1961 Convertable Top
I had the convertable top replaced (Al Knoch from Corvette Central) on my 1961 Corvette in the fall of 2011. Putting the top down for the first time in the spring 2012 I found it to be a very tight fit, with lots of interference with the deck lid. It didn't seem to hurt it however I think the material will wear prematurly? Has anyone seen this or is it a known issue on C1's?
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Re: 1961 Convertable Top
John: I think new tops tend to be a tight fit at first. It is normal. When I had my '61 top installed, it was like as you described. I still have to hold the deck lid up so it will clear the window when I put the top down. I don't think wear will be a problem.
Art -
Re: 1961 Convertable Top
I am not sure I stated the problem correctly. I have clearance with the deck lid when putting the top down into the compartment but there seems to be too much top to fold into the compartment area making the deck lid difficult to latch closed.Comment
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Re: 1961 Convertable Top
Same experience as Art's when I replaced top on my '57 with a GM over the counter top in 1965. The original top installed at St. Louis rubbed underside of lid removing some of the original paint. SteveComment
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Re: 1961 Convertable Top
Might try oiling the hinges, it sounds like the frame is not folding down as it should. If you push down on the top, when you put it down, does it want to spring back up a little? Are you folding the glass properly? Just throwing out suggestions. TerryComment
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Re: 1961 Convertable Top
John: You stated the problem correctly. I was thinking about my need to make sure the plastic window does not get scratched when putting the top down. When my top was installed years ago, the installer talked me into a top that was not from Al Knoch. He said the other one was better. New to NCRS, I let him do it. The quality is excellent but I have to push the top down when I lower it into the well. Even then it rubs against the deck lid a little. It also is a tight fit. I think new tops, regardless of the manufacturer, may be a bit thicker than the original ones used by GM. Try Terry's suggestion. I plan to do it also.Comment
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Re: 1961 Convertable Top
I'll check tonight, after work. I have a 62 with an Al Knock top installed by Al Knock and a original 51 year old top on another 62. My thoughts are that work you are experiencing is normal. I don't think even my shredded old top would fall into the well without hitting the deck lid before closing.Comment
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Re: 1961 Convertable Top
I guess I just wanted confirmation that a new top can cause the deck lid to be difficult to latch. I'll re study the folding process and look for obvious things I can do to minimize issues with folding the top. Thanks for your help/suggestions.Comment
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Re: 1961 Convertable Top
John,
you may know this already, but there is a specific way the top should be folded. The directions are in the owners manual. I think they may have also been posted here.
DennisComment
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Re: 1961 Convertable Top
And, the back section containing the window gets folded up and straps snapped before forward top section is folded back and down into the compartment.Comment
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