any info or tips to be passed on tricks of trade, lost info from al knoch but need tips for best install of vinyl top thanks
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Re: 1961 convertible top
I am not an expert in this area (or any other areas for that natter), but since no one else has answered, I'll throw in my 2 cents.
1. If you are going to refinish the frame and the top fits the car well, try to mark the attachment points so you can get the frame back on exactly as it came off. 2. If it doesn't fit so well, you need to do the adjustments prior to installing the top. If the doors or windows need adjustment, do this first. If you have a hardtop or can borrow one, put it on the car and adjust everything to the hardtop. 3. Once the old top material is off, install the weatherstripping and adjust anything that needs adjustment. It is much easier with the top fabric off. When adjusting the top, the outside mounting bars basically adjust the height of the top and the fore and aft position and will determine the fit around the wondows. The inside bars determine the extension of the side rails. These are tricky. If the side rail is extended to much the top will fit the window real nicely, but the top may not fold properly. You will probably have to have a small break in the side rail angle in order to get the top to fold. 4. When installing the top, resist the temptation to strech the top to the limit. It wants to be good and snug to be sure, but you will be happier in the long run if you get it 95% streached instead of 105%. Remember, you can always tighted the top a bit more, but after you have stapled it in place, loosening it will likely expose staple holes.
5. Be patient. DO NOT try to install the top until you are absolutly confident ot the frame adjustment. I had a professional shop install the top on my 61, and I am now in the process of trying to undo their mistakes. They got the top too tight, and extended the frame rails too much. The top looked great up, but it would not fold enough to close the lid.
Email me if you have any questions, I'll try to answer.Good luck. -
Re: 1961 convertible top
Usually if I take something apart I can put it back as it was(I did say usually). My so called original top was not so orignal. When I was taking it apart I found the front of the top and the w/s was held on the front header with clue as was the rear, also the bow screws were broke off and some had been replaced with rivets. I felt parts were missing and infact were, lots and lots. At this point I knew I was in trouble and in need of answers so I started asking questions and was advised of the knoch video. I must admit in order for me to do this right I really needed the knowledge, the experience the tape provided. I did buy the al knoch top which came with instructions and later after talking with al decided to use the instructions for something else, as he advised, if you get my drift. So I got the tape and even with the tape it was a bear. Now some months later my 62 top is on and if I do say so, looks great. I really wish I could tell you step by step how to do this but for me to write it all down and for you to understand it would be impossible. The tape is invaluable, worth every penny. I don't remember who but I was given this same advice some months back by some one on this list so I'm passing it along. I wish you good luck and have fun. (al knoch video 1-800-880-8080).
Dick NCRS #31693Comment
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