Question about restoring the hardtop for my 58.

[Michael N.]

I'm in the process of starting the body & paint on my 58.

When it comes to the factory hard top, mine is in very good condition with original paint, headliner & Glass, etc...

I am needing new rear and side quarter glass (Plexiglass) because the original is cracked from the age and is hard to see through.

1.) Is there a special process for replacing the hardtop glass or can most glass shops handle it without issue if I supply new rubber ?

2.) Is there really an issue with restoring hardtops that I'm unaware of or is this just bad business as I expect ?



Thanks in advance,
Mike

[Richard F.]

Re: Question about restoring the hardtop for my 58.

Mike
Please post pics so I can offer my opinion. You could be opening an expensive can of worms. Even if $ is not an issue you may be better off preserving rather than restoring

[David H.]

Re: Question about restoring the hardtop for my 58.

Michael

Welcome to NCRS!

Is your intent to have this car Flight Judged? If so, you are most likely better off , unless damage is severe, to leave well enough alone.

Rear plexiglass replacement can be a real PITA. Aftermarket plexiglass will most likely require "massaging" to get it to fit, and there are lots of fiddly nuts and screws to deal with. You'll find vendors that do this work are expensive (and once you do it yourself, you'll understand why).

Your original windows have logos and date codes. Those details will add to replacement costs.

As suggested above, post some pictures.

Dave

[Bill B.]

Re: Question about restoring the hardtop for my 58.

1.) Is there a special process for replacing the hardtop glass or can most glass shops handle it without issue if I supply new rubber ?

2.) Is there really an issue with restoring hardtops that I'm unaware of or is this just bad business as I expect ?

I would advise you to send it to either of two well established hardtop restoration shops, find an experienced corvette repair/restoration shop in your area, seek help through your local area NCRS club, or leave it alone. I definitely would not use "most glass shops".

I am in the final stages of a "DIY" restoration of my 58 hardtop which was completely disassembled (every screw,rivet and assembly). It is a very daunting effort and you can easily get in over your head. Even if you only need to replace the plexiglass windows and weatherstriping, it is a fairly complex and difficult task.

What are the date(s) of your windows, are your side weatherstrips cloth covered or plain rubber, and does your lower rear side window stainless trim use the small "Y-Clip"? As an aid on the window date(s), you should be able to read "PLEXIGLASS", "AS 4", and then a numeric date such as "3 58" which would be March 1958.