68 soft top frame date code?

[Patrick N.]

Is there a date code that one should look for when buying a soft top frame for 68? I looked in the archives and TIMJG and did not see anything pertaining to date codes. What clues would suggest if the top is specific to 68?

Thanks again
Pat

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 soft top frame date code?

giving myself a bump- does a 68 soft top frame differ from later frames? I saw a previous thread that later frames bolt in with no problems but are they all the same in construction and details? I have a lead on a frame but not sure how to tell years or if that even matters.

Thanks
Pat

[Terry B.]

Re: 68 soft top frame date code?

I am not aware of any date coding of the '68 convertible top frame. There is a difference in the side panel springs (near both side windows) on '68's from the rest of the C-3 convertibles, I believe. Once the top is installed on the frame, I doubt that you can tell any difference. Make sure the rear and front pins are in the correct place and you should be good.

Terry

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 soft top frame date code?

Thanks Terry for the feedback, I did not end up with a soft top which is glaring wrong for my car or wouldn't fit.

Thanks again.
Pat

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 soft top frame date code?

So I bought the top- it is from a 76'. At least that is the date code on the plastic window. The top fits great and cleaned up nice! got the whole thing for under $800.00. This top will be the one I use for convenience and ease of use and have the removable hard top judged.
Thanks again for the help / feedback. I'll post a couple pics later on.

Pat

[Michael D.]

Re: 68 soft top frame date code?

FWIW: the judging guide says both tops must be present during judging unless you have documentation that the car was hard top only.

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 soft top frame date code?

FWIW: the judging guide says both tops must be present during judging unless you have documentation that the car was hard top only.

yes- but my understanding is just one is selected to be judged, correct?
Best,
Pat

[Don L.]

Re: 68 soft top frame date code?

yes- but my understanding is just one is selected to be judged, correct?
Best,
Pat

Agree Pat. I've seen this to be the case when having my car judged - not me, but one of my judging "neighbors".

[John H.]

Re: 68 soft top frame date code?

yes- but my understanding is just one is selected to be judged, correct?
Best,
Pat

Pat -

That's correct - if a 2-top car is presented for judging with the hardtop installed, the hardtop is judged, but the soft top must be present (but is not judged).

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 soft top frame date code?

So I bought the top- it is from a 76'. At least that is the date code on the plastic window. The top fits great and cleaned up nice! got the whole thing for under $800.00. This top will be the one I use for convenience and ease of use and have the removable hard top judged.
Thanks again for the help / feedback. I'll post a couple pics later on.

Pat

Pat------


If the top was originally installed on a 1976, then it is probably the rarest Corvette part in the world. That's because there were no 1976 Corvette convertibles ever built. 1975 was the last year for C3 convertibles. So, if the window is dated 1976, that means this must be a replacement. It could mean that just the fabric was replaced in which case the frame assembly is most likely from an early C3 (i.e. a 72-75 probably would not have needed a top replaced in 1976 or thereabout). It could also be that this originated as a complete SERVICE convertible top assembly.

Basically, you can install any 68-75 convertible top on any 1968-75 convertible and no one is going to know the difference.

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 soft top frame date code?

Yes- very rare indeed. I assume that what I m reading on the back window is the date code- 5 76 is marked in the window lower left- Heat stamped maybe? Other details clearly suggest the the top material is not 68 or 69.