72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

[Fred H.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

Hi Don, The photos are much appreciated. Thanks again, Fred

[Fred H.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

We appreciate everyone that responded input. As suspected the hardtop bracket GM#396270 is like finding hens teeth. We're wondering if anyone has fabricated there own replacement?

[Richard K.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

Don,
I believe the rubber tip for the mounting bolt is available from some vendors. Corvette Central, or Eckler's would be a good start.
The production manual might show a GM part number. (sorry, I'm not near one)
The tip is, of course, very small, pinecone-shaped at it's bottom, with a pointed insertion tip to insert it into the bolt.
It's probably just me, but I love finding somewhat inconsequential items for my car....lol

[Guy F.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

Hello all,

I wanted to add some additional information with some pictures.

Richard had mentioned a triangular piece of plastic attached to the bottom of the bracket where it may touch the deck lid. Below is a photo from my hardtop which shows the plastic piece. It has warped slightly over time and does not lay flat against the bracket on one side.

Don spoke of the carriage bolt that passes through the bracket. As previously mentioned it has a hollow tip at one end and a bumper to protect the deck lid when installing the hardtop. The carraige bolt carries p/n 3828264 and has an "R" mark on the head. The bumper carries p/n 3930940 and is plastic, not rubber. It is difficult to instert the bumper into the bolt, as the plastic is rigid. It is easy to snap the head of the bumper off in the process. I have done so in the past.

There is a vinyl covering installation procedure in the AIM. In the 1975 AIM, it is on UPC C01 to C12, Sheet 25. However, we all would like to hear from you Fred on the procedure you used.

Fred I hope this helps with your hardtop restoration.

[Fred H.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

Hi Guy, Thank you for sharing the photos. My research has shown that reproductions of the bolt & plastic tip are available, however finding a bracket appears to be challenging. If we're not successful in finding the bracket we can / will fabricate one. I plan on updating the hardtop restoration process, possibly submitting the saga to The Restorer for consideration.

I'm fortunate that my son is instrumental in our projects (we have quite a few cars from vintage hot rods, muscle cars, classic trucks & this 72 LT1). FYI we are near the completion of the body off total renovation of this numbers matching LT1 convertible (factory AC) project. The members input on the NCRS has been extremely valuable and appreciated on this project.

thanks again, Fred

[Guy F.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

Thanks Fred. We are all looking forward to reading about your restoration saga.

I was not aware the bolt and the bumper were being reproduced. The bolt and the bumper in the photos were NOS pieces. Good luck with your search for the bracket.

Thank you,

[Richard K.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

Fred,
I'm curious about where you purchased the new vinyl covering since it appears to be correctly configured, nicely fitting, and has the right amount of sheen.
I'm considering purchasing a used, correctly-dated top for my '69 and then adding/renewing the vinyl, then selling the '71 top
Thanks for all the help.

[Fred H.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

We purchased the replacement vinyl top from Kee Auto Top Manufacturing Co. located in Charlotte NC. # 7043328213. I believe they are the company that manufactures the vinyl top that ZIP and others offer. Generally we were happy with the product, it arrivedimagejpeg_1021.jpg folded up in a cardboard box and required some smoothing out before the installation. However it appears to replicate the OEM vinyl characteristics, a word of warning the replacement top was a little small and required work for a good fit.

[Bob W.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

Fred, When you removed the factory vinyl was the top painted / primer or bare fiber glass?

[Fred H.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

imagejpeg_0064.jpgimagejpeg_0066.jpgimagejpeg_1021.jpgimagejpeg_0061.jpg

Here's a few progress photos. how the original top looked, after removal (and repair of the fiberglass}, replacement top as unboxed, after installation. FYI the process requires restoration skills, not for an inexperienced owner. I'm not sure what professionals charge, however our cost was approximately $235 and probably 40 to 60 man hours.

[Bob W.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

FRED, For some reason i cannot open the attachments.

[Mike E.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

I am unable to, also.

[Bob W.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

Mike, Thanks I just though it was a old man issue!

[Fred H.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

I edited the post and attached the photos again. Let me know if you can open them

[Fred H.]

Re: 72 LT1 hardtop renovation question

I just edited the post and attached the photos. Let me know if you can open them