Hey guys, got some questions

[Big D]

I am getting a 57 convertible that will need some restoration on the interior. The car does not have a hard top, but I was wondering if there was a way to get a hard top and what other modifications, if any I would have to make to get it to work. The soft top is in working condition but I read that the hard top was an option, and I love the way that they look with the top on.

 

[61 Silver]

Interior supplies: Al Knoch Interiors

http://www.alknochinteriors.com/about_us.htm

As for the hard top: You can keep an eye on Ebay. Try to attend the Carlisle Corvette Show or you may want to join the NCRS http://www.ncrs.org/ and check the listings in their Drive Line magazine. You can also check Hemmings Motor News.

Congratulations on buying the 57, Great Car!!!

Hope this helps!
Ray

 

[Big D]

understood, but

will the car need other hardware to get the top to attach to the car once I get it?

 

[61 Silver]

I am not completely sure on a 57, but the 61 have two threaded receivers that are in the rear hatch for the convertible top. There are two brackets one behind each seat that is used to secure the top with bolts. The front will secure the same as your convertible top. I will go to my barn and take a few pictures and post them for you. Another good source for early hardtop parts and service is: Glassworks the Hard top Shop the url that I have for them is: http://www.thehardtopshop.com/

 

[61 Silver]

pictures

side bracket

 

[61 Silver]

hardtop

side bracket

 

[61 Silver]

hard top

front latch

 

[61 Silver]

hardtop

rear mounting reciever

 

[JohnZ]

The '57 hardtop doesn't use the side bracket bolt attachments - it has the three bolts into chrome sleeve nuts in the convertible top compartment lid, and has one pin on each side into a slot in a molding where the '61 has the side bolts.

The attachment hardware will only set you back $50-$100; the top is another matter, as only the windows and the headliner are reproduced - other parts are VERY pricey. Rough ones are worth $1,000 - $1,500, and restored ones run from $2,500-$4,000.

 

[61 Silver]

57 hardtop

Hi! John

Just for my education, what year did they change to the method used in the 61?

Thanks! Ray

 

[Tom Bryant]

Excuse me for butting in but the '61 and '62 tops were mounted like 61 Silver shows due to the wind split down the middle of the rear deck on those two models. '56-'60 all used the three bolts on the deck like John explained and will interchange. There are some differences in them such as narrow header moulding on the '56. headliners, and of course date codes on the glass.

Tom

 

[Big D]

Thanks guys, I need all the help I can get

I realize that the top will be a hard find and an expensive one as well, since the car has a soft top, I think that we will be able to do without it for a time, once I take delivery of the car, it will be going to a performance mechanic to go over the finer points and get it up to driving standards, then we plan on taking it in June to the Corvette birthday party in Kentucky, that trip will most certainly show the car's bugs off to me. We will be using the car for road trips and the occasional show, then when the money is right, I will need to search for an engine that will be closer to matching than the 56 sigle carb 283 that my Uncle put into the car. Since this car has the original 4 speed tranny, we think that it is a late model year car, and therefore should at least have the double carb set up. Thanks for the info!

 

[C.T.]

C1 Hardtop

You may want to try "Glassworks" in Pittsburgh, PA for the top. They sell parts , do restos, and even sell complete, restored tops. First class work, but as you'd expect, very expensive.
I have a late 57 as well, so if I can help, let me know.
Good luck, Cal

 

[Verle]

I have a "last day of production" 57 that I also plan to drive on the 50th Anniversary Caravan to Bowling Green in June.

I will be glad to provide what assistance I can to you.

Verle

 

[Big D]

Thanks Verle, we will be in touch!

Hope to see you there!