1966 Removable Hardtop Installation (Need Help/Advice)

[Larry E.]

Hello: Need help with the above. Have 66 Convertible and want to install my removable
hardtop which has not been on in years. Hardtop is now in a "Made for Holder" in my
basement (Heated) and Protected with cover. Now:
Can someone with experience and knowledge give me "Step by Step" instructions on
how to install while protecting the paint. (Rally Red) Will have my friend helping me so
two of us will try to do this. This last thing I want to do is damage the paint. Need all the
details. Thanks in Advance>Larry

[Brian M.]

I've seen the paint protection strip used for the hard top protection but it looks hokey. I'd have the whole panel covered in PPF. JMHO Good Luck, they look so Good with the top on.

[Leif A.]

I've seen the paint protection strip used for the hard top protection but it looks hokey. I'd have the whole panel covered in PPF. JMHO Good Luck, they look so Good with the top on.

I'll second Brian's suggestion of using PPF on the entire panel.

[Larry E.]

I've seen the paint protection strip used for the hard top protection but it looks hokey. I'd have the whole panel covered in PPF. JMHO Good Luck, they look so Good with the top on.

Brian: Thanks for the comments. I think the Removable Top does look good from the
Side; not the back. I do not like the "slope of the glass"; the C3 Top looks a lot better
then the C2's. Of course JMHO>Still want to try to put it on; something different for sure.
Larry P.S. Need more comments and thanks

[Larry E.]

Upon doing some research it looks to me the correct way is to start from the back then
to the side then the last step is to "latch" the front. Question: Can one lay down the top on
the back of the car with out the back bolts attached? That way there would be less chance of getting
the paint damaged? Then: After the side and front are secured (Loosely) then attach the
back bolts to the top to drop in the holes? Also thinking not even using the back bolts since I
am the proud owner of a "trailer queen" and not used at all on the streets. This way the
seal on the back would not be "pinched down" thus less chance of marking the paint.
Thoughts on my idea's??? Thanks>Larry P.S. I hope I am explaining this correctly.

[Patrick B.]

Larry- You can't put the rear bolts in last, but can certainly attach the top without the rear bolts. It takes at least two people. Position the front prongs into the windshield frame holes, and lower the rear of the top. This will position the side mounts next to the threaded holes in the top hatch. It might be a tight fit so be careful not the scratch the paint on the top hatch. Put the side bolts in hand tight, then latch the front latches. You may need someone to push the front of the top down while you latch it.

[Kent S.]

I'd be concerned about the hardtop shifting around with no back bolts - even in a trailer.