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Hi. I'm looking for some wisdom for those who have rebuilt their own hardtops. Was wondering how difficult the process was. Recently spoke to a couple people who swore they wouldnt do it again. I've got one that need to be redone but maybe I'd be better off selling/ trading for a mint one, or having someone else do the rebuild?
I set out to rebuild my C1 hardtop. It was primarily in need of new rubber. It's still in pieces in the garage six months later. One problem I found its that the new rubber isn't a good fit.
I should've gotten the hint that this was a tough job when my local Corvette specialty shop wouldn't take it on at any price!
I restored my 1966 hardtop, right down to repainting it myself (Laguna blue, not an easy color to get to match the body in the sun.) It didn't seem that difficult to me. I took photos, drew diagrams, and re-used as many old pieces I could. The parts I did replace with new were the weatherstripping, headliner, and window. TBarr #24014
Glassworks in Pittsburgh (888.340.7812) can sell you all the parts or will do the restoration for you. Ted did a seminar at the Seven Springs regional a few years back and he made it look easy, but then he is in the business. Seems that I recall there being a video, but cannot be sure.
They are also at Carlisle if you want to see their work.
Midyear covers a lot of territory and some model year specifics deserve discussion. Up through '65 headliner was moulded cardboard and, to my knowledge, NOBODY makes a proper reproduction of this. What is available is the '66 and up vinyl headliner that will generate originality deductions. So, know what you've got and where you want to wind up.
PS, if you pull the headliner, you should find crayon job code matching that on your body. Top and body went down the line/through the paint booth together as a matched set. Unfortuantely, on pre-'66 cars documenting the trivia of having the car's factory original matching hardtop is a potentially destructive process as the cardboard headliner has to come out....
Last, the rear glass was dated and MANY complain of POOR fit using off-the-shelf reproduction parts. This is a place where you can tear your hair out if you get the 'wrong' part/source (don't ask me who's the best, my impression is proper fit is a 'wild animal' drifting from source to source over time) and may be worth the added cost of farming the job out to a professional for turn-key installation....
I can certainly empathize with your situation first hand. I am in the exact same position attempting to restore a 1960 red hardtop. I have already purchased a new rear window, new side windows, complete weather stripping all around, and the hardware (nuts, screws, etc.) and am into this thing for about $3,000. I attempted to disassemble it yesterday and found myself in a fine mess. Should you do the restoration yourself, be very careful with the chrome trim. It bends very easy and new trim is impossible to find !!!
I am trying to find someone who will take on the job of restoring it. Should I find someone who is willing to do it...I will pass the information on to you. Please do the same if you should find someone as well.
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