
CORVETTE BODY 1B-42
Fig.
94—Garnish Moldings and Latch
1.
Molding - Latch
2.
Latch Assembly
3. Molding - Forward Header
4. Molding - Rear Upper
5. Molding - Rear Lower
6. Molding - Side
7. Molding - Forward Comer
8. Guide
8.
9,
Starting at bottom center of glass, insert a piece of
heavy cord, such as chalk line, in groove of weather-
strip.
Cut the cord long enough so that about 10" of
free length exists at- each end after going around the
weatherstrip. Tie ends of the cord together in over-
hand knot and tape loose ends to inside surface glass.
Masking tape may be used to hold weatherstrip to
glass (fig. 89).
Apply a bead of sealer such as 3M1170 or equivalent
to apex of frame as shown in Figure 88.
Place window assembly in opening as shown in
Figure 89.
Grasp ends of cord and pull toward front of top
assembly. Exert gentle but firm pressure on outside
of window in the area where string is emerging from
weatherstrip. Figure 90 shows action of string on
weatherstrip; lip of seal is pulled out of frame apex
and over frame flange.
When string has been removed, carefully inspect
seating of lip over entire perimeter of window,
paying particular attention to corners. Remove tape
strips if used.
10.
Apply a band of sealer in groove formed by weather-
strip and edge of window opening as shown in Figure
91.
11.
Inject a moderate quantity of cement (3M-6699B or
its equivalent) between window and weatherstrip as
shown in Figure 92.
12.
Install garnish and reveal moldings in reverse order
of removal. Note that upper reveal molding flanges
must pass between retainer and feeler stock. Feeler
stock is removed as molding is installed as shown
in Figure 93.
GARNISH MOLDINGS AND LATCHES
Figure 94 shows garnish molding and latch installation.
Note that latch may be adjusted to regulate header weath-
erstrip pressure on windshield frame. To adjust latch,
mark original position, loosen mounting screws and move
latch in desired direction. Be sure latch is engaged in
serrations before tightening mounting screws.
When removing garnish moldings, note that short
moldings under latches (Item I, Figure 94) are the
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-43
Fig.
95—Removing Headlining
or first to be removed; next in order of pro-
gression are Items 5 and 6. Items 3, 4, and 7 may then
be removed.
HEADLINING
Removal
1.
Remove all garnish moldings.
2.
Pull damaged headlining from top (fig. 95).
3.
Soak remaining particles of sponge which cling to
top with Prep-Sol or its equivalent and scrape off
(fig. 96).
Installation
Be sure that top inner surface is clean and dry before
applying cement. Use only cement specified as suitable
for polyfoam material and follow directions supplied
with package. Install garnish moldings in reverse order
of removal.
WEATHERSTRIP AND DRIP MOLDINGS
Figure 97 and 98 illustrate installation of moldings
and weatherstrips on a hard top. Assembly and dis-
assembly of many of these parts will be apparent upon
study of the figures, but do not attempt servicing until
reading the following special information.
Outer Weatherstrips (Item 8, Fig. 97)
Outer weatherstrip is attached to drip moldings with
retainers as shown in view A, Figure 97. To replace
weatherstrip, the weatherstrip drip molding assembly
is removed from the top as a unit and the weatherstrip
may then be removed from under retainers. Replace
any broken or distorted retainers with new parts. Do
not install drip molding-weatherstrip assembly until
familiarizing yourself with Special Sealer information
which follows weatherstrip instructions.
Inner Forward Weatherstrips (Item 9, Fig. 97)
These are cemented to inner side weatherstrips (item
Fig.
96—Cleaning Top Inner Surface
5, Figure 97) and are retained to the top frame with
barbed plastic retainers which are pushed into holes in
frame. Figure 99 shows a cross section of weatherstrip
and retainer.
Weatherstrip Special Sealer
A polyurethane sealer which may be obtained through
Chevrolet parts sources must be applied between top
frame surface and the following moldings whenever they
are removed for service and reinstalled or installed new:
Figure 97 Item 3
Figure 97 Item 4
Figure 97 Item 10
Figure 98 Item 8
Top frame and moldings to be reused must have all
old sealer removed and be free of grease, dirt, etc.
Follow directions supplied with sealer carefully to insure
a successful job. Figure 100 shows sealer being applied.
VINYL COVERING ON REMOVABLE HARDTOP
Removal
1.
Remove weatherstrip assemblies.
2.
Remove reveal moldings.
3.
Place masking tape on clean plastic rear window for
protection. Roof glue solvent will harm the rear
window if it is allowed to come in contact.
4.
Prior to removing fabric cover, application of heat
to cemented areas will permit easier loosening of
cemented edges.
CAUTION: Apply heat by lamps held 18" (mini-
mum) from fabric only until fabric is warm. If
lamps are held too close, or fabric cover is
heated over 200°F, the fabric may loose its
grain, blister, or become very shinyT
5. Loosen cemented edges of fabric roof cover.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-44
VIEW A
VIEW B
Fig.
97—Weatherstrip and Drip Moldings
1.
Headlining
2.
Roof Panel
3. Cap
4.
Drip Molding -
Side
5. Weatherstrip Assembly
- Inner Side
6. Weatherstrip Assembly
- Retaining Screw
7. Weatherstrip Assembly
- Retaining Screw Special
8. Weatherstrip Assembly
- Outer
9. Weatherstrip Assembly - Inner Forward
10.
Drip Molding - Forward
11.
Retainer - Weatherstrip Assembly,
Outer
Installation
1.
Wipe roof panel with a Xylol solvent such as 3M
Adhesive cleaner or equivalent, should be used to
remove or smooth but excess old cement. Apply
solvent and allow to soak before rubbing.
2.
Where possible, install new cover at room tempera-
ture (approximately 72 s) to permit easier fitting and
removing of wrinkles from the cover assembly.
3.
Determine center line of roof panel by marking
center points on front of hard top and back window
opening. Fold cover lengthwise. Lay cover on roof
panel. Determine overhang (approximately 1").
4.
Apply nitrile non-staining vinyl trim adhesive (such
as 3M Vinyl Trim Adhesive) to the ropf panel ad-
jacent to center line of fabric roof cover. *
5V Application of nitrile vinyl trim cement should be as
thin as possible. An excessive amount of cement may
result in trapped solvents (blisters) between fabric
cover and roof panel. A mohair roller should be used
for thin adhesive application.
NOTE:
If nitrile non-staining cement is not
available, neoprene type non-staining weather-
strip cement (3M weatherstrip cement or
equivalent) may be used.
6. Apply cement to entire fabric roof cover.
NOTE:
Allow approximately 15 minutes for
7.
cement to dry.
Fold vinyl cover back to contact adhesive on roof
panel. Vinyl cover seam must be parallel to center-
line of vehicle.
8. Repeat above steps for opposite side of
roof.
9. Use suitable spatula or roller to remove wrinkles
and/or bubbles from vinyl cover.
10.
Trim excess vinyl around entire top to provide a
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-45
Fig.
98—Hardtop Weatherstrips and Moldings
1.
Roof Pane!
2.
Window Weatherstrip
Assembly
3. Lower Weatherstrip -
Rear
4.
Lower Weatherstrip
- Side
5. Lower Weatherstrip
Retaining Screw
6. Door Window Weatherstrip
Assembly
7. Door Window Weatherstrip
Retaining Screws
8. Side Reveal Molding
9. Window Frame
Reinforcement
10.
Window
11.
Retainer - Window Reveal
Molding Upper
12.
Frame - Window Lower
13.
Plate, Inner
14.
Plate, Outer
minimum of 1/2" flange which will be cemented to
substructure of removable hardtop with adhesive.
11.
Reinstall reveal moldings and weatherstrips.
Vinyl Roof Cover Repairs
Certain types of fabric roof cover discrepancies- can
successfully be repaired without replacing or removing
the cover.
Scuffs or Small Cuts Near Exterior Moldings
If a small cut is present, an attempt should be made to
cement the loose ends prior to performing the following:
1.
Obtain a scrap piece of fabric roof cover material,
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-46
Fig.
99—Inner Forward Weatherstrip
or material from a hidden area directly on complaint
. car (such as under reveal moldings).
2.
Using an electric wood burning needle or low heat.
soldering gun, scrape off an appropriate amount of
vinyl from scrap piece of material or from hidden
area and immediately apply to scuffed or cut area on
car.
CAUTION: Be certain low heat is maintained to
prevent discoloration of cover.
3.
Carefully blend applied vinyl to fabric roof cover,
utilizing electric needle or soldering gun.
Wrinkles, Blisters and Bubbles
1.
Pierce each wrinkle, blister and bubble on fabric
roof cover with a small needle.
2.
Completely saturate a clean shop towel with water
and wring out.
3.
Apply cloth to wrinkle or blistered area.
4.
Apply a home type laundry iron over shop towel using
back and forth strokes until towel is dry. (If iron
has heat control settings, control should be set to
"wool".)
CAUTION: Do not continue to use iron after
towel has become dry as
excess,
heat may cause
permanent damage to vinyl roof cover.
5.
Remove towel and4nspect area. If slight wrinkles or
blisters are still present, perform the following
steps:
6. Using a syringe and hypodermic needle filled with
clear water, inject sufficient water into wrinkle or
bubble to dampen fabric backing.
7.
Repeat steps 2 through 4.
FOLDING TOP
CARE OF THE FOLDING TOP
To avoid water stains, mildew, or possible shrinkage
of the top material, do not keep the top folded for ex-
tended periods of time if it is damp or water soaked.
Permit top to dry out in a raised position before stowing.
Also avoid pasting advertising stickers, gummed labels
or masking" tape on the plastic back window. In addition
to being difficult to remove, the adhesive on these
stickers may also be injurious to the plastic composition
of the window.
Care of Rear Window
The large plastic rear window in the folding top will
remain in good condition for the life of the top if given
proper care. Due to the texture of the plastic window,
it is susceptible to scratches and abrasions; therefore,
when cleaning the window, follow the steps outlined below.
Fig.
100-Applying Sealer
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-48
TOP
TRIM
TACKING
STRIP ^^^^^N^v^J
VIEW
A
WEATHERSTRIP
s
y
T\ TOP TRIM >.
HEADER PANEL
-
TOP PAD
^^
A
x. TOP
TRIM
V
Fig.
103-Trim at Header
CAUTION: Never use solvents such as alcohol
or volatile cleaning agents on the plastic window.
These liquids may have a deteriorating effect on
the plastic and if spilled, may spot the painted
finish on the rear body panels directly below
the rear window.
3.
When removing frost, snow or ice from the plastic
window, DO NOT USE A SCRAPER. In an emer-
gency, warm water may be used. Use care that the
warm water does not contact the glass windows or
windshield.
ADJUSTMENTS
To correct variations in the top fit, adjustments may
be made at three locations shown in Figure 101. A
combination of adjustments may be necessary to correct
any given problem, including door and window adjust-
ments which are covered elsewhere in this section.
Fig. 104—Rear Bow Retaining Screws
Fig. 105—Installing Trim and Weatherstrip to Rear Bow
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-49
Fig.
106-—Pad Construction
The folding top adjustments are:
Header (View A, Fig. 101)
Header assembly may be moved fore and aft when the
two clamping screws are loosened. This will correct such
conditions as header latch guide pin alignment with the
holes in the windshield upper frame. Symptoms of mis-
alignment are such conditions as loose top trim when
top is up and locked, and excessive effort required to
engage header locks. Note that it will be necessary to
remove side roof rail weatherstrip to gain access to
header outer clamping screw. Refer to Weatherstrip
portion of this section.
Hinge (View B, Fig. 101)
The hinges may be moved up and down and fore and aft
to the limit of the slotted holes in hinge plate and body.
To gain access to hinge, remove rigid plastic trim as
explained in Interior Trim portion of this section. Re-
positioning hinge will correct conditions such as poor top
fit at upper and rear edge of windows; faulty fore and aft
engagements of rear bow hold-down pins in lock assem-
blies and loose or oversight top rear panel when top is
raised and properly locked in position.
Rear Bow Hold-Down Locks (View C, Fig. 101)
The hold-down pins may be moved to left or right to
center top on body in raised position; thus correcting
poor alignment at windows and difficult entry of pins
in locks.
TOP ASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
The entire top assembly (frame with trim attached)
may be removed from vehicle as follows:
1.
Raise top, but do not engage header or rear bow
locks.
2.
Remove rigid plastic trim as outlined in Interior
Trim portion of this section.
3.
Mark installed position of hinge by scribing outline
of hinge plate on lock pillar surface.
4.
Remove two screws retaining each hinge to lock
pillar and remove top assembly from vehicle.
5.
When installing top assembly, carefully match hinge
plate with scribed marks on body lock pillar and
Fig.
107-Pad Installed
Fig.
108—Installing Stay Strap
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

CORVETTE BODY 1B-50
WIRE-ON
BINDING
EXCESS
MATERIAL!
Fig.
109—Installing Binding
\
L
SECTION B-B
SECTION A-A
Fig.
110—Top Frame and Linkage
install screws. If necessary, proceed as outlined
under Top Adjustments.
TOP TRIM AND REAR WINDOW ASSEMBLY
The following information deals with removal and
installation of the folding top trim and window assembly
complete. Figure 102 may be referred to for parts
identifications. Lettered sections (i.e. Section A-A) re-
ferred to in the instructions may also be found in Figure
102.
Note that the sections are illustrated as they would
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL