'63 Hardtop Notch

[Michael G.]

I have a hardtop for my '63 that has never been on the car as long as I have owned it. The car is a November car and the top does not have the notch that early cars had. My question is, is there an actual interference issue with the no-notch tops on early cars or was it just for extra clearance. I'm asking 'cause this thing doesn't seem to want to go on...

[Tracy C.]

Re: '63 Hardtop Notch

Mike, there was never an actually interference issue, some designer thought is was a good idea anyway. Not sure when the design change was made to eliminate it, but the lack of a notch would have no bearing on your fitment issue. Might it be possible the top was dropped at one time at tweaked out of square?

tc

[Harry S.]

Re: '63 Hardtop Notch

Mike, here is an update I produced after a good deal of research. I do not know where it is today.

Revised Text Proposed:

The Auxiliary Hardtop for 1963-1964 models had three distinct designs.

Design One: At the startup of 1963 production the auxiliary hardtop had a notch cut in the bottom, each side, to give greater clearance above the door. This design was present until approximately March 1963.

Design Two: For cars built in approximately April, May and June 1963 the notch in the auxiliary hardtop is not present.

Design three: For cars built approximately near the end of June 1963 until the end of 1963 production and all 1964 production the notch in the auxiliary hardtop is not present and rear window reinforcing brackets are present at the upper center and lower center of the rear Plexiglas.

[Edward J.]

Re: '63 Hardtop Notch

Mike, The believe the car was fitted with the conv. top first( hope I don't have that backwards) and window aligned to weatherstrippings and then the idea was the the hardtop was suppose to not be a problem to mount. What is part of mounting is giving you a problem? ,front pins, rear studs and side saddle bolts?

[Bob R.]

Re: '63 Hardtop Notch

Ed I think you do have it backwards. The hard top should fit without much difficulty. With it in place you can accurately align the side windows to it then you can adjust the convertible top to fit around the correctly located windows.

[Guy F.]

Re: '63 Hardtop Notch

Ed and Bob--you are both correct.

According to the AIM, on those cars equipped with a hardtop and soft top, here is a summary of the procedure:

1. Install convertible top, fit it to the body (rear deck and windshield frame)
2. From the inside of the car, adjust door glass to the convertible top weatherstrip and pillar post weatherstrip
3. If necessary, adjust weatherstrip
4. Lower convertible top, do not disturb glass adjustment
5. Install hardtop
6. Adjust hardtop weatherstrip to fit glass.
7. If glass must be adjusted to achieve proper fit, convertible top fit must be rechecked and adjusted

I summarized the procedure from the 1975 AIM, which I assumed has the procedure with the most expertise/experience embedded in it.

Thank you,

Guy