1967 black convertible top

[Robert D.]

who makes the best black convertible top for a 1967 with the proper fabric, window, with correct writing and date code?
any suggestions in the northern nj area for an installer?
thank you as always
bob

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 black convertible top

Robert,
If you want an original looking fit, that's the problem, nobody. AK has a nice piece of fabric and all looks correct but the fit is too tight and too short around the side windows for me to recommend it. Most judges judge it ok, I don't because of small, tight fit. I'll stick with the hard top for now.

[John D.]

Re: 1967 black convertible top

AK also does installs at Corvettes @Carlisle...

[John H.]

Re: 1967 black convertible top

Robert,
If you want an original looking fit, that's the problem, nobody. AK has a nice piece of fabric and all looks correct but the fit is too tight and too short around the side windows for me to recommend it. Most judges judge it ok, I don't because of small, tight fit. I'll stick with the hard top for now.

Gene -

Doesn't the "Kennedy pattern" on an AK top (if you order it) resolve that issue?

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 black convertible top

John,
I spoke with John prior to his departing, God rest his soul, quite lengthy on the tops currently the market. According to him the "Revised Kennedy Version" was no better than previous kits. I agree with his assessment as they (GM) never had tops so tight and so short around the side windows. If one is lucky enough to have an original top not subjected to the elements the fit is far less "stressful" on the bows and not stretched to point of pulling fabric at the side windows.

Old magazine articles show the tops as they really were. Note the sides are not pulling and fit quite even around the side glass covering the weatherstripping. I wish I kept those magazines........

Another thing you have to keep the top up on the car, If the top is down to long in to stowage well it may never latch.

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1967 black convertible top

I was looking at an original conv. top on a 1966 that has been out of the elements. The material above the side windows, can be lifted about an inch, before resistance is felt. The material on the sides is 3/8" above the wing window frame. The material between the bows is not tight, or loose either. There are no wrinkles anywhere. Would it be possible to pattern new top kits from a donor original, needing replacement, and get the right fit?

[Edward J.]

Re: 1967 black convertible top

Robert, Ken, I would talk with someone at AK about this it maybe possible as he would likely be the only one that could make a special cut. This post could be misleading as I really don't think that there are any manufacturers that make a perfect fitting top for every corvette. I can tell you this I installed my first ever top on my 63 conv. and watched AK's video about 4 or 5 times before I started my car. and really am pleased with out come, and have had a few judges say that it turned out great. I think the process is prep before you begin the top install. If you have a hard top start by making sure the hard top fits the windows perfect as you can get. then this should allow the conv. frame to be fitted properly to the windows. and then on with the canvas top. I have seen some poorly fitted tops before, just take as many hours as you need and don't rush it. I would add to this is to inspect the box from AK, as I helped a friend install his top and ended up some wrong parts in box and stain on the rear window which we could not remove. I think since Dale has left there have been man problems, as Al was really relying on him.

[John H.]

Re: 1967 black convertible top

Old magazine articles show the tops as they really were. Note the sides are not pulling and fit quite even around the side glass covering the weatherstripping. I wish I kept those magazines........

Gene -

I agree - I was there, and never saw any tops installed "bowstring-tight" like some installers strive for today. Didn't know if the "Kennedy pattern" made a fabric width difference or not.