NOM61

How critical are they? I just purchased a hardtop for the 61 and it is missing the side brackets (which I have ordered from Paragon).
Would I be risking the imminent destruction or significant damage of the hardtop by using it without the side brackets installed?
Also, the rivets for those brackets look like they could be a major PITA to install. Since I only care about function and not originality, is there any FUNCTIONAL reason not to just use appropriately sized pop rivets?

Thanks!

DT

AZDoug

I used #8-32 machine screws and acorn nuts. the acorn nuts go on the passenger compartment side.

I cannot recall if i used truss head screws, or flat head screws and countersunk them, or what, as all i can see now is the acorn nuts.

Doug

AZDoug

Of course my entire hardtop is assembled with Rivnuts and machine screws.

Doug

NOM61

Thanks Doug, I might try that.
How does the side bracket attach in the car? Looking at the area behind the door jam I can see a reinforced landing in what I think is the correct area but no provision for any fastener. Is there just a rubber bumper that inserts into the side bracket that makes a friction fit onto the landing? I didn't see any rubber pieces on Paragon except for a couple small dougnuts which I ordered.

DT

AZDoug

There is a chromed threaded insert with nut that goes in the recess, for the mounting bolts to screw into. You obviously have to drill two holes.

Doug

NOM61

Interesting. I'll have to look more closely. The deck lid has the hardtop mounts installed so I assumed the car had one at one point... perhaps not!

DT

Ironcross

the deck is from another hardtop Vette or else the holes would be there to accept the side brackets...your car is a softtop only Vette

wmf62

the side brackets are not necessary, but are nice to have; just 2 more bolts to install/remove if you take the top on/off.

no damage to the car/top if you don't use them.
Bill

dmruschell

I had the same problem with my hardtop when I bought it. The person that installed the hardtop on my car drilled the proper holes in the deck lid and happened to have another hardtop 61 in the shop to use for measurements for the side bracket mounting holes. I bought the side brackets from corvette central and attached them to the hardtop with sheet metal screws. Had to drill out the bracket holes for the screws to fit through, but they worked great!

Of course, post pics once it's installed!

SIXTYTWO

The pop rivets will work fine. If you then want to go crazy take the chrome plated rivets and cut the heads off. Then epoxy them over the pop rivet head. Just makes it look nicer. Rich

NOM61

Thanks guys! As long as there is no risk of damage to the top I think I will use it for a while without the side mounts - plenty of more pressing jobs in the queue.
I got lucky (I think) on the color and its one of the three that I consider usable on my car without an immediate respray required - black (the other two being white and silver). Other than the missing mounts the top is in really nice condition with good plexi, stainless and paint, and what on first look appears to be a perfect headliner. Once its cleaned up and mounted I'll take some pics and solicit opinions regarding a respray (have a dumb idea for a fourth color).

Thanks again! You guys are the best!

DT