View Full Version : Premium Soft Top question
jcrumpley
03-24-2021, 05:56 PM
I just installed the premium soft top last week. The top is very well built and easy to install. However, with the top not installed on the car, the fittings just behind the doors have a threaded hole in them that is about 3/4 of an inch deep. Is anyone using some type of chrome plug to keep debris out of those fittings? I would think over time, they might collect some dirt and such. It's probably nothing to do anything about, but I thought I'd ask.
145095
I haven't put anything in mine, but a nice stainless dome head screw that could just thread in would do the trick.
first time builder
03-24-2021, 06:21 PM
Mid year convertible Corvettes used a Hex head special bolt in the holes where the hard top went. I dont remember the thread size. But the button head bolt sounds good.
CraigS
03-25-2021, 06:35 AM
Or a short stud w/ a SS acorn nut on it.
https://www.mcmaster.com/nuts/cap-nuts/
I'd check a local Ace or TruValue store also since you can probably buy just two of each.
3+ years, no issues with mine getting stuff in the threads
The thread size is 3/8-16. I found these:
https://www.mcmaster.com/91746A800/
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=145111&d=1616678747
They may need to be shortened as the shortest length I see is 1".
Here's another option:
https://www.mcmaster.com/91773A622/
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=145112&d=1616679179
This one is pretty cool looking, but requires a special tool:
https://www.mcmaster.com/94135A622/
https://www.mcmaster.com/94062A119/
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=145113&d=1616679362
jcrumpley
03-25-2021, 09:19 AM
Thanks guys,
I guess it isn't needed. I just thought it looked a bit unfinished. It is definitely 3/8-16.
R. Button
05-07-2021, 07:23 PM
For the premium top - did it come with a template to scale for the two holes by the doors?
The direction have a drawing but not to scale. I figured out how much to enlarge the drawing to get the hole to 1/2" actual size. Just getting ready to install the new top.
The manual that comes with the top has them to scale.
The manual that comes with the top has them to scale.
Papa and Ralph,
The template Papa sent me through email worked great.
George
mburger
05-07-2021, 11:36 PM
I never thought about anything getting into the holes. My top is on currently, but when I take it off, I may give it another look, mainly because I like the ideas Dave posted.
Jcrumpley, love the look of your Cobra with the green, the top, no scoop and under car exhaust.
Papa and Ralph,
The template Papa sent me through email worked great.
George
I thought I'd scanned it and sent it to someone, but I couldn't find it. I'm happy to scan it again if you need it, Ralph.
Dave
Mark K
05-10-2021, 09:14 PM
Another idea. I plugged the holes with these because they were actually whistling a bit while driving.
- m
147649
Another idea. I plugged the holes with these because they were actually whistling a bit while driving.
- m
147649
Nice work, but I gotta say if you can hear wind whistling in those mounting holes you either have Superman hearing or you ain't pressing the go pedal hard enough! :p
Dave
R. Button
05-11-2021, 03:58 AM
Turns out the template that was sent to me by Dave, is the exact template done by FFR for the very first softtop FFR sold.
Back in 1999 J Schenek did a set of basic instructions for installing FFR softtop's and included with it a template for where to place the first Lift-A-Dot fastener - exactly 2.8750 inches from the trunk back lip and 16.0000 inches over from the side of the trunk opening. Then the next template is the exact same template that I was sent for where to place the hole in the body for the premium soft top!
I came across it while I was saving the template I was sent! :)
For reference and for anyone that lands here later looking for the template, I've attached it here.
Mark K
05-11-2021, 09:30 AM
Nice work, but I gotta say if you can hear wind whistling in those mounting holes you either have Superman hearing or you ain't pressing the go pedal hard enough! :p
Dave
LOL! True enough, Dave. I should have qualified that statement with, "...when cruising." :-)