1960 Decklid Measurements Needed Please

[Dick G.]

I suspect my 1960 softop decklid latches were cut to line up for a 62 rear bow.
Preparing my 1960 softop frame for resto I discovered it had a 62 rear bow. After purchasing a 60 repo rear bow, I attached the Knoch softop to it. Today I sat it onto my 1960 for a trial fit and could not get the loops on the rear bow to line up with the decklid latches. After wrestling with the right side, and finally got the loop hooked in, I measured the other loop and it sits to the inside almost 2 inches away from the decklid latch.
I need 1959-60 convertible top Decklid measurements. Please measure from the outside edge to the center of the latch on both sides. Center to center measurement between latches. This should be the same as the nutplates on my rear bow.
Also measure for the rear edge to the center of the latch hook opening.
This decklid was in nice condition no damage. I suspect the latches were cut to the 62 rear bow measurements.
Anyone have a 60 rear bow for sale? I may need a 60. Measure first please
Thanks

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 Decklid Measurements Needed Please

Dick, here's a measurement from my '59. I ran a tape measure from left to right pressed down on the decklid for the width numbers.

One caveat, it was HT only originally and a ST was added in the 70's but it fits fine at the rear bow and all over. Measurements may not be "TFP".

The rear bows are drilled differently for the swing latches on 56-60 vs 61-62. See below. 56-60 on top, 61-62 below.

If I were you I'd repair the decklid. Beveled edges, resin/HD mat both sides layered up, etc, cut new latch holes and it's done. Or the easier way buy a good used original. I'd stay away from the repro FG stuff.

Rich

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[Mike E.]

Re: 1960 Decklid Measurements Needed Please

All lids had the relief for the latches already punched through the lower panel. Then the upper skin was bonded on. Then the skin had reliefs cut if it was to be a soft top car. In other words, there was a factory built-in template on the bottom side. If you look at the underside you should be able to tell if your cut outs are in the right place or not. I'd start there in determining if cut outs are wrong or not.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 Decklid Measurements Needed Please

I believe that's only on the 61-62 lids. 56-60 didn't have that "feature".

1960 BB BT HT-only lid.

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[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Decklid Measurements Needed Please

I made measurements from the deck lid on my 1960. From center of latch to center of latch is 28". On driver's side, outside edge of latch plate to edge of deck is 12-1/4". Passenger side outside edge of latch plate to outside edge of deck lid is 12". Back edge of deck lid to center of hole in latch on both sides is 9-1/2". I raised the deck lid and took measurements on the underside.

[Dick G.]

Re: 1960 Decklid Measurements Needed Please

Thanks for the help.
I moved the rear bow nutplates in order to line up with decklid latches. Got that done today. This car will never be judged. Now the decklid latches are lined up with the rear bow Loops. New Problem. I set the rear bow with the softop stapled to the rear bow onto my car for a trial fitting. The latches line up with the rear bow loops. The loops point upward correct??
With these loops pointing upward they will hang down naturally. Problem is that these loops bump into the top of decklid latches when lowering the top into position. I have to wrestle like hell to get the loops back and then push down in order to capture this loop under the hook of the decklid latch. This cannot be right. Do I need to move my decklid latches forward to make way for the loops to come down.

Some of you with 58-60 Corvettes, when you lower your rear bow onto the decklid how much space is between this hanging loop and the decklid latch??
Thanks
RG

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 Decklid Measurements Needed Please

Dick, Got your PM but got wrapped up......

Just took some shots of my '59. Pics tell the story.

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If you are using repro decklid latches, they pull down tighter than originals. Mine above are original. See how much adjustment I have in the swing latches?

Those repro decklid latches, along with the repro rear bow which has a higher profile, make it harder to latch down. I had the same issue on a repro rear bow and repro latches on a recent '60 soft top install. I had to open the slotted holes in the swing latches higher, to drop the swing latch down, and when doing that I had to grind the keeper plate entire upper surface width to allow the swing latch to drop down further. Next post has pics of what I did.

Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: 1960 Decklid Measurements Needed Please

See below....

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Pics of the modified '60 repro swing latches allowing the repro decklid latches to "latch" to the repro rear bow.......as designed.

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