1962 optional hardtop

[Richard L.]

My 62 car came with both tops but, sometime along the intervening sixty-two years, the hardtop was disposed of by one of its owners. I'm not particularly interested in finding the original hardtop (a needle in a haystack to be sure) but would very much like to find a replacement since my preferred look for the car is with the top installed. I've resorted to the usual venues (our own Wanted classifieds, Craigslists nationwide, Facebook, Corvette Forum, and more) including Glassworks who told me they have an 18-month waitlist LOL. So, I'm appealing to this membership to see if anyone has or knows of one that might be for sale, either from a car that has been sold some time ago or one hanging from your garage rafters that will never be used and is in the way of your head.
Any help in my search is much appreciated. Keep in mind, of course, that even though 61 and 62 hardtops are the same, those from 58 to 60 are not and won't fit.
Thank you all.
Ric

[Terry D.]

Re: 1962 optional hardtop

Sorry can't help but do have a question. Would the original hardtop have numbers on it to identify it as original to the car? I wasn't aware of this and have looked all over my hardtop and can't find any. Just curious!

[John F.]

Re: 1962 optional hardtop

Not mine, but there are two for sale on ebay. They are pricier than the C2 tops.

[Richard L.]

Re: 1962 optional hardtop

Terry, as far as I know, the tops are dated somewhere on the plexiglass.
John, thanks for the eBay tip. Yeah, they're much more expensive than the C2 tops because there were fewer of them of course and also because they only fit 61 through 62 whereas the 63 through 67 hardtops were all the same. I'm trying to stay away from unknown sellers, trying to find a hardtop as close as I can to my home state of CO given the crating and shipping headaches. I note that one of the sellers you refer to says "pick up only."
I won't give up but I realize that it won't be easy finding one, especially one that doesn't need a ton of work aside from paint--my car is black which is probably a good thing as far as matching the color, though finding one already painted black doesn't make it any easier.

[Terry D.]

Re: 1962 optional hardtop

Richard I am aware of dates on plexiglass but according to the newest judging manual there is no mention of these dates being relative to a certain car. In fact I find no mention of hardtop dates at all in the judging manual, but the reason I asked is new info is always coming out.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1962 optional hardtop

Dates are the hardtop window dates, not the top date or related to the top itself. My 57 top and all I have seen over the decades do not reference the top or the car only the 3 windows.

[Richard L.]

Re: 1962 optional hardtop

Frankly guys, at this point I don't give a d**m about dates/codes, though I profit from the tutorials on the matter, I just want to find a nice 61 or 62 top for me and my car as fall approaches the Colorado high country. If anyone can help me in my search it will be much appreciated.
Ric

[Daniel T.]

Re: 1962 optional hardtop

Rich- good luck on your search, I'm not sure if you have ever driven a c1 with the hardtop? It does help in cold weather and leaks less in the rain. The downside is if you are tall or have neck/back issues it makes getting in the car quite difficult. I have to limbo my way in if it is on my 62 hence why it hangs on the wall most of the time. Granted it isn't much different than with the soft top up but it sure seems harder for some reason. It does look nice on the car though. -Dan

[Richard L.]

Re: 1962 optional hardtop

Dan,
Are you sure you won't consider selling it to me? I'm only 5'5" and, of course, have no problem getting in or out and fit inside quite comfortably. My wife is 5' so the car is just a perfect fit for the two of us.
Ric

[Daniel T.]

Re: 1962 optional hardtop

Ric, I probably should think about selling it as it isn’t fun for the 6ft+ club. Mine is red not black, and shipping of course is a pain too. (I am in CT). I’ll keep an eye out here though. Good luck in the search!

[Rob V.]

Re: 1962 optional hardtop

Good Evening Richard--

To hopefully help you in your search for a hardtop, you might check Craigslist. I found a couple hardtops locally in that resource for my '64. Of course there is Crane"s Corvette Supply in San Diego--they had one for sale for my '61 when I was looking. Ultimately I got one for the '61 from Piper's Corvette Specialties, Vermilion, IL. Then there is David Sokolowski in Southern California. Of course, hardtops periodically appear in the NCRS Driveline which is always worth checking. I guess ultimately it depends on how badly you want one; and whether you are willing to drive to get it; or have it shipped. Good luck in your search!!