Question for those who replaced a C2 convertible top themselves...

[Dan S.]

After reviewing the Al Knoch DVD on installing a new convertible top, I think I'm going to save myself the labor cost and do it myself. The DVD makes it look like a reasonable DYI project for the person with average mechanical skills. For those of you who installed your own top, do you have any advise or tips you care to pass on?

[Keith B.]

Re: Question for those who replaced a C2 convertible top themselves...

I have put two tops on at my house with "professionals" that lead the process. I would suggest that it can be done by yourself but the results might not be "as good" as the professional. There are so many tricks to the trade for the top to fit just right. I paid $300 for someone to come to my house and I did a lot of the work with them. Expensive yes! Both times the top came out fantastic. I am very handy but the look of the top can make or break the car. save the money somewhere else and have a professional come over and help. perhaps you can cut a better deal than I did.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Question for those who replaced a C2 convertible top themselves...

I've been involved in a number of group efforts putting tops on. I've done my 63, my 69, another 69, a 62, a 73, and a 67....all along with several buds. We keep the Al Knoch video at hand so we can play it back/forward over and over again. All the tops have turned out nice. Let me also add that these group efforts went on over 3-5-7 day periods, working in the evenings...or a few hours on weekends.

Get an electric stapler. Repeat...get an electric stapler. Also, paint and restore the top frame, then spend HOURS adjusting the top frame and adjusting the windows to fit the top frame with the weatherstrips in place. That's a very important step, the most important IMHO.

Chuck

[Stuart F.]

Re: Question for those who replaced a C2 convertible top themselves...

Also, make sure you either keep the old pads on the frame until you are ready to replace them (top in place) or do a good job of measuring, otherwise you may lose your bow spacing. I did mine back in 76 by myself and had to spend most of my time refurbishing the frame, and I took the pads off and measured (probably not too well). I got the rear bow back too far (1/2").

[Edward J.]

Re: Question for those who replaced a C2 convertible top themselves...

After reviewing the Al Knoch DVD on installing a new convertible top, I think I'm going to save myself the labor cost and do it myself. The DVD makes it look like a reasonable DYI project for the person with average mechanical skills. For those of you who installed your own top, do you have any advise or tips you care to pass on?

HI Dan, Take a few pic.s and post them as you go along. I will be doing my top on my 63 as soon as the cold weather breaks around march. I Will be watching the Al Knoch video also.

[Dan S.]

Re: Question for those who replaced a C2 convertible top themselves...

Thanks for all the responses. I've watched Al Knoch's video a couple of times and he makes it look doable. But, I'm still not sure I want to tackle this myself or take it to an upholstery shop.

[Hector G.]

Re: Question for those who replaced a C2 convertible top themselves...

I tend to agree with Keith on this issue. I installed the top on my 66 17 years ago. It came out fine, not perfect. This time around I'm going to have a professional do the job. I've seen his work and I'm very impressed. I consider myself to be very handy and have had years of experience working on my 66. However, the car is going to be shown this time around and I need to make sure it is perfect. Keep in mind that if you have the hardtop as well, IMHO, this needs to be fitted to the car, windows adjusted etc, before fitting the soft top to the car. To get it right requires experience and knowledge. Not saying it can't been done without a professional.

On a side note, I just recently finished completely restoring the seats in my 66, beadblasting, painting, fitting the new seat covers. Reviewed the Al Knock video tape numerous times, read numerous articles and posts on the topic. It is not as easy as it appears on the tape for a variety of reason that I need not go into now. I was very pleased with the end result but it did take several weeks to complete, not the 1 1/2 hours as depicted in the video. The guy in the video had done over 1,000 of these. Whatever you decide, good luck and enjoy the experience.