Chevrolet Corvette C3 Removable Hardtop

removable hardtop for the C3 Chevrolet Corvette (1968–1975) was the final factory auxiliary hardtop offered for a “classic” chrome-bumper Corvette. While the C3 Coupe became famous for its T-tops, the Convertible remained available with an optional color-matched fiberglass hardtop until convertible production was briefly paused after 1975.

Listing Details

• Blue Paint
• Fiberglass Construction
• Polished Stainless-Steel Trim
• Black Headliner
• Mounting Hardware

1. Universal Fitment (1968–1975)

Unlike the C1 and C2 generations, which had significant year-to-year mounting changes, the C3 hardtop is generally interchangeable across all eight years of the C3 convertible’s run.

• The Frame: The basic fiberglass shell and stainless steel perimeter trim remain consistent.

• Compatibility: A top from a 1968 model will physically bolt onto a 1975 model, and vice versa.

• The “Hump” Design: All C3 hardtops feature the signature “double bubble” or “sugar scoop” rear window silhouette, designed to mimic the lines of the fixed-roof Coupe.

2. Critical Identifying Features

While they fit the same, there are small technical details that change depending on the production year:

• The Rear Window: Like the C1 and C2, the C3 hardtop uses a Plexiglas (acrylic) rear window. Authentic windows feature the LOF (Libbey-Owens-Ford) logo.

• Header Latches: * 1968: Used a unique, one-year-only latching system that is notoriously difficult to find parts for today.

  • 1969–1975: Switched to a more standardized lever-action latch shared with the soft top.

• Vinyl Covering (RPO C08): Following the trend set in 1967, the C3 was also available with a factory black vinyl-covered hardtop. These are rarer than painted tops and often hide fiberglass cracks or “spider webbing” underneath the material.

3. Mounting Hardware (The 6-Point System)

Securing a C3 hardtop requires more than just the front latches. It uses a 6-point connection system:

1. Front (2): Two lever-latches at the windshield header.

2. Sides (2): Two “side-mount” bolts located just behind the door glass, which screw into a threaded ferrule on the car’s body.

3. Rear (2): Two “rear-deck” bolts that pass through the convertible decklid.