C-2 convertible top frame front header bar

[Rod R.]

There are some vendors e.g. Paragon, Long Island Corvette, and others who sell replacement front header bars. Does anyone know about these bars as to quality and fit?

Any recommendations for sources of the front header bar?

Your help is appreciated.

[Daniel E.]

Re: C-2 convertible top frame front header bar

Rod,

I just finished the installation of a top on my '65 which has a new reproduction header from Coffman Corvette. It is not the quality of a good original by any means. The header I was sent had VERY large and deep spot welds visible from the interior of the car (I filled them to give the header a factory look). Also, the header doesn't fit the contour of the windshield frame out the box (I didn't realize this and will have to remove and adjust/flatten the header so it will fit properly).

I guess the 'problems' I experienced can be expected from a reproduction part, but quality could be better for the cost of the item!

Daniel

[Rod R.]

Re: C-2 convertible top frame front header bar

Daniel,

Thanks for the information on the repro header bar. The problems you experienced would probably haunt me also. I assume all the vendors are selling the same repro header. For the price the quality and fit should be right on.

What did you use to fill the spot welds, Bondo type filler or something like J.B. Weld?

How did the holes line up for the latches and pins?

Thanks again for your insight.

Rod

[Harry S.]

Re: C-2 convertible top frame front header bar

Rod, just check to see if your front bar is round or oval. You need to get the same one.

You can also try the Paragon Vintage folks. They pick parts from their bone-yard. There are others with lots of original parts, Cannon's Corvettes in North Carolina, probably JR Parts in Tennessee, etc.

[Rod R.]

Re: C-2 convertible top frame front header bar

Harry,



Thanks again for your help.

Rod

[Joel T.]

Re: C-2 convertible top frame front header bar

Hi;

I picked one up at Carlisle last year for my 1965. The original was rusted in a number of spots and had the bondo treatment once before in the past. I forget the suppliers name but they are the folks who manufacture and supply Paragon and LI. Quality was excellent... side by side you could not see a difference versus the original. It was not cheap but it was worth the money. On my original, aside from the obvious pitting and bondo, it was not clear that the seals would seat properly given the amount of deterioration over the years...

Hope this helps,

Joel

[Harry S.]

Re: C-2 convertible top frame front header bar

Rod, the one I am refering to is the first smaller cross bar behind the header. Just about over the driver and passangers head.

Anyway, try Paragon and the others for the header.

Harry

[Rod R.]

Re: C-2 convertible top frame front header bar

Joel,

Thanks for the input. Hopefully, L.I. and Paragon are selling the same header as you have. I'll give them a call. Thanks again for the help.

Rod

[Rod R.]

Re: C-2 convertible top frame front header bar

Harry,

I guess there was a miscommunication on what bar we were talking about. I looked at my frame and the bar behind the header bar is round. Did not know there were oval ones also.

I am going to check out some of the suggested sources in this thread and see what I can find. If anyone else has anything to say on the subject of frame headers please send your comments. Thanks Harry and to everyone who has responded to this thread.

Rod