Question: 1986 Corvette convertible hardtop

[Ralphie]

As of 3/2/09 I am the proud owner of a 1986 Corvette convertible. I have a question reguarding the removable hardtop. When I place the hardtop on, is there some kind of hold down brackets that are used on the inside behind the seats to secure the top? All I have is the two pins that go [locate] in the rear deck and the screws for the windshield. But inside, just behind the seats, shoulder high, there is a rectangular 1"x3" steel tube on each side that looks like something would attach to it. Am I missing some parts?

 

[XLR8]

Sorry, Ralphie, I can't answer your question but I wanted to say WELCOME! and offer my congrats on your new C4 'vert!

Enjoy the C4 and the forums.
Jane Ann

 

[dogfish246]

On my 1996 the back has screws too. Four screws in total: 2 in the front, 2 in the rear.

 

[Ralphie]

Thanks, this thing was sitting in a garage for 5 years and hasn't been started. It only has 36000 miles on it. I have my work cut out for me.

 

[Red Vette]

There are two things that you must look at on a 1986 vert with a removable hard top. First, is the hardtop an OEM or an aftermarket hardtop. If aftermarket, then, from what I have heard, there are no attachments for the pillar locations. If OEM, you should be aware that the hardtop was not an option for 1986 verts. However, GM did make an adapter kit for the 1986 vert that would allow for the hardtop to be attached, especially on the pillars. This adapter kit is no longer available from GM to my knowledge, and they are extremely hard to find on the internet sources. I did see one advertised on one of the forums (don't remember which one) several years ago.
You are correct on the attachment on the pillar, there are L shaped brackets that attach to the frame behind both seats with bolts. The hardtop slides into the bracket and is attached to the bracket with bolts. The brackets are hard to located by themselves also, and the bolts cost about $7 each.
I doubt that the hardtop came with your vert, since it wasn't an option. Therefore, the hardtop was probably purchased used by a previous owner. Since you do not have the L brackets, the hardtop will not be as secure as when you do have them. You should note that the bolt attachment on the rear deck require that the bolts be tightened with a wrench, they do not just slip in as the convertible top does.
Hope this helps. You can search the CAC forum on this subject as I have responded to several threads on this subject. BTW, I have had hard tops for my 56, 66, 91 and 94 verts and love them.
Barrett

 

[Ralphie]

Barrett
Thank you for the extremley helpful information. This is probably an after market top. That explains why I don't see too many around that has the same roof configuration like this one. It has the same profile as the softtop as opposed to the targa fastback design. As far as the "l" shaped brackets go, I have a small machine shop and for safety sake, I will fabricate my own.
Thank you so much for your help.
Ralph

 

[Red Vette]

You are welcome for the info. The CACers always respond to questions with great answers. That's one of the reasons it is such a good site. Let us know what your final solution is.
Barrett