C2 soft top fit re-re-re-etc.-visited

[Larry S.]

It's time to replace my '67 soft top. I've read the archives and the latest posts (April, 2008) say that I should order an Al Knoch top and request the John Kennedy pattern; however, later on it says that even this pattern has problems with fit.

Have the problems been resolved? In short, where do I get a top that fits?

[Rick S.]

Re: C2 soft top fit re-re-re-etc.-visited

I ordered and had a friend install my Al Knoch top for my 67 about 3 years ago and don't recall the John Kennedy pattern. The friend has installed many tops and didn't tell me about any installation problems with Al Knoch tops and in fact prefers their tops to any others.

Rick

[James W.]

Re: C2 soft top fit re-re-re-etc.-visited

It's time to replace my '67 soft top. I've read the archives and the latest posts (April, 2008) say that I should order an Al Knoch top and request the John Kennedy pattern; however, later on it says that even this pattern has problems with fit.

Have the problems been resolved? In short, where do I get a top that fits?

Larry,

I spoke with John Kennedy at length back in April regarding the fit of Al Knoch soft tops for C2 Corvettes. He says that the Al Knock soft top patterns are just slightly too small (narrow) and do not fit down close enough to the upper side window weather stripping like they should. John's C2 tops patterns are made from original C2 soft tops. John has been in the auto upholstery business for many years and back in the day when a C2 Corvette would come into his shop with a tear or split in the original top, he would either repair their original top material or replace it with an over the counter GM replacement top. He kept many C1 and C2 soft tops and dissected them piece by piece and made his patterns from the original soft tops.

I had Al Knoch install a new soft top on my '64 convertible at Bloomington last year, unfortunately I did not know that they had tops made from John's patterns and had an Al Knoch top installed. After speaking to John about it I can see what he is talking about regarding the coverage above the side windows. It looks fine, but in my opinion it is too tight when you go to secure the top to the car. When you compare the fit to an original soft top there is a definite difference in how much material is present above the upper side windows.

I am restoring a '65 convertible at the present time and will be having a new top installed next year. It will most likely be a soft top made from John Kennedy's pattern. The big question is how do you know that you are getting a top that was made using John's patterns when you call Al Knoch Interiors? This I am not sure of at this time, but I plan to speak with "Dale" who is Al Knoch's interior and soft top representative about this.

If I were you, I would call John Kennedy personally and ask him about the fit of his soft tops and comment that you have heard there are fit issues with tops made from his patterns. He is a great person to talk to ands will take the time to explain things. I do not have John's phone number handy at the moment but I think it may be in "Contacts" section here on the NCRS web page.

If you go to the upcoming Corvettes at Carlisle show, you can watch Al Knoch's installers put on soft tops and judge for yourself if they fit correctly.

I've included the only pictures I have of the car right after the top was installed at Bloomington in 2007.

Regards,

James West

[Larry S.]

Re: C2 soft top fit re-re-re-etc.-visited

Thank you, James--excellent recommendations!

[James W.]

Re: C2 soft top fit re-re-re-etc.-visited

Larry,

I found John Kennedy's phone number, it is 801-295-4791. I would highly recommend giving him a call, he will gladly answer your questions regarding C2 soft top fit.


Best Regards,

James West