63-67 Convertible Hatch

[Brian D.]

Okay, I have Noland's 63-67 book now. According to his description (pg 26) of the body and trim, hood release brackets were masked. Then most hardware and electrical items were assembled to the body in the trim shop, which was the next station after the body line. Logic suggests that the convertible top release hardware was not sprayed with the body. So, should this hatch have maroon latches and a release handle as shown? (Click photo for a larger, though blurred, view.)
hatch.JPG

[Michael G.]

Re: 63-67 Convertible Hatch

Yes..............................

[Brian D.]

Re: 63-67 Convertible Hatch

Then if I find a car with black (or non-body color) latches and release handle, it's likely those were removed before a repaint?
It seems odd that the rear pin retainers are unpainted while other hardware is colored.

[John H.]

Re: 63-67 Convertible Hatch

Then if I find a car with black (or non-body color) latches and release handle, it's likely those were removed before a repaint?
It seems odd that the rear pin retainers are unpainted while other hardware is colored.

Brian -

The deck lid latching hardware (release handle, cables, latches, etc.) was all installed to the lid in the Body Shop, and was painted as part of the lid in the Paint Shop. The convertible top pin receivers were installed on the lid on the Hard Trim Line, after Paint.

[Douglas C.]

Re: 63-67 Convertible Hatch

When I took my deck latches and handle off my original black '63 lid, there was white fiberglass underneath.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 63-67 Convertible Hatch

Brian -

The deck lid latching hardware (release handle, cables, latches, etc.) was all installed to the lid in the Body Shop, and was painted as part of the lid in the Paint Shop. The convertible top pin receivers were installed on the lid on the Hard Trim Line, after Paint.

When I took my deck latches and handle off my original black '63 lid, there was white fiberglass underneath.

Except for some early 63s. I am not sure of the cut off date, but at least several hundred 63s had non painted hardware. I have seen them in the 300-400 range.

[Brian D.]

Re: 63-67 Convertible Hatch

Thank you to everyone. I really expected that (all) this hardware would have been installed after the paintwork was done.