T Top Stowage '70 Please explain how!

[70 RED 454]

I am tearing up the rear compartment carpet due to a wiring problem and wanted to install the missing T Top strap buckle that mounts to the rear compartment deck. I pulled the carpet up and found two sets of holes where brackets apparenly mount. Based upon the diagram in the 70 assembly manual, I expected one bracket centered in the compartment. Regardless,,,there are two and I haven't a clue as to how I can put tops in there and buckle them down in the space between the buckles and the sidewalls. I have the retractable seat belt assemblies which really seem to be in the way. What's the trick? I bought this car a while ago and I realize now it may be a combination of several cars of different years (maybe the retractable seat belt units weren't supposed to be there). Can someone tell me how they go in or point me to a web site that shows them buckled in?

Thanks as always.

mike

 

[jetech]

Hi Mike
On my 77 two straps spread apart and fastened to the cargo compartment floor back by the rear wall, they then merge into one clip that hooks forward and center of the storage compartments. If you need measurments I can look tomorrow. It is my understanding that the roof panels are placed in seperate bags and then one is stacked on top of the other in the center of the cargo compartment and the strap is placed over the top and tightened down.

 

[Tom73]

One you get the straps installed per above, you then put the tops in their storage bags and stack them (will not lay down side-by-side) on top of each other. Then strap them down with the strap.

tom...

 

[red70vette]

70's have a different set up than later c3's. There are two seperate straps, one that holds each TTop. The TTops rest on top of the shoulder belt housings and the straps go from above the housing to the middle of the storage area. Most other years have a y or t shaped strap instead of 2 seperate straps.

Place your TTops in the bags and slide them back angled higher on the outside and then attach the straps.

You may not have a compilation of cars you may have a real 1970 with all its unique features. Your rear window storage tray is also different from later years. I know I bought the wrong one.

That is one of the interesting things about C3's they constantly evolved.