1974 original hardtop

[Bill E.]

Hello:
I'm searching for a hardtop for my 1974 convertible. Since I may not be able to try the top on the car (New England Winters) what do I need to check before buying one? Also, are there any fail-safe ways of avoiding paying original equipment price for an after-market top?
Thanks, Bill #39624

[Joe L.]

Re: 1974 original hardtop

Bill-----

I can't say that I've ever seen a aftermarket-type hardtop for a 1968-75 Corvette convertible. If there are any out there, I'd say that they're a lot rarer than the original hardtops. I can't imagine that an aftermarket hardtop, assuming one ever existed, would have the molded headliner line the originals did, so this should be one easy way to confirm an original top.

Basically, I think that any 68-75 hardtop will fit just fine. There were some very minor differences between some of the years but I believe that all are interchangeable. The main difference is that for 1970 and later, a center bracket was added. This bracket is at the center rear of the hardtop and on the INSIDE. The bracket helps to secure the hardtop to the deck lid via a bolt which which passes through a hole in the decklid. If your car was not originally equipped with a hard-top (i.e. C-07) I don't think that this hole will be present and you'll have to add it (ugh!) if you want the installation to be "correct". Otherwise, you can forget the bracket and, if you obtain an original 70-74 top, just leave the bracket unused.

[Don G.]

Re: 1974 original hardtop

If your car was not equipped with a hardtop from the factory, you may need to get the mounting hardware that attaches to the front corners of the convertible top deck. This hardware is available and can be installed by drilling holes in the deck lid. Also, as Joe indicated, some years have the center bolt and may also require drilling. The ferrule that goes in the hole is also available.

[Bill E.]

Re: 1974 original hardtop

Thanks Joe and Don for the info. I was told by my car's previous owner that the car came with a hardtop but he didn't get it. I don't see any unused monting hardware on he car so I will have to take a close look at someone's 1974 with a hardtop before I run out and do anything. The idea of drilling holes in my restored car is not too appealing.