61 corvette hardtop question

[George R.]

My first car was a 61 corvette Hardtop convertible. It did not have a rag top. If I recall going back to the late 60's I had to bolt my top down (one on each side) in the back nearest the rear window. I don't recall any latches in the rear area to secure the after end of the top.

I maybe I'm confusing this with my 64 Hardtop convertible ? Did the 64's latch or bolt down nearest the rear window? One of them did. Any help appreciated. I rarely took them off because I tracked them both but remember using a 9/16" combo wrench or of that size to secure the roof on one onf them. Thanks

[Terry D.]

Re: 61 corvette hardtop question

Don't know about the 64 but 61 and 62 were held down by two bolts in the back, two latches up ftont.
Terry

[Terry D.]

Re: 61 corvette hardtop question

George
Forgot to mention there were also one bolt at the front of each side windows. Go to E-Bay and you'll be able to find pictures of both hardtops I'm sure.
Terry

[Paul H.]

Re: 61 corvette hardtop question

My first car was a 61 corvette Hardtop convertible. It did not have a rag top. If I recall going back to the late 60's I had to bolt my top down (one on each side) in the back nearest the rear window. I don't recall any latches in the rear area to secure the after end of the top.

I maybe I'm confusing this with my 64 Hardtop convertible ? Did the 64's latch or bolt down nearest the rear window? One of them did. Any help appreciated. I rarely took them off because I tracked them both but remember using a 9/16" combo wrench or of that size to secure the roof on one onf them. Thanks

The mid years bolts go through the deck lid in the back unlike the 61 where the fitting for the bolt sits on top and threads into the deck lid. The 64 also bolts in from the sides just behind the windows. The only "latches" are at the header on the windshield.

[George W.]

Re: 61 corvette hardtop question

I have a '61 fielie; start with both doors open set the hard top on the 4 bolt holes in the body. The hard top is held secure with 2 front and 2 rear latches, one on each side. First you start the 1/2 bolt in the door post bracket of each side; then you start the 7/16 bolts in the rear bracket below the window glass; then you pull the two latches down at the top by the windshield; next you secure the two rear deck latches under the back window; then pull all four bolts snug, do not over tighten as "snug" will be fine as the four latches hold the top secure and tight can crack the paint...
life is good. Dr George

[David K.]

Re: 61 corvette hardtop question

Yes, that is how mine is held on and it also comes with a whistle in the center of the header.

[George W.]

Re: 61 corvette hardtop question

You the man...

[Gary B.]

Re: 61 corvette hardtop question

I have a '61 fielie; start with both doors open set the hard top on the 4 bolt holes in the body. The hard top is held secure with 2 front and 2 rear latches, one on each side. First you start the 1/2 bolt in the door post bracket of each side; then you start the 7/16 bolts in the rear bracket below the window glass; then you pull the two latches down at the top by the windshield; next you secure the two rear deck latches under the back window; then pull all four bolts snug, do not over tighten as "snug" will be fine as the four latches hold the top secure and tight can crack the paint...
life is good. Dr George

Am I mis reading this??

A soft top Vette will have 4 latches. 2 front, 2 rear.

A hard top only Vette will have 2 front latches, 2 rear bolts(base of rear window), and 2 side bolts (at bottom front of side windows).

A two top Vette will have 2 front latches, 2 rear latches, 2 rear bolts, and 2 side bolts.

[John F.]

Re: 61 corvette hardtop question

Your assumptions are correct!
John F

[John H.]

Re: 61 corvette hardtop question

A hard top only Vette will have 2 front latches, 2 rear bolts(base of rear window), and 2 side bolts (at bottom front of side windows).

A two top Vette will have 2 front latches, 2 rear latches, 2 rear bolts, and 2 side bolts.

Gary -

'56-'57 has three rear bolts and no side bolts (has a pin on each side at the front of the rear quarter window that goes in a hole/slot in the receiver molding on the body).

[George W.]

Re: 61 corvette hardtop question

Gary U R correct; I should not have said secure the latches,
latches are on convertible tops; I should say only tight down the rear bolts; my mistake, all else is correct...Dr. George

Am I mis reading this??

A soft top Vette will have 4 latches. 2 front, 2 rear.

A hard top only Vette will have 2 front latches, 2 rear bolts(base of rear window), and 2 side bolts (at bottom front of side windows).

A two top Vette will have 2 front latches, 2 rear latches, 2 rear bolts, and 2 side bolts.