hardware, but not sure how to install it so I can put the top on. Can anyone direct me to any factory instructions or other help? Thank you kindly.

Here's the instruction manual fo rinstalling the factory hardtop:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...9cc0410c9c.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...ffb96e02c6.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b4fceb79fc.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...d263dcf93c.jpg
They may not appear in the correct order, but each step is numbered. You should be able to print each image and keep them in the car.:cheers:

convertible hardtop
 

Thank you, c4cruiser!

Where does one even find a hardtop nowadays? Just have to get lucky?

Hardtops will occasionally show up in the C4 Parts For Sale section. The chances of finding one in the same color as your car will probably be real slim but a good auto body/paint shop can repaint the top to match the car.

Make sure that a top you want to buy includes the two steel mounting brackets (lock pillar brackets). These brackets are what secures to top to the car and increases body stiffness. Without them, the rear locking pins that go into the decklid can rip the decklid lock out!:willy:

Also look for a top with the weatherstripping in really good condition! It cost hundreds of dollars for replacement weatherstripping...

EBAY, Here, Craigslist, anywhere.

I bought the smoothline aftermarket one first from down south, then I sold it local, because I bought a GM one local.

Shipping for many were like 400-500 for me.

I had the smooth line shipped airfreight with a roll bar for 150.

An average top is 500. Some ask all the way up to 1500.

Aftermarket does not tie in to car, GM has the brackets seen above.

Some have defrost some don't.

If you need the brackets and hardware, there are two sets on ebay now and usually they are available. The hard thing to get seems to be the carpet deck lid protector.

That decklid cover is a great thing to have so that the paint on the decklid won't be scratched. I would bet that an automotive upholstery shop could make one. IIRC, they were a cardboard base and covered with a cloth material. They were a friction fit so no snaps or ties would be needed.

You are correct, they are a good idea to save the paint. The OE ones are molded to fit over the latches and seem to be made out of un-obtainum, that rare substance used for a lot of old Corvette parts.

The decklid cover for my 89 conv. disappeared over the winter. Would like to replace. Is "decklid cover" the right terminology to search?

I can't picture what you mean??? Unless you mean the fabric piece that lays on top of the movable piece of the rear deck, inside of the top, when it is up. If so, I didn't think that part is supposed to be removable.

sre

P.S. Howdy neighbor, i'm in Libery, SC. - Triple black '88 convertible.

What I had was a semi-rigid piece that was a carpet-like fabric over heavier cardboard-like substrate.. It was form-fitted to cover the hold-down bolts at the back of the hardtop and the the entire back deck under the hardtop. About 40" wide and about 16" deep.

Ah yes. I read the thread finally (doh). I've never had a hardtop, i didnt know that was a thing. Good luck finding one. But as the thread mentioned, surely one could be made.

sre

Thanks sre. Veteran? Which branch. Former USAF pilot, here, 1971-1975.
I may have to take a piece of carpet and cut to shape.

Nice. I was USAF. 1989 - 1993.

Wasnt a pilot though ;)

If you tell an Admin, they will give you the VETERAN marker too.

sre