C3 Convertible Hardtop - 2 Questions

[Robert S.]

I read some of the recent posts regarding C3 hardtop retention and noted one response included a page out a 1970 owners manual that mentions the use of a special wrench to remove the nuts holding the three hardtop rear bow studs. My 74' owners manual makes no mention of such a wrench and there is not indication of a wrench being supplied in the 74' AIM.

Questions:

1) Did GM supply a special wrench if someone ordered a hardtop for a 74'? If so can anyone post a picture?

2) On the underneath side of the decklid, I know the two outer studs use a special X shaped washer (which I have) and I know the center stud did not use this special X shaped washer. The questions I would like to clarify is: for the two outer studs what was used below the X shaped washer - is it a conventional split washer or a flat washer? If a flat washer what are the dimensions? ALso is the nut just a regular steel hex head nut or is the nut something special.?
Same question for the center stud - ie what type of washer and nut are used?
Note: the AIM gives me the GM part numbers for these parts but of course without the drawings is is impossible to know what type of washers and nuts GM was specifying.

[Robert R.]

Re: C3 Convertible Hardtop - 2 Questions

Robert,
I was hoping someone with more knowledge had the answer to both your questions, but let me try on the second one. If you have an AIM for your model, it should show the exploded view of how the washer and bolt works for both studs and the center bolt.
Also if you check either Corvette Central and or Paragon cataloges, they have similar drawings to explain..

As to the first question, I cannot help there. I knew there was one for the C1 and C2 cars, but if there was one for the car I have now ('73), it is long gone to someones tool box, or worse.

Bob

[John H.]

Re: C3 Convertible Hardtop - 2 Questions

If a wrench was supplied, you'll find it in the "Miscellaneous Shipping List", which is usually found in UPC 0 in the Assembly Manual.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 Convertible Hardtop - 2 Questions

My 73 Bowtie car had no wrench with it for the hardtop. The center stud had a flat and lock washer with a nut. The special washer on my car was square with a lip bent up on two sides. Could it be the X washer you refered to? Below that washer as I recall was a flat and lock washer and a nut. The nuts and washers were black color nothing special.
Lyle
I checked the AIM and see no listing of a hardtop wrench in UPC 0.

[Robert S.]

Re: C3 Convertible Hardtop - 2 Questions

Thanks to all for the replies. I guess the wrench must have been discontinued sometime between 70' and 73'. Yes what I called the X washer is the one you described in your reply.