Putting on C2 Hard Top - Installation Guidance Needed

[Edmund C.]

Friends: I need some guidance on installing my hardtop on my 1966 Corvette. The last time I did it I scratched the top of my Vette a bit. What's the best process? Specifically, do I put the back end in first or the front? Any general advice appreciated. Many thanks. Best regards, Ned

[John D.]

Re: Putting on C2 Hard Top - Installation Guidance Needed

The method I used is deck pins (slightly) first and pivot forward . I also scratched the deck last time I had it on the car- my helpers fault- thats partly why I havent had it on the car in over 20 years. Mostly it sits in the way in my storage room.

[Bill M.]

[Jeff S.]

Re: Putting on C2 Hard Top - Installation Guidance Needed

Ed
You might consider cutting a thin band of that sticky-back felt or drawer liner stuff & arc it around the edge of deck lid mounting tabs. Painters tape vicinity of the receiving nut in deck lid for a little additional protection. My personal preference is to index the two rear carriage bolts, then kind of rotate down to line up with deck lid nut.

HT mount.jpg

[Thomas B.]

Re: Putting on C2 Hard Top - Installation Guidance Needed

I install myself using a ceiling mounted hoist. Tilt the top so the the rear is lower than the front. Use towels to protect the deck. Release the deck so it pops up a bit to allow room above the convertible top to install the nuts on the rear bolts if you are using those. Install the rear and side bolts/nuts. Close the rear deck and close the front latches.

[Larry E.]

Re: Putting on C2 Hard Top - Installation Guidance Needed

FWIW>Of all the idea's presented I kinda like
Bill McMorrow (15609)


idea of taking out the rear bolts and using a 4 point hold down system instead of a 6 point one.

Question For Bill>Any idea on how hard is it to take the bolts out of Top? Wonder how tight they are in there. Do not want to damage the top
in anyway. Thanks>Larry

[Thomas B.]

Re: Putting on C2 Hard Top - Installation Guidance Needed

The rear bolts do complicate the installation but these tops add quite a bit of stiffness to the convertible bodies. I feel the more attachment points the better. I believe the rear bolt attachment reduces wear and tear on the rear deck surface due to body flex. May be why GM thought they were necessary. Just my opinion.