Different tops

[capth4u]

1968 - Different tops question

Hello everyone... This might be a silly question but here go's. My girl friend just got a 1968 vette inherited from her father. She was talking about get a soft top for it. Right now it has a hard top on it... So I am wondering if this year vette can have a soft top installed with out converting/cutting on it? I mean... was this year a dual top car and all we need to do is snap it on? I hope that make sense. Thanks very much ;help

 

[Tom73]

Look under the rear deck, in the storage area, there may be a soft top folded down in there.

 

[capth4u]

Thanks for your replay but there isn't a top folded down. We have not taken the hard top off yet to see if there is brackets for a soft top but I figured I could asked you all because someone would know for sure. Thank you for all your help

 

[6880 Mike]

68-75 folding top irons will work without having to cut anything. A convertible with the optional hardtop is still a convertible. Purchase the '68 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and take a look at the diagrams of the factory installation of the folding top and hardware. Most of what you're going to need is likely to be on the car already with the exception of the folding top.

Used folding top irons can be pricey and you can expect used irons to need some TLC. Some of the aftermarket providers are now listing completely new reproduction top irons. Also pricey, but ready to install and fit.

http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/Kits/KitDetails.aspx?KitItemId=%7B94E5D248-84A7-4AE3-97D9-B34F45103C00%7D&gid=%7BCC7ECAEF-B9CB-47F2-8F8F-C97D7AD36538%7D&pname=68-75+Convertible+Top+Assembly+-+White&Referer=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=&

Good luck.

 

[White75]

first question is it truely a convertible? If it is a T-top (2 removable panels) then you won't be able to make it into a soft top convertible without quite a bit of work and money.
If you have a convertible with the hard top installed, you will just have to remove the hard top and open the rear cowl to expose the soft top. No purchase necessary
Welcome and good luck and foremost: Post some pics!!

 

[capth4u]

Thank you all for your help and info It is a hard top that comes off so I guess it is a convertible We have no take the top off yet but I do not remember seeing a soft top in the storage compartment. Ill check and see to make sure

 

[6880 Mike]

Check the VIN. Convertible VINs will be 194678S4xxxxx; coupe VINs will be 194378S4xxxxx.

67 is the body style code for a convertible.
37 is the code for a coupe.

If the car has a folding top, it will fill the rear storage area behind the seats and will be extremely easy to see.

 

[capth4u]

Thanks again for your information It is a Convertible.. It only has a hard top on it... when I looked at it.... There is 2 handles under the lid to the storage compartment that undo the hard top. I am guessing that the soft top hooks on the same way. I also noticed the 3 levers on the front of the hard top (closest to the windshield) one of the holes is broken and another is missing the screw in rubber nipple that go's inside the bracket hole. Is there places that carry these little parts or do I need to look online? Is there books that tell the part name and number? We are excited to start working on her car This car was her fathers ... he passed away on May 12th He did not have the chance to make this car a gem ... so we want to complete her fathers dream Thank you all for your insight as well as you kind help.

 

[bagger]

You could get both a lift off hard-top and a soft top on your 68. I have both and both look cool.

 

[6880 Mike]

... when I looked at it.... There is 2 handles under the lid to the storage compartment that undo the hard top. I am guessing that the soft top hooks on the same way...

Correct. One lever releases the rear bow locks on the folding top. The other lever releases the decklid.

...I also noticed the 3 levers on the front of the hard top (closest to the windshield) one of the holes is broken and another is missing the screw in rubber nipple that go's inside the bracket hole. Is there places that carry these little parts or do I need to look online?...

All the Corvette aftermarket providers carry parts for the latches.

...Is there books that tell the part name and number?...

1968 Corvette Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM), also carried by the aftermarket providers. If your lady does not have a 1968 Corvette owner's manual with the car, order a reproduction.

...He did not have the chance to make this car a gem ...

It's already a gem.