53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

[David L.]

Does any one have a photo of an original 4561686 convertible top trim end cap (also known as CLIP in the Chevrolet parts catalogs in Gr. 13.342 and Gr. 15.534)?
Enclosed are two photos of four NOS 7614749 caps (aka clips) that I bought in Sept. 1989 from my local Chevrolet dealer. According to Chevrolet Parts History GM # 4561686 was replaced with GM # 7614749 in November 1965 (for over the counter parts). The 7614749 caps are flanged on the edge. Am I correct in assuming that the 4561686 caps are not flanged on the edge?

Dave

[Chris S.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

I do have an original convertible top spear
I will send you a photo
I have the above spears as well - these are not correct - the flange on the side is not present on the originals.
The repro's being installed on 53 to 62's today are not correct.
I have been working with another NRCS person and a machine shop to repro these spears.
I know first hands the NCRS and BG judges have been "looking" for the repro spears - the repros are not long enough and have a rounded point

[Wayne M.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

Here's one that fell off my '65 (not original to the late car, as factory top was white); story goes that in Louisiana attic storage it became mouldy -- replaced by a black soft top assy in late '70s. Has the '63 thru early '65 3/8" dia. round #1 top bow; not the 5/16" rectangular.

[David L.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

Wayne,

Very innovated way of showing both sides in one photo. Your cap (aka "clip", "spear", or maybe "spear head" or "arrow head" would be more appropriate) looks somewhat like the ones on my 1966 convertible top that was replaced in the early 1980's.

Dave

[Michael H.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

Here's one that fell off my '65 (not original to the late car, as factory top was white); story goes that in Louisiana attic storage it became mouldy -- replaced by a black soft top assy in late '70s. Has the '63 thru early '65 3/8" dia. round #1 top bow; not the 5/16" rectangular.

Wayne,

That's the style that I remember as being the most common. In the mid/late 70's, this topic came up at Classic Motors and we looked at quite a few cars that still had their original tops. I think all had this design without the flange.

In about 1976, I ordered a few from Chev and they did have the flange.

[Henry J.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

Wayne:

The soft top on my April-built 66 is original. The clips look like the one in your photograph, with no flanges.

[David L.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

My 1963 Chev. Price Schedule (Oct. 1962) lists GM # 4561686 for $0.30.
My 1967 Chev. Price Schedule (Oct. 1966) lists GM # 7614749 for $0.20.
It seems a bit odd that more complicated 7614749 clip list price was less than the much simpler 4561686 clip. The cost reduction must be because they made a lot more of the flanged clips.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

I do have an original convertible top spear
I will send you a photo
I have the above spears as well - these are not correct - the flange on the side is not present on the originals.
The repro's being installed on 53 to 62's today are not correct.
I have been working with another NRCS person and a machine shop to repro these spears.
I know first hands the NCRS and BG judges have been "looking" for the repro spears - the repros are not long enough and have a rounded point

You saying the flanges are not present on any mid years?

Read um and weep. 66 dated 3-66

[Joe L.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

You saying the flanges are not present on any mid years?

Read um and weep. 66 dated 3-66

Wayne------


The fact that the GM #4561686 was replaced for SERVICE in November, 1965 by the GM #7614749 also implies that the same change was made in PRODUCTION at least by that time and, most likely, well prior to that. However, it is very possible that for some period of time either style may have been used.

[Joe L.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

Wayne,

Very innovated way of showing both sides in one photo. Your cap (aka "clip", "spear", or maybe "spear head" or "arrow head" would be more appropriate) looks somewhat like the ones on my 1966 convertible top that was replaced in the early 1980's.

Dave

Dave-----


By the way, why was the design of the caps changed? I strongly suspect it was determined that the original design had the potential for damaging the top material. The revised caps would eliminate this possibility.

[David L.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

Wayne------


The fact that the GM #4561686 was replaced for SERVICE in November, 1965 by the GM #7614749 also implies that the same change was made in PRODUCTION at least by that time and, most likely, well prior to that. However, it is very possible that for some period of time either style may have been used.

Joe,

Even though GM # 4561686 was replaced for service with GM # 7614749 in November 1965 my 1969 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Oct. 1968) still shows both clips (aka caps) in Gr. 13.342 as follows:
65-66 CONV.............................rear............. ...7614749
38-65 CONV., CORVETTE,
66 CORVETTE.......................................... .......4561686

The 67-69 Corvettes are not listed in Gr. 13.342 in this parts catalog.
I guess the left hand did not know what the right hand was doing.

Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

Joe,

Even though GM # 4561686 was replaced for service with GM # 7614749 in November 1965 my 1969 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Oct. 1968) still shows both clips (aka caps) in Gr. 13.342 as follows:
65-66 CONV.............................rear............. ...7614749
38-65 CONV., CORVETTE,
66 CORVETTE.......................................... .......4561686

The 67-69 Corvettes are not listed in Gr. 13.342 in this parts catalog.
I guess the left hand did not know what the right hand was doing.

Dave

Dave------


I expect the continued availability of the 4561686 was due to the fact that GMSPO held considerable inventory.

[John F.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

Ones on my 62.

[Edward J.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

Guys interesting post, My 63 conv. had the rounded tip spears installed as I thought they were original, when the car was judged I was told I needed the flanged tips.?????

[David L.]

Re: 53-75 Convertible Top Trim End Caps (aka Clips) GM 4561686 & 7614749

Guys interesting post, My 63 conv. had the rounded tip spears installed as I thought they were original, when the car was judged I was told I needed the flanged tips.?????

I really doubt that many of the judges do serious research on every part of the car. Don't they just go "by the book"? Isn't that why we have this Technical Discussion?
Dave