68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

[Paul L.]

I am considering refurbishing a hardtop for my 1974 convertible as a winter project. However, the various catalogues show differences between the 68E and 68L-75 versions, particularly in the front mounting latches. The one I am considering "seems" to be 68E (with chrome, not black latches) and I am wondering if it will fit my 1974 without changing out the mounting mechanisms. From the pics provided you will note that it has a center rear mounting stud as well although I suspect that that can simply be removed. I do not have a hole in the center of the rear deck. Any advice on whether this top will fit on my 1974? The condition is perhaps 6-7/10 and it is fairly local so I need not bother with the fuss and expense of shipping.

[click on pics]

[Wayne W.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

Looks like a later one to me. Has the chrome tips and the rubber tipped adjusters.

[Henry J.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

I agree with Wayne.

[Ralph S.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

Look at the date code on the glass then you will know the year it came from

[John C.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

Paul

The catalogs are wrong about the front latches on a hardtop. The soft top latches changed to being covered in black plastic, but the hardtop never did. They were chrome to the end of production.

John

[Paul L.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

Paul

The catalogs are wrong about the front latches on a hardtop. The soft top latches changed to being covered in black plastic, but the hardtop never did. They were chrome to the end of production.

John

Thanks for that clarification. I did not know that.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

Paul

The catalogs are wrong about the front latches on a hardtop. The soft top latches changed to being covered in black plastic, but the hardtop never did. They were chrome to the end of production.

John

John------


Absolutely correct. No black plastic coated latch levers ever for 1968-75 hardtops.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

Looks like a later one to me. Has the chrome tips and the rubber tipped adjusters.

Wayne------


Yup. Plus, no 1968 hardtop ever had the rear center mounting bracket. That was added in very late 1969.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

I am considering refurbishing a hardtop for my 1974 convertible as a winter project. However, the various catalogues show differences between the 68E and 68L-75 versions, particularly in the front mounting latches. The one I am considering "seems" to be 68E (with chrome, not black latches) and I am wondering if it will fit my 1974 without changing out the mounting mechanisms. From the pics provided you will note that it has a center rear mounting stud as well although I suspect that that can simply be removed. I do not have a hole in the center of the rear deck. Any advice on whether this top will fit on my 1974? The condition is perhaps 6-7/10 and it is fairly local so I need not bother with the fuss and expense of shipping.

[click on pics]

Paul-----


The fact that you have no hole on the rear deck for the center mounting bracket is typical for a L69-75 convertible that was not originally equipped with a hard-top. You can either add the hole or not use/remove the center bracket.

[Ralph S.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

So what is the 2 letter date code on the glass?

[Paul L.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

So what is the 2 letter date code on the glass?

I do not know. The top is three hours from me and stored for the winter. The seller is cranky to say the least and at best, uncooperative.

[Paul L.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

Thanks Joe. No, I don't have the hole in the rear deck. But that is fine; I can remove that center rear bracket/stud easily. As to the seller, we are still quibbling about price. The restoration costs (a black vinyl cover, dye, and some hardware) are close to want he wants for the top. But he doesn't seem to understand that. Or I do not. C'est la vie. I have upped my bid and I have not heard back yet. We shall see if it is time to move on. I have not mentioned $$s here as yet but can do so if anyone is interested.

I sure do like that black vinyl hardtop look. RPO C08 in 1974; only 367 units. Looks very nice from the pics I have seen. Whether I will ever use it is another matter. But it would nice to have for my car. I am a bit of a packrat.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

Thanks Joe. No, I don't have the hole in the rear deck. But that is fine; I can remove that center rear bracket/stud easily. As to the seller, we are still quibbling about price. The restoration costs (a black vinyl cover, dye, and some hardware) are close to want he wants for the top. But he doesn't seem to understand that. Or I do not. C'est la vie. I have upped my bid and I have not heard back yet. We shall see if it is time to move on. I have not mentioned $$s here as yet but can do so if anyone is interested.

I sure do like that black vinyl hardtop look. RPO C08 in 1974; only 367 units. Looks very nice from the pics I have seen. Whether I will ever use it is another matter. But it would nice to have for my car. I am a bit of a packrat.

Paul------


You really can't expect the seller to reduce the price by the cost to install a vinyl top. The VAST majority of buyers would not want this type of conversion. So, if he had to accommodate this, he'd be better off selling to someone else.

[Paul L.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

Paul------


You really can't expect the seller to reduce the price by the cost to install a vinyl top. The VAST majority of buyers would not want this type of conversion. So, if he had to accommodate this, he'd be better off selling to someone else.

Joe, I agree. I was not really suggesting that he swallow that cost. Bad wording on my part. I was selfishly thinking of my own wants and costs I guess.

But an interesting thread for which I thank the NCRS people!

[Don L.]

Re: 68E vs 68L-75 Convertible Hardtop

Paul, heads up! I restored my hard top last winter and spent WAY too much doing it. Isn't that how all this works though?

Look closely at the weather stripping. Also, look at the glass, the window bright work, the clamps' chrome and the headliner. The weatherstripping is very expensive to replace and if the headliner has any flaws, you'll spend there too. I went way over budget, but I'm over it now and I have a perfect looking (body colored) hard top that I think gives the car a great and different look.

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