c2 hard top install

[Bill S.]

seems to me these are a bear to install. with the top folded up it is next to impossible to reach the rear bolts. am i missing some thing?

[Paul H.]

Re: c2 hard top install

seems to me these are a bear to install. with the top folded up it is next to impossible to reach the rear bolts. am i missing some thing?

There isn't alot of room in there with the soft top there. It's doable though. I pulled my soft top out years ago and never put it back on. Keeping it folded in the back for long periods ruined my 1st top. When I bought a new soft top I never put it back in. I never drive the car in any weather. In the warm weather months I go with no top. In the cooler months the hardtop is on. With two tops you also have the potential to mark your rear deck in two different areas. I use one of those plastic barriers to protect the rear deck from the hardtop. My new softop just sits upstairs in the barn.

[Stuart F.]

Re: c2 hard top install

Bill;

I have mentioned this before in posts, but have gotten no comments or suggestions. I guess there are not that many (2) top C-2's out there. I usually only put the top on to move (ship) the car anyway of late, so I don't even try to attach those bolts. I determined though, you do need an assistant. One time I propped the top up with a broom stick just enough to get the nuts on and tighten them. The rubber tipped captive bolts are a joke. I tried once to lower it with a wench and scratched the dickens out of my rear deck.

Stu Fox

[Bill S.]

Re: c2 hard top install

the 2 side brackets can scratch the heck out of the paint as well without a helper. i assumed almost all c2's were 2 top cars. is that not correct?

[Mike E.]

Re: c2 hard top install

Bill;

I have mentioned this before in posts, but have gotten no comments or suggestions. I guess there are not that many (2) top C-2's out there. I usually only put the top on to move (ship) the car anyway of late, so I don't even try to attach those bolts. I determined though, you do need an assistant. One time I propped the top up with a broom stick just enough to get the nuts on and tighten them. The rubber tipped captive bolts are a joke. I tried once to lower it with a wench and scratched the dickens out of my rear deck.

Stu Fox

You were probably paying too much attention to the wench and not enough to the hardtop. Did your wife know?

[Stuart F.]

Re: c2 hard top install

Good one Mike. Guess I should have said winch, but I do like wenches better. You caught me on that one. Guess not all of us Wisconsin boys brains have turned to mush.

Bill; I too have scratches on the sides (touched up). I always considered them badges of honor, like having been through the war (just like the pieces of H-34 door frame still in my left knee).

Living in Florida now, I never expect to put the Hardtop on again in my lifetime. Heck, I even hate to put the convertible top up. It's there for when and if I get caught out in a rain shower, and sometimes if I go to a cruise in mid day when the sun is too hot.

Stu Fox

[Bill S.]

Re: c2 hard top install

i plan on driving from vt to carlisle this summer. the soft top will drive me crazy with the noise. i may risk it and drive most of the way top down as i will not want the top when i get there.

[Jeff S.]

Re: c2 hard top install

seems to me these are a bear to install. with the top folded up it is next to impossible to reach the rear bolts. am i missing some thing?

Install the top, snug up the two side bolts on the deck lid flange. Unlatch the deck lid and lift it up - top and all - holding it up until an assistant installs & tightens the 1/4 nuts & flat washers on the rear studs. Lower it carefully and latch the deck lid.

[John H.]

Re: c2 hard top install

i assumed almost all c2's were 2 top cars. is that not correct?

Slightly less than half of midyear convertibles were ordered with the optional hardtop in addition to the standard soft top.

[Larry S.]

Re: c2 hard top install

Install the top, snug up the two side bolts on the deck lid flange. Unlatch the deck lid and lift it up - top and all - holding it up until an assistant installs & tightens the 1/4 nuts & flat washers on the rear studs. Lower it carefully and latch the deck lid.

That's what I was trying to remember from 30+ years ago, but it just wouln't come to me. You said it, and the picture popped back into my brain. Yes, this method does work quite well and isn't hard at all.

[Jack H.]

Re: c2 hard top install

Yep, that's the TRICK! Plus, WATCH OUT for any overhead restrictions if you're putting the top on in the garage.

LAST, you'll want a helper here... It's nearly impossible to lift & hold the hardtop attached to the rear deck lid up/open while you fit the nuts onto the rear bow hold down bolts

[Michael A.]

Re: c2 hard top install

Jeff - You beat me to the punch. That is how I've installed my hardtop for the 13 years I've owned the car. Works like a charm everytime. Just requires a helper.

Cheers,

[Bill S.]

Re: c2 hard top install

thank you, thats what we did. much apreciated. bill

[Kirk M.]

Re: c2 hard top install

I've driven all over with my hard top only attached at the sides. Doesn't make quite as nice a seal along the rear deck, but it really isn't that much off from the way my soft top fits.

Back to the lifting the rear deck to tighten the nuts down. So, you must first mount the hard top with the deck lid bolts on, correct? Do you guys put the bolt head in the hard top and then try and drop the the bolt threads through the deck lid holes, or are the bolts put on the deck lid first and then you try and align the eyelette holes in the hard top to the bolt heads? Does my question make sense?? Seems to me if the bolts were in the deck lid first you would need some significant lateral movement while installing the hard top to get them to match up with the eyelettes? I've heard of doing this way before, but have always hesitated trying it because I didn't want to scratch my deck lid just for chuckles! Thanks.

Kirk