C1 - Hardtops, Deck lids & Doors

[David D.]

Hardtops - What is the difference in 56-57 and 58-60 hardtops other than headliner vinyl patterns? Will either work on each series?

Deck Lids - Is there a difference in 56-57 and 58-60? Will either work on the other series?

Doors - I have what I believe to be a 60 door, but there seems to be a wider upper 'ledge' along the stainless beside the door
window opening. The door fits and appears suitable, but looks different than the other door.

Thanks in advance -

[Don H.]

Re: C1 - Hardtops, Deck lids & Doors

I think 56-57 and 58-60 hardtops will both work on either. One difference (besides what you listed) is the exterior trim. On 56-57 there is an extra piece of trim covering where the rear window side trim meets the lower trim. I believe this piece might have also carried into 58. Don H.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 - Hardtops, Deck lids & Doors

I have these photos of a '56 top. I'm not exactly sure of all the differences. Maybe some of you can help confirm if it is or not. Someone told me it is a '56, others have said something is not for '56, but i forget what it was. I believe the header is correct, as it does not have the stainless trim. Not sure of the inside lower sections though.

Rich
p.s. the silver car is a '56, just wrong color. Originally Cascade Green according to Mike hunt data and underdash overspray.


PA070001.jpgPA070003.jpgPA070004.jpgPA070005.jpgPA070006.jpgPA070007.jpgPA070008.jpgPA070009.jpgPA070010.jpgPA070011.jpg1956 HT 001.jpg1956 HT 002.jpg1956 HT 003.jpg1956 HT 004.jpg1956HTonCar.jpg

[Jim L.]

Re: C1 - Hardtops, Deck lids & Doors

Hardtops - What is the difference in 56-57 and 58-60 hardtops other than headliner vinyl patterns? Will either work on each series?

While I can't speak to the detail differences between hardtops for the two series, I know for sure that they will mechanically interchange.

My bride's '59 had a '57 hardtop on it when she bought it. Conveniently, at the same time a member of our chapter had a '57 with a later hardtop on it. They swapped hardtops and everyone was happy.

Jim

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 - Hardtops, Deck lids & Doors

Dave,
They will interchange, as previously noted. 56-58 have a stainless "Y" at the rear bottom of each side window, and are structurally different in that area. The moldings along the lower rear are different. 56-58 is 3-piece, joined by the two Y moldings, 59-60 is two-piece, joined by a narrow molding cap in the center. 56 and early 57, if I recall correctly, have inner moldings above the side and quarter windows with no holes for screws to attach thm, while later has holes. (And the retainers behind, of course, are slightly different because of that). As Rich indicated, 56 hardtops don't have the bright moldings across the exterior front header. I'm not at home and don't have my notes, so that's the best I can do for now.
mike

[Gary C.]

Re: C1 - Hardtops, Deck lids & Doors

Dave,

56-7 JM outlines the differences:
1) Exterior Molding - 1956 has a 1 inch wide aluminum front header, which may have been painted on the first 300 1956 Corvettes. Late, the last 100 1956's were produced at the same time as the first 100 1957's and may have the 1957 style front header - 2 inch wide stainless steel molding.
2) Rear window lower stainless reveal is 3 pieces with a "Y" shapred escutcheon at the end of the roof side drip molding.
30 Trailing edge of side rain gutter, which runs full length of the hardtop side has a sharp edge not a rounded edge.

3) Side windows date code stamps were month and single digit year date code for both 1956 and 1957. Hence 4 6 is April 1956.

4) Front weatherstrip through 1956 to 1959 (?) were one piece.

Hope this info helps with the differences. As far as working, IIRC Jim Frakes aka Mr. 56 had a 1958 hardtop on his '56 he added when he was in the service.

Gary
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