Topic: WTB - C3 Convertible Hard Top
in Forum: C3 Parts For Sale/Wanted
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2430
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
I see these on e-bay from time to time. Good ones seem to go for at least $1600. I agree, if you can pick it up, you're better off. Shipping is very expensive typically. Some folks go with a pickup option only.
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
2014216132127r.jpg)
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Wow! never knew there was a C3 option. guess ya gotta be a vert guy to take notice.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
The best I can tell you is to be patient. It took me a couple of years to find one for my '69...watching Ebay, going to Carlisle, Craigslist. I almost bought one at Carlisle...a vinyl covered one for $800. Two reasons why I didn't...my car didn't come with a vinyl hardtop according to the window sticker, plus I was driving a '78 Corvette and would have had no way to transport it.
Eventually, one came up on Ebay about forty miles from me...$300 with no photos of it. I talked to the seller and from his description it was in fine condition and he had no digital camera to take photos of it. I bought it and brought it home. No one else bid on it since it had no photos. It's the wrong color and has yet to get painted, but it's in beautiful condition. At some point I'll have it painted to match the car, just not in any hurry.
If you could make it to Carlisle, there will be plenty to pick from...from poor to like new with prices set accordingly, but you should find one.
You'll find one, just be patient.
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2430
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
I was always partial to the black vinyl covered ones
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
I bought a hardtop recently and am not sure about the hardware needed. Can I put hardtop on and keep convertible top in car? Any info would be appreciated.
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Yes...the soft top can stay stowed under the rear deck while the hard top is on...no issue there. You will need some hardware...bolts, etc. Look at a Corvette Central, Corvette America, Eckler's, etc., catalog or their websites. They will have exploded diagrams showing what parts are required to secure the hard top and you can buy whatever you need from them.
Your '72 probably has three contact points where the bolts go through the rear deck. The hard top you bought may have two or three bolts depending on when it was made. Early C3 convertibles through some point during the '69 model year used two attaching bolts then Chevy added a third bolt in the center.
Thanks, The hardtop was off a '69 and has two bolts, while my '72 has two holes in the back deck. Hopefully everything lines up. I have the latches and new weatherstrip. I was wondering if I could use same type hardware that the soft top has for the back latches, rather than the bolts.
Mike
Mike
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
As far as I know you have to use the bolts. I've checked around and could not find anyone who carries the soft top style hardware to work with the hard top. It seems like it's so obvious to have both the hard and soft tops use the same system. I think Chevrolet missed the boat on that one. All I can guess is the bolts cost less than the soft top parts and it was a way of reducing costs.
in Forum: C3 Parts For Sale/Wanted
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