What are the major differences between 56-60 soft tops?

[Tom P.]

I know there are some major specific differences between early-late soft tops, but I don't actually know how to tell the difference. The soft top on my 56 is almost never raised, and I do not think it is the original top to my car (2nd owner before me told me he installed it), but I don't know how to tell the differences between 56-57-58-59-60 tops.
(pictures of differences would be good)

[Richard M.]

Re: What are the major differences between 56-60 soft tops?

Tom,

On 56 to early 59 tops, the left and right side horizontal frame, where it connects to the front header bar........is adjustable. It is made up of 2 pieces which are attached with a 1/4-20 chromed bolt. You can see the separation in the pieces, and the bolt, a few inches from the front. (photos 1,3,4)

Also, the weatherstrip for the header was originally a large assembly which included the L & R forward horizontal w/strips. All side window w/strips were cloth covered. They also had an integrated reinforcement in the rubber, with studs integrated to attach to the frame. The 2nd photo somewhat shows this full w/s assembly how it wraps around from front to the sides.

Later 59-62 tops have no adjustable fwd L & R header frame, and the side w/strips have separate metal reinforcements which are attached to the frame with machine screws and tee nuts.

There may be more differences but these are the most obvious to me. If Roy B. sees this I think he has a nice photo of the full w/strip on a 56-59 top.....very rare item.

Rich

[Tom P.]

Re: What are the major differences between 56-60 soft tops?

Thank you very much!
I believe that I have the 56-early 59 style then.
The next time I have the hard top off, I'll raise the soft top and check. When I rebuilt the soft top (get ready puke all over yourself), I totally disassembled the frame, chrome plated EVERY piece, put it back together with a new top and NOS w/strip and new long handle header latches (it was all still available from Chev parts dept) and incredibly, it works fine, EXCEPT I installed the top taught and now it has shrunk and the rear bow won't latch down without pulling the windshield frame away from the glass, so I don't pull down the rear latches.

[Roy B.]

Re: What are the major differences between 56-60 soft tops?


This is how the original looks which you will probably never see on todays restored Corvettes (that Richard memtioned), some are trying to duplicate it, 99% use the 60-62 weatherstripping which is wrong. And it's not judged but the tag at the rear window is?