C3 Hardtop Stud Plastic Sleeves

[Robert S.]

The 1974 AIM shows two sleeves over the optional hardtop outboard, rear deck, attachment studs (sleeves are p/n 3976411). I am told these are thin wall plastic sleeves, one per stud.

Does anyone have a hardtop with the GM original sleeves still in place that can describe these sleeves?:
1. How long are the sleeves?
2. What color (clear/black etc.)?
3. Are they rubber or plastic?

These parts do not appear to be available from any supplier so this info. would allow some of us to potentially re-create a part that looks and functions similar to the original.

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 Hardtop Stud Plastic Sleeves

'Recreating' the sleeves is child's play! Just take your studs and cut some black electrical shrink wrap to cover the unthreaded portion of the studs, slip it over the studs, heat and shrink. The sleeves were used for many years on HT equipped Shark cars. They were there to thwart shifting/sideloading of the studs from 'cutting' into the chrome plating on the deck lid receivers...

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Hardtop Stud Plastic Sleeves

Jack and Robert-----

The hardtop pin sleeves were first used for the 1970 model year on hardtop-equipped Corvettes and, thereafter, used through the 1974 model year. However, the GM #3976411 sleeves were never available in SERVICE; they were a PRODUCTION-only item. So, don't bother to look for NOS examples.

[Joe L.]

Correction

I should have said the sleeves were used through the 1975 model year.