C2 Convertible Top Front Header bar

[Patrick B.]

I discovered the front header bar on my 67 convertible top is badly rusted although none of the other top frame parts are rusty. I believe Coffman Corvette has a good reputation restoring convertible tops and they claim to manufacture their own components. I called them to buy a new header and what they have are old headers that are repaired and cost $500. I asked Coffman if anyone has new headers and they suggested that new headers may not fit correctly. Paragon lists headers that I assume are new for $400. Has anyone used them or other new headers successfully? Is it worth more to buy a repaired old header vs a new one?

[Harry S.]

Re: C2 Convertible Top Front Header bar

Patrick, I take C2 convertible tops apart for a restoration shop and get them ready for restoration. Out of the many I have done usually the worst part is the front header. The shop normally can't repair them as the rust is to severe. As I recall they use replacement headers from LI Corvette. I've not heard of any fit issues. The supplier to Paragon may be the same as LIC. The LIC price is $395. You will receive an NCRS discount, 10% I think, at Paragon.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000370a#

[Stuart F.]

Re: C2 Convertible Top Front Header bar

I put a new top on mine about 40 years ago. The problem I recall was not so much the metal rust on the front header, but replacing the tacking strip. I had no NCRS experts to ask back then, so made mine up using strips of Masonite in a laminate glued together with Elmer's glue and held into the curve using a lot of small "C" clamps. It worked beautifully, and I still have all the clamps.

Stu Fox

[Patrick B.]

Re: C2 Convertible Top Front Header bar

I have been buying lots of stuff from Paragon and had no idea about the NCRS discount. I called Paragon and asked them whether their header bar supplier was the same as for LIC and whether it was sourced from China. They didn't know where LIC got theirs but said Paragon's header bars are made in Michigan. They also agreed to give me the NCRS discount for the first time. So I ordered Paragon's US made header bar.

[Harry S.]

Re: C2 Convertible Top Front Header bar

I have been buying lots of stuff from Paragon and had no idea about the NCRS discount. I called Paragon and asked them whether their header bar supplier was the same as for LIC and whether it was sourced from China. They didn't know where LIC got theirs but said Paragon's header bars are made in Michigan. They also agreed to give me the NCRS discount for the first time. So I ordered Paragon's US made header bar.

Patrick, the front header bar is adjustable. Saying that don't torque the bolts to where you can't loosen them. After you put the new top on you may need to move the header for the final fit.