1956 Hardtop Trim

[Bernard M.]

During a recent cross-country move I put the hardtop on my 1956 Corvette as that was the most convenient way to transport it. It has spent most of the 20+ years I've had it in a cover but I knew that it was missing a piece of trim on the right side. I had even purchased the trim at one point and have had it in my box-o-stuff for eventual installation. Now that the top is accessible, I'm having difficulty. The piece(s) in question are the Y shaped trim parts at the lower edge, behind the side window. The top is a 56 (narrow aluminum header). The missing part won't fit due to the drip rail extending too low, interfering with the forward extension of the Y. The left side is the same way except there is an angled piece of trim installed where the Y should be; it fits and looks as if it were made for the application. I know that the top has been apart at some time prior to my purchase; it has a replacement rear window glass with a 1981 date code. Has anyone seen this before and what would be the best way to fix the problem?

[Philip C.]

Re: 1956 Hardtop Trim

Hi Bernard from your photo thats not 56 57 58 trim on that top, its 59 and up Phil 8063

[Bernard M.]

Re: 1956 Hardtop Trim

Phil,

I can't recall seeing the 45 degree trim part on any model year Corvette. The rest of the top is 1956. It has the 1 inch aluminum header at the front edge. The drip rail seems to be the problem. It comes down too far. The Y trim piece would fit over the ends of the other three trim pieces if the drip rail didn't extend so far down and interfere with the part of the Y that extends forward. I guess it was just put back together wrong when it was rebuilt some 38 years ago. I was hoping for a suggestion for an easy fix but I guess I'll take the drip rail off and rework it so the rest fits together properly.

Bernie Myers

[Steven B.]

Re: 1956 Hardtop Trim

Bernie, I am not 100% certain but I think the drip rails may be the same for '56-'62. I have to check one of my old parts books. Instead of the 45 degree clip the Y type clip may go under the drip rail a little. I have to go look at mine. Does your drip rail go all the way forward?

Steve

[Gary C.]

Re: 1956 Hardtop Trim

Bernie, 57 hardtop side trim photos. According to 62 P&A the side rails (moulding) group 11.075 part #3716372, 371 are same 56-62. The lower escutcheon trim are same 56-59 group 11.209 part # 3732183 left 184 right. Gary....

[Bernard M.]

Re: 1956 Hardtop Trim

Gary & Steven,
Yes, the drip rail extends forward to the front edge of the header. I can't fit the Y trim pieces under the drip rail. Gary's photos are too grainy for my old eyes to determine much from them. These pictures may help to demonstrate my dilema.
Bernie

[Gary C.]

Re: 1956 Hardtop Trim

Bernie, sorry about the photo quality - better attached. Looks like the drip rail is too long. Gary....

[Bernard M.]

Re: 1956 Hardtop Trim

Gary,

It appears to me from your photo that your drip rail extends to the bottom of the horizontal trim pieces, over the top of the Y trim. Is the drip rail slotted to permit this? Mine is not.

Bernie

[Gary C.]

Re: 1956 Hardtop Trim

Bernie, photos of Apr '57 hardtop drip rail lower ends. Have a Jan 57 hardtop but couldn't get good enough photos without moving it from its storage location. Gary....

[Bernard M.]

Re: 1956 Hardtop Trim

Gary
Thank you very much. It's obvious from those last photos that the drip rail is notched to allow for the forward end of the Y trim. Mine will require a notch to be cut to allow for the trim to be installed.
Bernie