Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

[Gregory M.]

While reading my 1968 owners manual (I know, too much time on my hands ) there was a section that stated upon removal of the rear window it should be stored on a tray under the rear deck, yet I dont appear to have anything under there...

It also mentions straps in the rear storage area to hold your T-Tops in place when removed. I dont have them either...

What does this stuff look like? Can someone please post photos of both? Lastly, does any one repro these items or do I have to find originals?

GM

[Jim K.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

I have a couple of shots that I can try to post of mine before restoration but if you have the assembly manual (AIM) I know it details both the tray and the straps. As for repo's, I don't know but you cna check many of the vendors on-line catalogs. her goes the picture attempt...

[Jim K.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

Success! That pic was from the front between the seats looking into the back area, its fuzzy but on top are the reinforcing ribs that are part of the tray, it's hinged with two connections on the rear most bulkhead of the compartment. the straps are hooked together but should hook to two loops in the middle of the floor in the back area. This next pic shows where the straps attach to the top of the wheel wells. Also directly under the window is the latch that clips the front of the tray in place (you should at least have two holes in the mounting plate there. i hope this helps...
Jim

[Gregory M.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

Thanks so much...I ordered the AIM and it is back ordered...but a picture is worth a thousand words...

GM

[Chuck S.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

If you want to try and replace the rear window storage tray, better do careful research or consult someone that knows 68s...there were maybe three different configurations of those storage trays during the removeable rear window era.

One of these tray configurations has spring loaded hinges that hold the tray in the stowed position; I'm thinking this may be the 68 style. I'm not sure if this version has a front latch or not. By 70, the tray had simple hinges and a front latch. Early versions at least throught 70, maybe 71, were made of pressed cardboard with reinforcing ribs formed into the material...later trays, maybe 71 but certainly 72, are made of formed thermoplastic sheet and hold up a lot better.

The problem with the pressed cardboard trays was that if the latch didn't hold, and the tray fell down with the window on it, owners would tire of putting them back up and just left them down. They would stay in that compromising position for long periods of time, and became warped and damaged...warping may include twisting because the window would slide to one side or the other.

In my opinion, it'll be tough to find a replacement tray, especially one in good condition. That may be why the car doesn't have one now. John Walach (sp?) is an NCRS member that does tray and storage bin reflocking; he may be able to do some restoration for you if you find can one.

[Louis T.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

Hi Greg,

Per Chuck's suggestion, John is located on Long Island and his contact info is as follows:

John J. Waluk
(516) 796-2984
BB701@optonline.net

Good Luck!

Louis

[Gregory M.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

Excellant...thanks for the contact info...

GM

[Michael B.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

Here are several photos from my 69 with a build date of 10/03/68. The pressboard shelves are getting hard to find. There is a shorter plastic version that fits the later models but the mounting pivots are further inboard than the earlier ones and they are half the depth.

The T-Top tiedown straps were also different in later years. There are anchors up high in the wheel well which hold the strag and small bar type bracket on the floor for the other end to clip to. When strapped in, the tops sit at a 45-degree angle and leaves enough room to open the center glove box.

Sorry, I haven't figured out to post multiple pictures so I'll do mutiple posts.

[Michael B.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

Another Pic

[Michael B.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

A third Pic

[Michael B.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

Last Pic

[Gregory M.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

Dude, those pictures are awesome...thanks you SO much...

GM

[Richard F.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

The tray and hold-down straps on my June 68 car look exactly like those in the photos of contortionist Mike Brown.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

Why do you want to change the tray anyway, Mike? It looks better than mine and I'm planning to keep it. John Waluk (see Driveline under Services) can probably restore that tray to better condition than you will ever be able find.

If you're having the car judged, you will get knicked for the later plastic tray.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Coupe pop out rear window and T-Top storage

Mmmm...OK, you are apparently not a member of NCRS, will not have the car judged, and have no idea about the identity of John Waluk.

John can help you restore the original if you want to keep the car original. Email me if you want his telephone number.