So if I need a new convertible top...

[Larry S.]

What do I do? I have two '67's that need new tops; the white top is just worn out, and the black top is short above the windows. I've read the posts the last few days that recommend Al Knoch tops, including the Kennedy pattern, but there's always a caveat. This seems to be the constant over the last few years. Is the only way to get a good fit to take the car to Knoch?

I don't want to spend $600+ for an Al Knoch top and then become one of the caveats. Doesn't anyone make a top that actually fits? I installed a top on my '56 T-Bird that fit perfectly, and it's top frame is much less sophisticated than the later Corvette frame. What is the problem here, and what is the solution?

[Terry D.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

Larry

I have a small interest in a local canvas shop that does car interiors, boat interiors and canvas work. They have been using Al's tops for years, two on my personal cars, with very very few problems. If the frame is straight and the installer knows what he is doing, that in my opinion being the key, there should be no problems. Surely there is a good "top" shop in your area. Make them give you references, check with other owners in your area. Go to cruise ins and talk to other rag top owners. It should not take you long to find a few good recomendations. Just my old two cents
Terry

[Steven B.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

Larry, I have seen Al's tops before, during and after install and there was always enough material for a proper fit. As Terry said, find someone who knows what they are doing which includes frame adjustment if needed.

[Tim E.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

Larry - After watching Al's video and his guy's installing tops at the Corvette Chevy Expo in Houston, I decided to give it a shot myself. There were no fit issues at all. As mentioned in a previous reply, there is ample excess material to provide the alignment needed. Tim

[Bill T.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

" As Terry said, find someone who knows what they are doing which includes frame adjustment if needed.

Who's an authority on Convertible top frame adjustment? I've been fighting with mine for two years and still don't have a great fit.

That's after the six years I spent "Only painting and putting an interior in it Honey". (wink, wink)

[Terry D.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

Bill
As I stated in my previous post, check around with other rag top owners at Cruise Ins, car shows, NCRS meets etc. It is not rocket science to do a little leg work in your area to find a good installer.
It doesn't do you much good to know a good one in Ohio if you live in Texas. If you want to do it yourself then I would suggest buying or borrowing an Al Knock installation tape.
Terry

[Glenn D.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

I visit the Al Knoch booth every year when I go to Bloomingtom Gold. I have watched them install tops and they know what they are doing. I purchased a carpet set for my 74' from them and it fit perfectly.

[Michael L.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

Hi
Al Knock did my top on my 72 in Orlando did a good job I had the frame blasted and painted before i went to Orlando took then about 4 hours
you must order the top in advance and make a appointment. They fill fast so call very early
Good luck

[Mark H.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

My dad and I put an Al Knoch top on my '64 a few years ago. We rented the video from Corvette Central, watched it a few times, and then followed the instructions. Got it done in a weekend, no issues (other than the rusted out head rail we found when we stripped off the old top . . .)

Fits great.

[Bill T.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

Bill
As I stated in my previous post, check around with other rag top owners at Cruise Ins, car shows, NCRS meets etc. It is not rocket science to do a little leg work in your area to find a good installer.
It doesn't do you much good to know a good one in Ohio if you live in Texas. If you want to do it yourself then I would suggest buying or borrowing an Al Knock installation tape.
Terry

There are a dozen good installers in my area. That's not what I need. My problem is with the top frame. It does not fit properly to the windows particularly the drivers side. At Kissimmee I had Al Knoch take a ride in my car and look at my complaint. No help. He only knows the fabric side of this.

When the top frame is up and fastened into position it has a "V" shape at the top of the window instead of folding flat. If I could cure that situation the top would fit nicely. The weatherstrips don't meet the side window and the header hits the windshield frame at the outer corners first and that leaves an opening at the center of the windshield that I can see light through no matter how hard you tighten the latches.

I've been to lots of shows, spoken with plenty of people and from what I see - these tops don't fit well at all...

[Terry D.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

Bill
If the installers in your area are good they will know how to adjust and or straighten your frame. Part of a good instalation on these old cars is the adjustment, if any of the frame. My guys know how to do this and so should any good installer.
Do you have the same problem on both sides? Send some pictures and maybe we can figure something out. I know my second 62 had a bent frame and the guys at the shop got it straight and it works great.
Terry

[Bill T.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

Thanks Terry, I am in La. for the week. I will take some pics when I get home and will be greatly appreciative of your input...

[Paul D.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

Larry, I put on an Al Knoch top on my '67 2 years ago. Me and my wife did it in 2 days. There are a few adjustments to the frame where it mounts to the car. I aligned the frame(material off) to the doors(windows up) and body the best I could before stretching the vinyl.Make sure you purchase a new weatherstrip kit for your car. Also I would recommend replacing the rear tack strip.Good Luck.....Paul...

[Tim E.]

Re: So if I need a new convertible top...

Bill - I've been thinking about the fit problems you're having with you're top frame. If the side window weatherstrips are not flat and shaped like a "V" it sounds like the frame has not fully extended. Once the front header contacts the windshield frame, that will prevent any additional extension.

I'd suggest rotating the entire frame assembly by loosening the frame adjustment bolts where the frame attaches to the birdcage at the door posts. When viewed from the driver side, rotate clockwise to allow the frame to extend more fully before in contacts the windshield. The more it can extend, the flatter the weatherstrips will become.

Your other problem was with the way the front header sits on its edges but not in the center. In that case, it sounds like the front header needs to move forward so it can "nestle" in place over the windshield. Two ways to do that. If you also have a gap at the rear of the door glass, move the entire top frame forward using the same adjustment bolts on the birdcage. If the gap is fine, the front header can be adjusted forward with hold down screws where the header connects to the side frame rails.

Hope that gives you some ideas. Mark the location of the adjustment bolts before loosening so you can always return to where you started!