C1 - Hard Top

[Jim K.]

I'm looking at a C1 Hard top but one pillar mount is missing and the weather stripping is fair, otherwise the unit is in excellent shape. My question is, how hard is it to find and install a pillar mount? Second, and I think I know this answer, how hard is it to replace weather stripping? As usual... Thanks for the help.
Jim

[Mark Malone]

Re: C1 - Hard Top

Jim,

I'm not sure what you mean by "Pillar Mount" but I will asume that you are refering to the latch handle. The handle is available from most or the major vendors for around $95. I haven't done a weatherstrip replacement on a hard top so I can't help with that one but I haven't found any real difficulty with any of the other weatherstriping.

Hope I've been of some help.

Mark.


My Vette Page

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 - Hard Top

I don't know what a piller mount is either, but the weatherstripping can be replaced with only moderate difficulty. The window rear verticle needs to be pop riveted in the cebnter to stay in place properly. The w/s needs to be marked and drilled for this.

[Jim K.]

Re: C1 - Hard Top

I must be calling it the wrong thing, but it's not the latch at the windshield, and its not the bracket that screws to the rear (convertible top cover), but the one in between that does something (?) just forward of the side lexan window (?) or just rear of the door glass (?) I've never had a hadt to p on the car, so I'm a little lost. It's a 61 (or 62) if that helps....

[Ray C.]

Re: C1 - Hard Top

Hi! Jim

I just looked at my top and the bracket I believe you are talking about is riveted on to the top with three mushroom type rivets. I believe you will be able to get to these rivets when you remove the lower weather strip. You should be able to tell the date of the top from the date code on the plexiglass windows of the top. If you email me I will provide you with a URL for a hardtop restorer and part supplier.
Ray
#36314

[Michael Jones]

Re: C1 - Hard Top

I'll have to disagree with with my compatriots but I think the replacement of the weatherstripping is not easy. I'm certainly not a mechanic but mine is still in pieces in the garage. I plan to tackle it again this winter. The owner of the local Corvette Center said he wouldn't do it at any price.

Just my 2 cents.

Mike

[G B.]

I'd rather get beat with a baseball bat.

... than restore another solid axle hard top. I've still got a scar from half-amputating a finger with a razor blade while fitting a GM weatherstrip to one in 1979.

You can't stack the money high enough to get most shops to tackle a '56 - '62 hard top. The Glass Works will do it for you though.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: I'd rather get beat with a baseball bat.

I will stand by the statement that WEATHERSTRIP replacement is only moderately difficult. Now, if you're going to replace the glass seals and the rear weatherstripping, the horse changes colors quickly. That's a real chore. The window and front header w/s is pretty straightforward and can be accomplished an a couple of hours.

[Jerry Weldon]

Re: I'd rather get beat with a baseball bat.

I am curious and confused, I have a replacement header weatherstrip for my 60 and would liek to install it but have had no luck with suggestions. What kind of fasteners are used. Mine appear to be pop rivets with very large washers. Also the strip appears to be fused to the window srips. How is this done ? Should I even try this myself as a novice? Thanks for the help.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: I'd rather get beat with a baseball bat.

The original fastners were small machine screws that screwed into some "T" nuts that can float in some slots. Sounds like Bubba has visited your top. Depending on what sort of damage Bubba did, you may have little choice but to follow suit. The window W/S is not fused to the header w/s. Bubba may have fused it, or time may give it that appearance. Whether you attempt to repair yourself or not depends on your skill and time vs the depth of your wallet. Glassworks can rebuild your entire hardtop to like new condition, but it is not cheap.