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When I bought the Black Car (65 Vert) it only had a hard top and I am working on getting a soft top for it (see another thread), but I was asked by one of the top suppliers if the car originally had a soft top.......
I was under the impression that all C1's and 63/64 C2's were available to buy with only a hard top (no provisions for soft top clips, brackets, supports etc) but 65 and on C2's all came with soft tops...
So being I need to answer this for my specific car, I've posted some pics and can anyone confirm I've got the hardware to just bolt in a new soft top frame and top or does my car need some additional brackets and supports to do so?
As you can see in my pics the PO put in some speakers (that are non op today) and wha seems like a replacement panel..
I can't answer whether some C2s came with hard tops only, but from your pics you do have the hardware to mount a soft top. The top frame bolts into the steel reinforcement pocket behind each one of the quarter trim panels behind the seats. There are two bolts in each one; the bolts are mated to a nut plate that can move within the pocket when the bolts are loose. That way the top frame can be adjusted to fit the car correctly. The hold down clamps for the windshield header clamp on to the same brackets as do the hard top.
The soft top was standard, but a hardtop could be substituted at no cost, or the hardtop could be ordered at extra cost along with the soft top. This is the origiln of the term "two top" that you often see in for sale ads.
Andy, you appear to have all the hardware to mount the frame, but are missing the two deck lid latches that secure the rear of the soft top to the deck lid when it is deployed.
So if this car has the internal hardware needed, then all I need is to order a complete top (frame and top) and just bolt it in on those 2 mounting points, then open up and install the latches in the rear hatch and along the visor?
If that is the case, I'd think it should be just as easy to order the complete set up from Knoch or Coffman and have it shipped to my shop and not fuss with trying to get to Hersery and have them do it?
So if this car has the internal hardware needed, then all I need is to order a complete top (frame and top) and just bolt it in on those 2 mounting points, then open up and install the latches in the rear hatch and along the visor?
If that is the case, I'd think it should be just as easy to order the complete set up from Knoch or Coffman and have it shipped to my shop and not fuss with trying to get to Hersery and have them do it?
I wish you luck, but installing a new soft top is nowhere near that easy. You'll have lots and lots of adjustments to make and every one changes another adjustment
Installing an new frame and top isn't rocket science but it is what I'd describe as "fiddly" work that's quite time consuming. I suggest you watch the Al Knoch installation DVD -- before you make your decision.
So I finally had a great conversation with Melanie at Al Knoch. Real professional and nice like only fun Texans can be nice. She confirmed that the car did come originally with a soft top, so it can be done, BUT, she did say that being the holes on the rear deck lid are only for a hard top, that I need to get, cut and install the soft top clips.... So....
First question is does anyone have a templet to make the cuts? Anyone done it and are there any significant pitfalls to watch for?
Also Al Knock does not put their frames into a jig and install the top, so they can/could not ship the completed frame and top to a customer for a DYS install...
I thought I had heard or read on lt his forum that someone does sell a frame with top already installed, so it could be an easy buy and install deal... ?
btw, still have not heard from anyone at Coffman......
You have a hardtop only deck lid. These are pretty rare as I looked for a long time to find one for my car. Suggest you put yours up for sale or store it until you find someone who needs it. Deck lids with both mounting provisions abound, in fact I have the one that came with my car.
If you want to trade I'd pony up some cash to boot if interested.
03-20-2019, 07:02 AM
Did all C2's come with convertible tops?
