I think this was my first time to not break at least one boltPatience and a lot penetrating oil payed off.

 

Firstly, you have a beautiful 'Vette, no getting away from that, and I love the convert. top, even though the T-top is supposed to be the more popular version...
When it comes to exhaust manifold bolts, in all the years of turning wrenches, I've never had problems w/ them being hard to get out. I've had more findings of manifold bolts in the process of backing out and/or coming loose.But I have seen busted-off manifold bolts that were lazilly left there for the next guy to fix. The reason for the busted ones , unknown to me.
And speaking of convertibles, in another year or two, I'll start getting a car ready for my daughter to have when she turns sixteen and gets her license. She's only nine now (she's my youngest and my oldest is thirty) and I have plenty of time to build her a snazzy sports car. In any event, I'll be getting a two seat convertible to restore for her. When it comes to a "sports car," I immediately think of a convertible; a cool looking two seater w/ the top down and a roll bar, and probably wire wheels. When it comes to "sports cars," what else is there? And if my daughter was anything but a very responsible, smart and caring kid, I wouldn'tEVEN think about having a car ready for her, let alone a sports car.
***LONG LIVE the GREAT AMERICAN SPORTS CAR*** 'VETTE-ALL DAY LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!