Early C3 Hardtops

[Pat M.]

Did early C3 hardtops require modifications to the deck lid, or did the back two outer pins simply fit into the existing holes for the soft top's back two pins?
If so, would an early hardtop (that I don't think had a middle back pin) fit onto any early C3 convertible without deck lid modifications?

[Joe L.]

Re: Early C3 Hardtops

Did early C3 hardtops require modifications to the deck lid, or did the back two outer pins simply fit into the existing holes for the soft top's back two pins?
If so, would an early hardtop (that I don't think had a middle back pin) fit onto any early C3 convertible without deck lid modifications?

Pat-----


Yes, the hard-top rear studs inserted through the soft top rear locks.

Yes, an early hardtop will work with an early C3. As a matter of fact, an early hardtop will work with a later C3, but there will be no center rear hold-down bracket. A later C3 hardtop will work with an early C3 except there will be no hole for the center fastener on the deck lid.

[Pat M.]

Re: Early C3 Hardtops

Thanks Joe. Did early tops use the same flared stud like the soft top to hold down the back, or was the back bolted down? Is there any reason not to use only flared soft-top studs to hold the back down?

[Jack H.]

Re: Early C3 Hardtops

The only real differences between early and late Shark HT's were (1) the lack of a center rear-bow hold-down bolt, (2) the use of rubber vs. 'ball bearing' tipped front latch bolts, and (3) presense/absense of SS rear corner protective covers.

Designers had always wanted a hard top that simply 'snapped' in to replace the soft top and the early Sharks came as close to that objective as possible using only the side bolts and sharing the soft top's rear pin locks for mounting.

But, the 'experiment' was doomed as owners complained of rattles & thumbing sounds when HT equipped cars were driven over rough road surfaces. Without the rear bow center bolt, the rear bow could flex relative to the rear deck lid generating the noises owners complained of. Soooo, a mid-rear bow hold-down bolt returned in '69 as the fix.

But, the answer is yes, you can mount a Shark era HT without using the rear center bolt (regardless of early vs. late style top) and it will work, mon... But, expect to hear 'strange noises' if you drive on rough road surfaces!

[Joe L.]

Re: Early C3 Hardtops

Thanks Joe. Did early tops use the same flared stud like the soft top to hold down the back, or was the back bolted down? Is there any reason not to use only flared soft-top studs to hold the back down?

Pat----


If by "early" you mean 1968, I'm not sure what sort of rear hold down configuration they used (i.e. through the rear soft top locks). 1969-75 used STUDS with special retainers and hex nuts.

[Michael M.]

Re: Early C3 Hardtops

Also, I believe the latch studs that bolted into the hardtop on a 68 were smaller threads than the soft top bolts. I think they discontinued the smaller thread version so you had to drill and tap to the larger size if you broke one of the hard top latch studs (or find a used one). Someone please correct me if I am wrong.