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Hi everyone, I am a new member, and a long time watcher, I have a early build 69 convertible, I beleive is Nov 19 1968, vin 8143, and recently acquired a hardtop with glass code of CZ decoded as NOV 1967. Is there is a 1 year window for these tops, is this right? I can use a 68 top for a 69? Another question is that are the rear spears and side mounting bolts different for 68 than 69? will this top be correct for my car and work or are there some alterations that I have to do. Also on my Tank sticker, I swear it reads CO78A for the hardtop. I know that CO7 is painted and CO8 is vinyl, So am I reading this right? I cant find any codes of CO78A in any of my books. ANY help would be more than appreciated, Thanks and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! (Daytona yellow,427 M21)
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Re: 68 hardtop on 69? correct RPO code?
68 & 69 hardtops have several differences. Besides the date code for the glass, there are the chrome(SS) tips on the wing ends, a center mount, & maybe others. -
Re: 68 hardtop on 69? correct RPO code?
Neil
The basic hard top is the same for 68 and 69 with some differences in the hardware.
The most noticeable difference is the addition of the protective metal tips on the rear of the top. These were added to production in late 68 or early 69. Your car should have them.
The side mounting hardware is the same but the rear mounting hardware for the hard tops did change during production. On early 68 cars the hard top is held down by flared headed pins on the top that are held by the lock on the car, just like the soft-top is held. Later in 68 this changed to a threaded rod that passed through the lock on the car and was held by a bolt. All these parts are available in reproduction. As Wayne says in his post a third hold down point was added to the center of the top in mid production of 69. It was added sometime after you car was built.
As for your tank sticker I think you are reading the number 8 wrong. You will have the option code plus two exception letters. It is really C07BA.
JohnComment
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Can't remember when...
the change was made exactly, but my recollection is '68-69E hardtops used metal ball tipped latch bolts at the windshield header while '69L and up used rubber tipped latch bolts. The problem with the first design was the metal tips would 'chew' into the WS latch plates leaving indentations. Eventually, they'd squeak with road vibration until you re-adjusted them. But, that only served to chew deeper...Comment
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Re: Can't remember when...
So back to the question of correct. Will this top be correct date wise, but if I change out some hardware it will NOT be correct parts wise?Comment
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Re: Can't remember when...
Neil
All the hardware needed to make the top correct is available.
On the date code question, yes glass is supposed to be judged original if it is within the previous 12 months of the car build date. You would be at the very extreme of that and would get some questioning judges and may even receive a deduction from some. I have a Dec. 68 built car and the hardtop glass is dated Nov. 68.
JohnComment
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