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View Cart1959-60 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Top and Convertible Top Parts
Important Information
Fabrics:
The original dealer soft tops on Corvettes of this period was Haartz pinpoint vinyl. Later Corvettes featured canvas tops and Chrysler Sailcloth vinyl tops.
Chrysler Sailcloth Vinyl is a two ply composite made of a PVC sailcloth grain outer layer and a polyester/cotton lining fabric. It is the fabric developed for Sebrings and late model Mustangs several years ago. It is a vinyl whose surface grain emulates canvas. It is a less expensive, though beautiful, fabric than our canvas toppings. We therefore offer many of our originally canvas tops in this vinyl fabric.
Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl’s design is original to most American cars from the fifties to the nineties. Pinpoint refers to the little dots or pips that you see if you look closely at the vinyl surface. European cars, such as the old Beetles and others also used pinpoint vinyl as the topping fabric.
Haartz Stayfast Canvas has a canvas outer layer and a preshrunk cotton inner layer. The two are bonded with and separated by a butyl rubber core. It is this core that makes the fabric last a very long time, with both better static and dynamic wear ratings than vinyl toppings. Haartz Stayfast is the American substitute for the German canvases used in Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, some models of Mustang and Lebaron and others. Canvas is widely regarded as "richer looking" than vinyl. It is a little harder to clean. The inside of the top is pre-shrunk cotton. The inner lining is usually black.
Tops are made with the installation straps.
Original Windows:
The original rear windows were plastic. The plastic windows we employ are always of the heaviest gauge plastic available.
Tack Strips:
Staples are used to attach the top at the header bow and rear top bow. These are driven into embedded tacking strips which are attached to the bows.
Top pads:
The top is supported along its sides with special webbing.
Installation:
This top installs with staples (must be stainless steel) and glue (either contact cement or slower setting neoprene cement.) If you are comfortable renting and using an air driven staple gun then you are a good candidate for do-it-yourself installation.
We have the 68-75 top install manual which should offer very good guidance for installation of this similar top, along with notes taken during the removal of the old top.
Hydraulics:
We now stock hydraulic cylinders, motor-pumps, and hoses for your convertible tops. All are made to OEM specifications. Each can be ordered separately; however, when ordering hydraulic cylinders we recommend replacing both. The chances are that both hydraulic cylinders were manufactured at the same time: if one is on its way out the other may follow. If the top is raised and one hydraulic cylinder is working harder than the other the result over time can lead to a slightly bent convertible top frame. The replacement of both hydraulic cylinders will ensure that the top raises and lowers symmetrically.
Systems for this car take Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and have a 5 year warranty when used with this fluid. Brake fluid should not be used as it voids the warranty. We also offer an installation manual when ordered.
The 12 volt motor-pumps include a mounting bracket with rubber grommets to reduce vibration.
We also offer a rebuilding service for motor-pumps. Not all are repairable, but it is less expensive to have one rebuilt than to buy a new one. The motor-pump would need to be sent to us for evaluation. Hoses come with all new fittings and are made specifically to fit your car.
Parts in this category (Chevrolet Corvette) fit cars for years: 1959 and 1960.
We a now pleased to offer hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic motor pumps, and hydraulic hose sets. Also, checkout our newly added roof rail weatherstripping seals, front header weatherstripping seals, door weatherstripping seals, trunk weatherstripping seals. Look for extra savings on weatherstripping seals kits.
