C-3 vinyl hardtops

[D S.]

[D S.]

Re: C-3 vinyl hardtops

Bump to the top.

[Richard K.]

Re: C-3 vinyl hardtops

D Scott,
I have a C3 vinyl covered hardtop that I want to someday restore. It appears very complex, especially replacing the vinyl covering. I'm pretty sure that adhesive should cover the complete hardtop when replacing the vinyl covering.
You'll do yourself a great favor by consulting UPC, C07, pages A1 - A8, and C08, pages A1 - A2 of the Corvette Assembly Manual. Complete information on how the removable hardtop was constructed, and the vinyl covering was installed is shown there. Specifically, UPC, C08, A2, is titled "Procedure to Install Vinyl Top on Removable Hardtop". You'll notice on C07, A2 that a "strip - sealer" #3976538 is used where the side window weatherstripping is installed. I've never seen this item, but I would guess that is a soft, malleable strip that will crush and seal when the weatherstripping is installed.
When I restore mine, I know this is where I'll start.
Hope this helps.
Rich Kossum

[D S.]

Re: C-3 vinyl hardtops

Thanks, Richard.
Fortunately I am not replacing the vinyl, only regluing the edge folds prior to installing the new weatherstrips. In the valley areas above the tips I found voids (air pockets). Those required pulling the vinyl back to insert glue first before gluing the folds.

In lieu of weatherstrip adhesive it appears that an open cell foam tape was used either under the side window stainless pieces before assembly or atop and along the inside edges of the stainless pieces. There is evidence of some kind of thin tape-like adhesive on the stainless pieces. There is no evidence of foam tape on the removed window weatherstrips but after 50+ years that may have deteriorated to non-existence.