C-1 1961 hardtop vs. softtop

[Mike B.]

Recently bought 61 convertible and I am new to corvettes so I am trying to figure out what I have. I noticed that along with the rear latches for the soft top that there are 2 threaded holes further back on the top cover. Also noticed that there are the same holes one at each side just above and behind the top edge of the door . I assume attachment areas for hard top. I checked prior discussions but could not find my answer to the following question. Did rag top only cars that year also have the holes for the hard top mounting?? or did all vettes have the holes and the combination soft top / hard top cars or soft top only cars also had the latches????? Or am I to believe that my car could have been born a hard top car and over the years the top disappeared???? Previous owner for the last 27 years thinks it was only a soft top car. thanks Mike 53700

[Willard M.]

Re: C-1 1961 hardtop vs. softtop

I can't tell you if your car was delivered with a hardtop, but it was a hardtop car at some point. Soft top only cars did not have the holes that you are describing. Basically your car had both tops. Many folks will tell you that they took off the hardtop and left it in the garage until they finally decided to sell a useless device, hence the missing hardtop. They are available, and a 61-62 will both fit with window date codes being the only difference. They will cost roughly $2000-$6000. The real problem is shipping. If you find a real nice top for $1500 in your car's color but it is 1800 miles away, how do you get it? Crating and shipping is a nightmare. I happen to like the looks and the open feeling (compared to the soft top) and often run the hardtop. Of course I also live in Maine and not Los Angeles. Hope that helps. Bill

[Christopher R.]

Re: C-1 1961 hardtop vs. softtop

The 4 holes you reference are indeed for the hardtop. Many of these cars came with both the hardtop and the softtop from the factory. Chevrolet offered either one free and the addition of the other was an option. It wasn't an expensive option. Over the years, many of these cars lost and gained softtops and/or hardtops. When these cars were new, and used for every day transportation, the hardtop gots lots of use. I remember the ritual of putting it on in the Fall and taking it off in the Spring. Nowadays, these cars are only used occasionally and then only in nice weather. My hardtop has sat in the cellar for 30 years.

A hardtop only car from the factory would only have those 4 holes, and would not have the slots in the lid for the rear softtop bow.

A softtop only car would not have the 4 holes, and would only have the 2 slots.

[Joe M.]

Re: C-1 1961 hardtop vs. softtop

Look behind the pass seat bulkhead. You should see green crayon with ST or HT indicating soft or hard top, not sure what is written for both tops. Might be BOTH?

You have to look closely...maybe the marks were painted over or the area stripped so good luck.

Also you will see a definite line making the edge of the HT weatherstip worn into the lid if a HT was on for a long time.

[Mike B.]

Re: C-1 1961 hardtop vs. softtop

Thanks to all. You answered my question. Slowly I am finding out all about my car.