58-60 Aux Top and NCRS 5th Ed Tech Info & Judging Guide

[Bill B.]

Am I the only one perplexed by the NEW manuals criteria that ALL 58 used the hardtop with the "Y-Clip" design? Acquired my top several years ago when the 4th Ed attempted to describe the eliminated "Y-Clip" design from approx 1958 vin #6500 to end of 1960. Might be a small paper change in a manual but a very costly change to someone going through restoration. Just so happens my vin is slightly past 1958 #7400. Looking for our hardtop expert!

Pending any response, my suggestion would be to have a section on this site that provides in progress changes as they occur to the manuals and folks could view or print the changes and add them to a "living" manual. And, when time to republish the manual for a newer edition which incorporates the changes folks would not have to find out about the changes historically. Maybe stupid idea or thought of before. After all, you can publish any book online?

[Richard F.]

Re: 58-60 Aux Top and NCRS 5th Ed Tech Info & Judging Guide

Bill
I own a 1958 Corvette serial #8038 June build with an original hard top, all original plexiglass is dated May 58. This top has the Y clip and longer rolled drip rails. It is possible that very early 1958 did not have the Y clips?

I've owned this car since 1971 had all original paint when I purchased it. Hope this helps.

Rich

[Bill B.]

Re: 58-60 Aux Top and NCRS 5th Ed Tech Info & Judging Guide

Bill
I own a 1958 Corvette serial #8038 June build with an original hard top, all original plexiglass is dated May 58. This top has the Y clip and longer rolled drip rails. It is possible that very early 1958 did not have the Y clips?

I've owned this car since 1971 had all original paint when I purchased it. Hope this helps.

Rich

Thanks for the reply regarding your vin and top. Just for your info, the earlier cars from 56 on used the "Y-Clip" style top just like yours. The real issue for me are the years and time and expense and planning I have put into "trying" to correctly complete my late-58 in accordance with longtime published judging guidance in the 4th Ed TIJG. Then, find that in the 5th Ed published in January 2019 the guidance regarding what style of hardtop (Y-Clip or no Y-Clip) and dates of usage significantly changed. To adjust to the new guidance I now only have to locate an earlier style top but that is a very costly correction. To some maybe you will think I am complaining or making a mountain out of a mole hill. I am just trying to figure out if it is worth chasing a judging title and a ribbon or just continuing to enjoy putting this old buggy back together correctly or non correctly. I am leaning towards the latter at this point.

[Bill B.]

Re: 58-60 Aux Top and NCRS 5th Ed Tech Info & Judging Guide

Richard, I enjoyed our phone conversation so much and feel I have acquired a truly sincere and good friend as a result. You were able to talk to me without telling me what to do but offering some insights. I have decided to continue as I have for the past many years and will deal with any hardtop judging issue(s) when and if I go through judging. Not trying to be arrogant, I believe I am one of a few that actually knows some of the unobvious design differences in nearly all the hardtop pieces and a pretty reasonably idea when and possibly why changes occurred. I really think that if Ted Kokolis was still alive we would not disagree on very much pertaining to any hardtop issue. There will always be somethings that we may never know for sure. I do truly love restoring this car and not sure many would get done well without the structure of the NCRS. Do be safe. Bill

[Richard F.]

Re: 58-60 Aux Top and NCRS 5th Ed Tech Info & Judging Guide

Bill Thank You for your kind words, you will contribute to the NCRS because of your passion and research. Get it done and enjoy your special 1958 Corvette.

Rich