Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

[Joe M.]

Anyone know of a source that might have this equipment for sale? What other years would the equipment be identical for the 1960?

[Edward S.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

Joe, do you need everything? I bought a 58 back in 1990 - two tops,automatic with power windows. I wanted to have the car repainted and gave it to my guy that did painting - got a phone call within a week that they noticed the car had a power top
when it left the factory, did I want them to install it? Somebody had took the entire unit out. I spent about a year looking for one, was like looking for a chicken that grin's. I called a company out on the west coast looking to replace my seat belt webbing and when I was done ordering - the guy who answered the phone asked
if I needed anything else, I joked and asked how many power top units he had in stock ? Almost fell off my chair when he said he had a friend who had a complete unit
for sale. He gave me the guy's number and told me to tell the guy that Noland Adams told me to call - the only time I ever got to speak to Noland, what a nice man ( hope he is back on his feet soon).
The good part of this story is I bought the unit, installed it and it was still working great when I sold the car. The bad part is that after I saw your post I started to think that I don't remember seeing a unit for sale after that. I do remember when I was looking for a unit, people who had been in the hobby always telling me to make sure that whatever I bought was complete - that if I still needed a part or two the price would go up to more then I paid for all the rest. I have a couple of friends that have stuff laying around for years that I will ask. I wish you Good Luck in your quest.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

Try Dave Evans in Blue Springs, MO.
816-678-4616 or email at fueliedave@comcast.net

[Joe M.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

Edward, thank you for the informative post. I had already decided that if I found a power top unit, it would have to be complete. Even if I find a complete unit, it will probably require a large cash outlay to rebuild and replace certain parts.

Thanks for the info Bruce.

[Donald H.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

Joe, I've seen a recurring ad in the Solid Axle Club magazine. It is Hydro-E-Lectric 800-343-4261. Looks like they havesome, maybe all the parts. I don't know what makes up the power top parts, but they advertise top motor pump, top hose sets, Cylinders, etc

[Joe M.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

They sell limited repro parts and offer limited rebuild services. Lectric Limited sells all of the wiring harnesses and ground strap. If I had to purchase each part and wiring harness that is currently reproduced, it would cost $1,777.

I located a power top unit. I am estimating that it could cost on the order of $5,000 to $6,000 for equipment, parts, installation. Once the system is fully installed, it requires a lot of fine tuning to make it work correctly; something I probably would have difficulty even with the ST-12. There are very few people with experience installing and fine tuning the equipment. This has become a difficult decision because of the high cost. I am sure that I would get my money back on the top equipment when I sell it, but selling it is no where in the near future as I am 55.

[Cecil L.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

My 58 originally came with a power top. Fortunately, all the swithces and wiring was still there but the cyinders and solenoids were missing. The cylinders are reproduced, but the hardest to find parts are the solenoids. As far as I have been able to determine, they weren't used on any thing else besides corvette. I finally found a used set, but they need rebuilding.
Good luck.

[David D.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

joe -

what is the number of your car and what other options are on it? I have a set of instructions for installation and set up.

Does yours have the metal reinforcement or evidence that it was ever on the right hand, inner, lower door pillar? I have the complete assembly on the car but have not attempted to make it work. I saw one actually work last year at Joplin.
Needless to say I was really impressed. I think Roy Bratz used to be very familiar with them. Send me an email.

David Dawdy
60 #2348

[John H.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

joe -

what is the number of your car and what other options are on it? I have a set of instructions for installation and set up.

Does yours have the metal reinforcement or evidence that it was ever on the right hand, inner, lower door pillar? I have the complete assembly on the car but have not attempted to make it work. I saw one actually work last year at Joplin.
Needless to say I was really impressed. I think Roy Bratz used to be very familiar with them. Send me an email.

David Dawdy
60 #2348

David -

There's an excellent section (pages 1-36 through 1-40) in the ST-12 manual on the power top system, and the link below will take you to a C1 power top article I wrote in "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine a few years ago:

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...ower%20top.pdf

[Joe M.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

John, I have already studied the ST-12 and 1960 AIM for the RPO 473 option until I almost have it memorized. I have made the decision to find a power top unit and install it on my car. It came with one and I want one back on the car.

[Joe M.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

John, I forgot to thank you for directing me to your excellent article with crystal clear photos.

[James G.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

JOE CALCAGNO may have a unit. He has been known over the years to collect those items. 831-475-4442 in California Pacific time. And email rarecorvettes@gmail.co

[Joe M.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

Thanks for the tip James.

[Joe M.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

I can't find any evidence that reinforcing piece, GM Part No. 31736195, was ever installed on the inside of the passenger side seat pillar. I can see the two screws holding it in place in one of the photos in John H's article. I am not sure what the small reinforcing piece was supposed to do. I don't believe the microswitch box was attached to the seat pillar. I don't have any holes in the seat pillar and no indication that holes were patched. The bolts that held the microswitch assembly in place are still in the car and the two holes where the microswitch assembly cover was screwed into place are present.

[David D.]

Re: Power Top Equipment for 1960 Corvette

Joe -

My car is the same, no evidence of holes but all of the attaching items were on the body were still present. All bit a couple of rusty pieces were on the car when I acquired it about 30 years ago. It was ridden hard and put back to pasture. I have since put back together as GM made it in early January, 1960.

Dave D.