rponfick

Anybody know the date code stamping info. for convertible tops? I am familiar with engine, tranny, differential, but can't seem to find how soft tops were coded. Tried searching the Forum and Corvette By the Numbers book, but haven't found any info. I might want to order a dated top, but the suppliers want vin, build date, and year. Just want to check what they may put on a dated replacement soft top.

I have a early '69, and the only code that seems to be burned into the plexiglass is what appears to be a 168 in the upper right corner of the information block on the rear window plastic. The rest of the stampings appear to be the generic information, Vinylite, A6, UCC-M-28, Do not rub dry, etc.

Thanks, Ralph

restoman1

Tops are dated month/year, so 168 would be January of 1968.

Ed

rponfick

Ed, thanks for the info. I guess tops can sit around for awhile before being used on a car. Same not true for engines, tranny, diff., etc.

My car build date of F03 (Jan 3, 1969), which would be almost a year after the top was stamped, if it was stamped in Jan., 1968.

Thanks again. Ralph

Alan 71

Hi Ralph,
Although many parts are generally expected to have a date code within 6 months prior to the car's assembly date, convertible tops are one of the few, (windshield and door glass are others), that are accepted with a 12 month period prior to the car's assembly.
Regards,
Alan

rponfick

Thanks Alan. I alway appreciate your comments. Factual and diplomatic.

My window glass seems to be pretty spot on. Side glass is VX, which I think is Dec. 1968, and hardtop rear glass is CX, Nov. 68. Windshield has been replaced.

I guess I am a little surprised that the soft tops can sit around that long, but that was before the "just in time" inventory system.

Ralph