Question: T-Top retrofit

[c3cvte]

I have an 81 vette with the cool silver mirrored tops. I'm getting an 72 but the previous owner had a 1 piece top installed. Question is...is there a retrofit kit to put the 81 t-tops on the 72 and vice versa? Im aware of the earlier models having 2 locks and the later onces having 1. I found on corvette south a retrofit part that says it allows 81 tops to fit on the 72 T-Top Retrofit Adapter Plates C3 68-77 [985027] - $48.00 : Corvette Parts: CorvetteSouth Parts and Accessories, Corvette Parts from a Deep South company who cares.

Has anyone used this? can you use the hardware from one and switch it to the other?

Steve

 

[minifridge1138]

I've seen several kits to convert pre-78 tops to fit on later cars.
If it can be done, it can be undone.

I haven't seen that kit, but it should be possible with the right parts.

 

[6880 Mike]

The 78-82 tops can be retrofitted to the older coupes if the 78-82 receivers are used. Your retrofit kit provides two of those. Unless you make the necessary connections, the tops will not be wired to the alarm system.

Putting the one piece top on the '81 might be a different matter. It's possible you will need the 68-77 hardware on the '81. The hardware will swap, but the top will not be included in the alarm system. Go slowly. There are tapping plates behind the top receivers on the '81. They will drop to the bottom if both screws are removed at the same time.

 

[Yoda]

Steve,

Good Luck and if you go this route, please come back and let us know your experience and the results

Bud