compatible hardtops

[SizzleChest]

which years will fit my 78?

 

[chuglife]

i think they will all fit (same size) you might have to consider what kind of tailgate/rear doors you have/want. but i think the only differences are window vents and ambulance doors

 

[tucker74]

Anything from '75-'83 w/ ambulance doors should fit...the '78+ have the rear vent windows, but that's about the only difference.

Here's a good timeline of the changes by year on the 40.



Tucker

 

[72cruiser]

also,

remember, with the change in the windshield wipers, the lip on the leading edge of the hardtop changed. this wouldn't be as big of a deal for you (with the wipers on the bottom), but goin the other way (later top on older cruiser) it does pose some problem, esp if you don't expect it

(i feel like i should be the moderator for this and only this question, ha ha, the one concerning wipers and wiper motor / hardtop configuration. it is really the only pure science left...)

malphrus

 

[Paul_A]

I believe all years will fit because your wiper motor is mounted at the bottom of the windshield. If the wiper motor was mounted at the top like the earlier ones (pre-1975) you would be limited to the earlier top or you would have to do some cut and fit. You may still have to drill a couple of holes to bolt to the windshield if you use an early top, but that should be minimal at the most. The doors will be the issue since by 1978 you have the ambulance style rear doors and the one piece front doors. I have an early style top and early two piece front doors on my '75 (originally a soft top with the drop gate) and it fits fine. I know you can get new made rear drop gates or the swinging half doors now, but I do not know about two piece front doors. If you use them then the older style top with the lift gate rear window would fit a '78 fine. If you are using the one piece front doors I believe you are stuck with the later style top. I hope I was not too confusing.

 

[airon23]

hmmmmm............I think a 78 will fit, wait.................ya I think so. Try that one.

 

[SizzleChest]

what about doors?

 

[Paul_A]

My recollection is that the front doors and strikers must be from the style of hard top in use. A '78 will use one piece doors with post type strikers.

 

[65swb45]

Keep in mind that 78 is the first year with the windshield squirter nozzle in the top of the windshield frame, sho if you use an older top, you will also have to notch it for the squirter.

Front door fitment won't be an issue unless you go all the way back to 64. Don't ask why 64.?

 

[desertdude]

Can I use an older hatch/tailgater with a '78 top ?