63 conv. top color

[James W.]

Re: 63 conv. top color

Mike,

John Kennedy began his custom upholstery business (House of Customs) back in the late 1940's or early 1950's. At the 2005 NCRS National Convention in Park City, Utah I had the privilege of talking with him regarding installation of a replacement top for my 1964 Corvette convertible. He told me that when he would have to repair/replace a convertible top he would dissect/dis-assemble the original factory top and use the individual fabric top sections to make patterns to fabricate his own C1 and C2 Corvette convertible tops. This is how the "John Kennedy" top pattern came to be. He saw a lot of tops installed from Al Knoch on flight judged Corvettes that didn't fit well or resemble the original Corvette convertible tops. Eventually Al Knoch must have had enough requests for John's top that they worked out an agreement with John to supply them with his patterns. His tops fit better based on the use of the factory original tops being used as the pattern to fabicate a very close to factory original look and fitting convertible top. You ca nsee the difference when you look at the amount of material above the side windows. The top material sits further down toward the top of the side window glass.


James West

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 conv. top color

Jim, Nice insight on the J.K. tops.Thanks Ed

[Wayne W.]

Re: 63 conv. top color

Bill,

If you are going to purchase a top from Al Knoch here are some things to be sure that they (Al Knoch) can/will provide when purchasing a top from them.

1. Specify that you want a top cut from the late John Kennedy's pattern (there is a difference in fit)
2. Specify that the top windshield windlace is the correct 3/8" diameter NOT 1/2" diameter and is has the correct bison grain material
3. Specify that the rear window cleaning instruction tag is made of paper NOT cloth
4. Specify that the "wire-on" tips or spears do not have the flanged or flattened edges

I have a 1964 convertible red with a white top John Kennedy patterened top from Al Knoch. It was recently judged at the NCRS NE Regional Meet in Rochester, MN. and lost points for items 2, 3, and 4 above. I can and will correct items 2 and 4 but I would have to remove the top and take it apart to have a new washing instrucions tag installed.

Hope this helps!


Best Regards,

James West
Omaha, NE.

I wouldnt necessarily rush to change #4.

Original dated 3-66.