1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

[Steve G.]

I recently purchased a 67 roadster with a 63 hard top. Besides the date coded glass are there any other differences between the 63 top and a 67 hardtop ? I dont want to restore the top if its not correct for 67. Thanks

[Tracy C.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

Unless the top is an early 63 with the notch on the lower forward corner nearest the door handle, and the triangular metal reinforcment in the middle of the rear glass, I think you will be OK. BTW, what is the date on the window? I'm looking for a rear window correct for my late July car.

tc

[Steve G.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

Thanks for the input. I checked the top and yes it has the notch . The glass is dated 12/62. What do you think the tops worth?

[Ridge K.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

Thanks for the input. I checked the top and yes it has the notch . The glass is dated 12/62. What do you think the tops worth?

Steve, my '67 came with a 1965 non-restored top.
I listed it on fleabay for $1K, and it sold within eight hours.

This was right before this current economic recession...

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

Thanks for the input. I checked the top and yes it has the notch . The glass is dated 12/62. What do you think the tops worth?

I had a very nice, real 63 hardtop with the notch...with plexiglass dated Feb. or Mar. of 63.

All the SS had been polished. It was freshly painted Riverside Red. All the non SS mouldings were black powder coated. All new weatherstrip too.

I sold it about 5 years ago for $1500.00. Lost $$$ on that deal.


Chuck

[Tracy C.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

Thanks for the input. I checked the top and yes it has the notch . The glass is dated 12/62. What do you think the tops worth?

Hard to say these days... If the trim is all present and in excellent shape, this is a huge plus. Especially the front center stainless across the header bar. These get dinged from people standing the hardtop on the forward edge during storage.

You mentioned it needed restoration, so if you find an early 63 owner looking, $500 - $900 would be a fair price. The challenge you face is that "un-notched" hardtops can easily become "notched". It not so easy to go the other way.

tc

[John D.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

I like the look of my 67 with the hardtop on but must say in the last twenty years it's been on the car less than 5 times. It just sits in my storeroom gathering dust....not interested in getting rid of it though..

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

Can someone post pics of the difference between 63 and later hardtops, ie showing the notches and/or reinforcement?

Thanks

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

Here's a pic of the notch.

Chuck

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

Thanks, Chuck

[Michael F.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

Here's a pic of the notch.

Chuck

Why is it there? Was it only early 63?

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1963-1967 Hardtop Difference

Why is it there? Was it only early 63?

Supposedly, it was to allow "clearance" for the door to close.

I'm no hardtop expert, but yes, it was "early-mid" 63. If I remember correctly, hardtops with rear "glass" dated after March 63 or so did not have the notch.

Harry Sadlock IMHO is the hardtop expert. I wish Harry would chime in.

It used to be thought that the notched hardtops were used with the "pad" doors used on 63 and early 64, but that has pretty much been debunked.

I looked, and I don't have any pix of the window reinforcements.

Chuck