68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

[Jeff P.]

I would like the top off for better access to remove the interior. This is a ragtop delete. It looks like it hasn't been off in 40 years. I pulled the handle on the right forward. Way out of adjustment. Anyway I tried to turn the bracket and it did nothing. I see that the lock behind this is spring loaded. Tried almost everything without doing harm to the mechanism .i sprayed everything and hopefully with some advise will attempt it again in the morning.thanks, Jeff

[Jeff P.]

68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

I read in the owners manual that a tool came with the hardtop to remove a bolt on each side of the rear pillar. Does anyone have a picture of this. Thanks, Jeff

[Lawrence M.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.



Hi Jeff, none of my convertibles had the hardtop option so I can't help with the procedure for removal. However I have attached a photo that Joe Lucia posted some time ago of the wrench that came with his 1969 hardtop only car.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

I read in the owners manual that a tool came with the hardtop to remove a bolt on each side of the rear pillar. Does anyone have a picture of this. Thanks, Jeff

Jeff------



The tool was an open-end wrench. You can use an open end wrench or, much easier, a socket on a ratchet to remove the side screws retaining the hard-top. Unlatch the 3 header latches, remove the side screws on either side, and release the rear hold-down pins with the under deck lid lever and the top should lift off. If it has not been removed in 40 years there's a good chance the weatherstrip will be "stuck", though.

[Jeff P.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

Many thanks Lawrence. Did they have sockets back in 69. lOL

[Jeff P.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

I would imagine the soft top uses the same attachment . Does anyone know which way the spring loaded latch opens? I've sprayed to see if that loosens it to no avail.

[Henry J.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

Jeff:

The latch handle moves forward (toward the front of the car) to open.

[Jeff P.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

Thanks,Henry. I understand how it opens the cable stops are out of adjustment ,so when I pull the right handle it just moves the cable. I don't know what way the latch opens to release the hardtop pins. I don't want to force anything to regret it later. Tight quarters under there . Thank you

[John C.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

Jeff

The attached pictures show the rear hardtop latch and should give you a good idea of it's operation. It is a clamshell design and the rods pull the trip levers to the middle of the car on both sides which pushes the clamshell open.

The picture of the green car is of a 1969+ design latch. The picture of the white car is of a 1968. The design in the clamshell pivot pin is different but the operation is the same.

John

[Jeff P.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

Thank you John for the great pics. Looking up at mine there is a nut and bolt right in the middle. I was just in progress of removing this nut .might be the norm for hardtops. Ill check back.

[John C.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

Jeff

You have the later design hardtop hold downs. Early 68 hardtops were held down by pins similar to the soft tops. Later cars used a stud and bolt arrangement to hold them down. You must have a late in the model year built car or they have been replaced.

John

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

Jeff

You have the later design hardtop hold downs. Early 68 hardtops were held down by pins similar to the soft tops. Later cars used a stud and bolt arrangement to hold them down. You must have a late in the model year built car or they have been replaced.

John

John and Jeff-----



Yes, VERY LATE 1968 went to the 1969+ style rear hardtop attachment which used studs with nuts for retention. However, this was VERY LATE in the 1968 model year, probably only the last few months of production.

It's very possible that some earlier cars were modified, though. The original 1968 hardtop rear attachment design was very problematic.

[Jeff P.]

Re: 68 Hardtop Removal Tool.

Yes John , took the nut lock washer and hold down bracket off of each end and the top came off. Man,I'm glad it's light LOL. After judging I might add a soft top!