Has the fit problem with Al Knoch tops been resolved?

[David T.]

I have been reading some of the archives regarding fitment problems with Al Knoch tops unless you specify the John Kennedy pattern. I called Al Knoch and spoke with a sales person who told me they had incorporated the Kennedy pattern with theirs. She also told me you could order the thinner windlace for 40 dollars. Has anyone had an Al Knoch top put on recently? Has anyone used one of the other top manufacturers such as Robbins or Electron? If so, what is your opinion?
Thank you for your help.

[Duane D.]

Re: Has the fit problem with Al Knoch tops been resolved?

David, I had a new Al Knoch top put on my 1970 at the Servierville, TN Corvette Expo in October. Al's people did the installation. The top has the small windlace, tags and is dated. It appears to be a perfect fit and I think the NCRS judges will like it. In fact, a judge at an earlier event specified all of the details that I should request when buying the top. I am very pleased with the quality and installation.

[George C.]

Re: Has the fit problem with Al Knoch tops been resolved?

I just replaced the top on my 65, with an Al Knoch top, and am very pleased with the fit.
I actually spoke with Al on the phone about the thinner, longer windlace and purchased it from him after Ibought the top. I didn't like the fat one thawith the blunt ends either.
Al stated that the fat one seals better for rain, but the thin one looks more original. He also told me that he was thinking about including the skinny one in the future, as all the NCRS guys are asking for them.
I think you can specify the skinny one at order time for no additional cost, but I am not positive about that.
Good luck with your project,
George

[Gene M.]

Re: Has the fit problem with Al Knoch tops been resolved?

David,
The last 4 Al Knoch tops that we installed, (both solid axle and mid yr) did not fit like new originals. They had to be stretched too tight to fit the original frames. My biggest objection is the lousy fit around the side windows. The fabric is cut and seamed too short in these areas. It does not even cover the weather strips, looks crappy. Also the front bead is not seamed correctly at the ends even with the "correct" configuration.

Original tops were never configured to fit and look "stretched" over the frame work. John Kennedy conforms this. They also leak bad because the front has to be pulled so tight to make the rest fit on the frame. Having this top down for any length of time results in not latching again.

I've learned to accept the hard top as the only option for now.

[Dick W.]

Re: Has the fit problem with Al Knoch tops been resolved?

We installed quite a few of Al's tops over the years, and never had a fit problem.

[David T.]

Re: Has the fit problem with Al Knoch tops been resolved?

There still seems to be some differences of opinions. Thank you for all of your responses.

[George C.]

Re: Has the fit problem with Al Knoch tops been resolved?

David,
I didn't have the issues that Gene, post #4 experienced. I did spend a few hours fitting the top frame to the windows before trying to install the new top cover. I also used the Al Knoch video, and am pleased with the results.
George