C-1 Hardtop restoration

[Kenneth F.]

I know of 2 articles about hardtop restoration in the Restorer, one by Tony Palmieri, Spring 2014, and another by Ted Kokolis, Fall 2001. I would have purchased a Restorer DVD to find if there are other articles, but it is out of stock. Does anyone know if there are more articles on this? I am trying to decide if I should attempt this job. One side window is crazed, and the rubber is hard.

Thanks,
Ken

[Mike E.]

Re: C-1 Hardtop restoration

Ken,
If you you-tube this, you will plenty of info. Auto-entec is one of the places to look. It's not for the faint of heart. I did a few back in the 1980's, when parts were far harder to find. I'm now old enough to know better.

[Joe R.]

Re: C-1 Hardtop restoration

Hi Ken,

This issue of our chapter newsletter has an article that may help you:

http://www.stlouisncrs.org/news_files/St_LouisNCRS_ChapterNewsletter4thQuarter2016.pdf

Good luck!
Joe

[Richard M.]

Re: C-1 Hardtop restoration

Here's another that Dennis Dorando from California wrote. It was a how-to thread on corvetteforum and Dave Zuberer created a PDF from the thread.

I've done C2 HT restoration, but never a C1 HT. I can tell you the C1 HT is much more difficult.

Rich

[Terry D.]

Re: C-1 Hardtop restoration

A wise man once told me "there are certain jobs that people make a living doing, let them!"

[Richard M.]

Re: C-1 Hardtop restoration

A wise man once told me "there are certain jobs that people make a living doing, let them!"

A wise woman, Mom, told me the way to learn how to fix things, is to be patient, listen to experience, and you can do anything and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Just learn from those mistakes for the next time.

...plus it's more fun and more rewarding to DIY.

[Richard T.]

Re: C-1 Hardtop restoration

The "You Tube" videos are an immense help and there are quite a few. Watch them all and take your time. I've done three C-1 hardtops over the years and it's very tedious work but good results are not that hard to accomplish.
One thing, if you choose to do this chore make sure that you use a rear window and weatherstrip from Glass Works or Auto Entec. The winows are cut and trimmed for an exact fit unlike trying to use the NOS GM windows which I've found to be a little thicker and require quite a bit of fitting and t*******. The same goes for the rear window weatherstrip and seal, the new ones are much more flexible and pre trimmed for an exact fit.

[Terry D.]

Re: C-1 Hardtop restoration

Richard, at what point do you draw the line? You know I do most of the work on my car, but at some point you just have to look at the big picture. If you are talented like yourself, then tackling a job you never did before it not such a task. I always say if I can take it apart I can fix it and put it back together, but there are some jobs better left to people who do it all the time. In the long run you save time, money and a lot of frustration. Just my old two cents.

[Kenneth F.]

Re: C-1 Hardtop restoration

The advice about You Tube videos is a great idea. I will be able to better decide about doing this task. It is fortunate that there are now some vendors who have parts available that fit.
I thank all of you for taking the time to share your knowledge.
Sincerely,
Ken

[John F.]

Re: C-1 Hardtop restoration

A couple of experienced corvette mechanics told me what a tedious task it was to restore a hardtop. That alone was a little intimidating but I decided to take a shot and I'm glad I did. I concur with Richard T. that having the restoration materials from the pros at Glassworks and watching the YouTube video from the Michigan Chapter tech session, over, and over, and over, made it much easier than it sounded. It just took a little skill and a lot of patience. The key was just taking my time and just walking away from it if I got stuck or frustrated. I may not have gotten everything as perfect as he guys who have done hundreds of these but I think mine turned out pretty damn good. And, a whole lot better than the piece of junk that laid in the basement for years.

[Kenneth F.]

Re: C-1 Hardtop restoration

John, I like your suggestions. I will be looking at YouTube. It appears more DIY people are doing better with the improved parts. I appreciate your encouragement.
It is interesting that the C-1 hardtop was designed in a way that made repair so involved.
Thank you,
Ken