1964 hard top compatibility

[Jef S.]

Does a 1965 66 and 67 hardtop fit on a 64 car? I assume a 63 hard top fits a 64. Are there give aways as to which year a hard top actually originally went on?

[Michael G.]

Re: 1964 hard top compatibility

Does a 1965 66 and 67 hardtop fit on a 64 car? I assume a 63 hard top fits a 64. Are there give aways as to which year a hard top actually originally went on?

Yes top will fit. If the top has original rear plexi-glass, if it is dated would give you some idea which year top was used.

[Jef S.]

Re: 1964 hard top compatibility

Two more questions. Are the date codes the same letters as on LOF glass? So if you change the rear plexiglass panel with a 64 dated replica would and incorrect year top would pass judging?

[Rob V.]

Re: 1964 hard top compatibility

Hi Jeff-- While the tops are interchangeable between the C-2 Corvettes, I would stay away from the very early 1963 hardtops. "Several changes were made to the C07during the production year." One significant problem that was corrected was that the "...early 1963 hardtops had a clearance problem with the top rear corner of the door. Later tops had a cutaway area to eliminate the interference. This change was implemented on AIM date 12-4-62." From The Complete Corvette Restoration & Technical Guide--Vol. 2 1963 through 1967, by Noland Adams, page 113. I have swapped different year hardtops on various year C-2s with no problems; I just ensured that I did not find/use an early 1963 top. These tops were always used on driver quality cars.... Rob

[Harry S.]

Re: 1964 hard top compatibility

Hi Jeff-- While the tops are interchangeable between the C-2 Corvettes, I would stay away from the very early 1963 hardtops. "Several changes were made to the C07during the production year." One significant problem that was corrected was that the "...early 1963 hardtops had a clearance problem with the top rear corner of the door. Later tops had a cutaway area to eliminate the interference. This change was implemented on AIM date 12-4-62." From The Complete Corvette Restoration & Technical Guide--Vol. 2 1963 through 1967, by Noland Adams, page 113. I have swapped different year hardtops on various year C-2s with no problems; I just ensured that I did not find/use an early 1963 top. These tops were always used on driver quality cars.... Rob

Jeff, I agree with Rob. There were three tops in 63. They are easy to spot and have nothing to do with date codes. They have to do with configuration. Any 64 to 67 top will work except a 67 with vinyl, so just stick to a 64 to 66 to be safe.

Are you sure your car came with a hardtop as there are tell tale signs?

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1964 hard top compatibility

What are the tell tale signs, Harry? I had mine dealer installed a year or so after I bought the car new w/o.

Stu Fox

[Harry S.]

Re: 1964 hard top compatibility

What are the tell tale signs, Harry? I had mine dealer installed a year or so after I bought the car new w/o.

Stu Fox

Stu, on the hartop and under the stainless is the Job Number and the color the top is to be painted. Both should match your car.

This is what I have found on 63 hardtops:

The Auxiliary Hardtop for 1963-1964 models had three distinct designs.

Design One: At the startup of 1963 production the auxiliary hardtop had a notch cut in the bottom, each side, to give greater clearance above the door. This design was present until approximately March 1963.

Design Two: For cars built in approximately April, May and June 1963 the notch in the auxiliary hardtop is not present.

Design three: For cars built approximately near the end of June 1963 until the end of 1963 production and all 1964 production the notch in the auxiliary hardtop is not present and rear window reinforcing brackets are present at the upper center and lower center of the rear Plexiglas.

[James B.]

Re: 1964 hard top compatibility

Jef, I have a '65 hardtop for my '64 L84 car, it fits fine, windows roll up and seal, etc. Regarding date coding, others here can advise you better but the date coding is different than window glass. I believe it was numeric in 64 and alpha in later years (one letter for the month and a second for the year).
PS My hardtop has been on the car twice in ten years, once when I bought the car and once when we moved to a new house. Get some help/advice is putting it on or taking it off; do it wrong and you will be doing a lot of touchup on your paint job. Regards, Jim B.

[Jack H.]

Re: 1964 hard top compatibility

Jeff, I agree with Rob. There were three tops in 63. They are easy to spot and have nothing to do with date codes. They have to do with configuration. Any 64 to 67 top will work except a 67 with vinyl, so just stick to a 64 to 66 to be safe.

Are you sure your car came with a hardtop as there are tell tale signs?

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Harry,

What is the difference with the vinyl covered hardtop in 1967. I assumed the later ones were all the same and the vinyl added on some in 1967. Thanks.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1964 hard top compatibility

Harry,

What is the difference with the vinyl covered hardtop in 1967. I assumed the later ones were all the same and the vinyl added on some in 1967. Thanks.

Vinyl was not available in 64. I just made the comment as related to Judging. It would be a point deduction.