1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

[Jacob A.]

Hello Everyone!!! I just scored an original 67 black vinyl hardtop for my 67. My car was 2 top convertible new, so it should be set up for a hardtop. I am at a complete loss though in regards to the hardware for this thing. I have had hardtops on a C-1, C-3 and C-4.... none of them were as confusing as this seems to be? Can someone please explain the 4 securing points from the drivers seat back? Specifically the rear.

Thanks, Jacob

[Alan D.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

Jacob,
First check out your AIM for 67. Know mine, 64, shows hardware needed in detail. LI also has some good pictures of these and get an extra set of the rubber washers to put in the clove box however double check your AIM, (Sec14 A3.00) for I'm thinking of my 64.

[Jim C.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

Jacob,

I have a late 1966 with the hardtop option. If the 1967 is anything like the 1966, then you'll need two sets of bolts (7/16" and 1/2"), two smooth washers, and two nuts with serrated washers to attach the top. These are are available through most of the Corvette parts suppliers. Also, you'll need a partner to install the hardtop. Don't try it alone!!!

To begin, prior to setting the hardtop on the car, you'll have to install the two 7/16" carriage bolts in brackets that are located on the bottom of the hardtop below the the rear plexiglas window. The bolts have little rubber bumpers to protect against scratching the car. If installed properly, the bolts will hang freely. Now you and your partner can carefully lift the top into position making sure the bolts don't fall out of the brackets. Don't hit the antenna as you're lifting the top over the back of the car. Lower the top onto the car while lining up the threaded section of those hanging bolts into the bezels on the rear deck lid. The 7/16" bolts should pass through the rear deck. You need to tighten them down later. Don't do it yet. As you're lowering the top onto the car, be VERY aware of the OTHER brackets that protrude from the bottom of the hardtop. They're located near the side windows of the car. They're hard to miss, but can VERY easily scratch your car if you're not careful while lowering the top onto the car. When lowering the top, make sure those protruding brackets go to the inside/interior of the car. Gentle pressure (pushing toward each other) by you and your partner might be necessary to get those brackets to go inside the car. Otherwise, they might hit just outside the interior of the car, and scratch the paint on the forward part of the rear deck.

Okay, assuming you got this far, now take two the 1/2" hex head bolts with integral washers and them pass through the brackets (near the side windows) which protrude from the bottom of the hardtop. The brackets have elongated holes and should line up with threaded bezels that are located on the forward corners of the rear deck. A little adjustment might be needed to get the holes in the brackets to line up with the threaded bezels. That's why you don't tighten the rear bolts. Once the bracket holes line up with the threaded bezels, install the 1/2" bolts and tighten them down. What I do next might sound crazy, but I open the rear deck with the help of my partner. The hardtop is now partially connected to the rear deck by the forward 1/2" bolts, but remember those other two free hanging 7/16" bolts in the rear still need to be tightened. It's a big pain in the a** to do because the rag top is all folded up back there, so you need to make a little room. By just lifting the rear deck a little, you can get back there to install a smooth washer followed by a nut that includes an integral serrated washer. Do that to both 7/16" bolts, tighten the nuts and you're done. Once those back bolts are tight, you and your partner can VERY GENTLY lower (don't drop) the rear deck, with the hardtop fully attached, back down onto the car. Make sure both sides of the deck lock into place. Don't forget to lock down the hardtop's front latches to the catches above the windshield.

This might sound complicated, but once you get going, you'll see how it all works. Study the parts, bezels, etc., and have a game plan. Make sure you're familiar with those protruding brackets and where they attach to the rear deck. Take your time. USE A PARTNER!!!! Good luck!!!

Jim C.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

Jim's description sounds pretty accurate to me. This is usually a procedure you do once every three or four years. After you have done it the first time you will understand why I say that. It's no fun. No matter how careful you are, you will probably incur some damage sooner or later. I once tried to do mine by myself using the overhead wench and the small screws skidded across my rear deck. I also scratched the sides some as well. Good thing I am good at touch up. I also made the mistake once of letting my helper go before I tightened the rear "through the Deck" nuts onto the captive bolts. It is impossible to get the nuts on the bolts with the convertible top frame in the way. I ended up popping the deck and using a broom stick to hold it up enough to get the nuts on and tightened.

The only time I put the hardtop on now is when I must move the car, like my last move from Illinois to Florida. I don't like it either due to loss of visability, even more so than with the convertible top up. So, it hangs from my garage ceiling as a trophy wrapped in a protective cover. It may still be there after I'm gone.

Stu Fox

[Jim C.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

Amen Stu. I like the way my car looks with the hardtop on, but it's a ROYAL pain in the a** to deal with, so I avoid it as much as possible. I put the hardtop on every Fall just before putting the car into storage, and take it off every Spring when the car comes out of storage. The rest of time, the hardtop sits in the corner of my basement. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'd guess that every other mid-year owner who's ever dealt with one of these hardtops probably feels the same way about them. Here's my 1966 Corvette with hardtop on.

Jim C.

[William C.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

It's a GARAGE TROPHY.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

Amen Stu. I like the way my car looks with the hardtop on, but it's a ROYAL pain in the a** to deal with, so I avoid it as much as possible. I put the hardtop on every Fall just before putting the car into storage, and take it off every Spring when the car comes out of storage. The rest of time, the hardtop sits in the corner of my basement. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'd guess that every other mid-year owner who's ever dealt with one of these hardtops probably feels the same way about them. Here's my 1966 Corvette with hardtop on.

Jim C.

I never put the hardtops on for storage. Conv. top will shrink up & you will have a hard time getting it streched out. Have heard storys here about bending piller posts because of trying to put soft tops up with shrunk tops. The only time I have thae hard top on is for judging. Les things to pick on because most original hardtops were stored & in good shape. Repo conv. tops will lose points.
KEN

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

That's a purdy car Jim! My 63 is Daytona Blue so is close to yours in appearance.

One point; storing the hardtop on the floor (?) is not a good idea. Mine was set up in my Buddy's garage for a couple years, proped up on it's rear bow. This caused stress cracking of the rear plexi window. Since then, I have slung it from the garage ceiling using a sling and wench covered with a closed canvas bag to avoid further damage.to the window and accidental bumping, etc.

You are right, they do look neat. Gives it an entire different personality from a coupe, but my favorite is sans top! If I was 40 years younger (ok, 50), I would do one of those Hollywood entries - yEE! Haa!

Stu fox

[Larry S.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

That's a purdy car Jim! My 63 is Daytona Blue so is close to yours in appearance.

One point; storing the hardtop on the floor (?) is not a good idea. Mine was set up in my Buddy's garage for a couple years, proped up on it's rear bow. This caused stress cracking of the rear plexi window. Since then, I have slung it from the garage ceiling using a sling and wench covered with a closed canvas bag to avoid further damage.to the window and accidental bumping, etc.

You are right, they do look neat. Gives it an entire different personality from a coupe, but my favorite is sans top! If I was 40 years younger (ok, 50), I would do one of those Hollywood entries - yEE! Haa!

Stu fox

Stu, what about storing one on one of those roll-around dollies? One that's made specifically for hardtops.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

Larry;

That would be my second choice, but it would still take up floor space and could be subject to bump damage.

Stu Fox

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

Larry;

Please don't post a picture of your 12 port garage, ok?

Stu

[Jim C.]

Re: 1963-1967 Corvette Hardtop Hardware Questions

Ken,

Good advice on the storage issue. My soft top is pretty well stretched out. After I take the hardtop off in the Spring, I start using the soft top. The soft top is usually in place (latched to the catches in front and hooked to the rear deck) when I'm not driving with it down. It's not original, but it's very old and seems to have more "stretch" than "shrink" to it. But I have heard that soft tops can shrink if they're not used occasionally. Sound advice for sure.

Stu,

Thanks for the compliment on my car. Good point about storing the hard top on the floor. Mine sits on an 18" thick foam pad. I haven't seen any cracks or disfigurement to it, and NO ONE touches it, but maybe you're right. I'm going to look into hanging it up.


Jim C.