Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

[Bob Babcock]

After having my 60 judged and receiving a deduction for not having the heat stamp in the rear window, I ordered a new soft top from Al Knock. After installing it and washing it the first time, the paper tag (like the ones we worry about on a mattress) disintegrated. Yep, I was bummed.

I called Al Knock and spoke to him personally. He said the tag is made of paper, since that is how they were from the factory, and yes, they will fall apart when washing the car. Al did not seem to think it was much of a problem having the tag fall apart, since that is what happened to brand new 1960 Corvettes when they got their first Saturday bath.

What am I missing? Al said he would send me a couple new tags, but what should I do? I am getting ready to replace the top on my 54 and don't want to have the same problem......and I assume it is a problem.

[Roy Braatz]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

Don't wash it on saturday may be=( just a bad joke) but I know a guy that used clear resin on both sides and he said it worked.

[Bob Babcock]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

But I am afraid the same thing would happen on Sunday.
Thanks for the suggestion.

[James F.]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

Bob,
First, I'd thank Al K. for being a nice guy for his offer. (you probably did already). The tags are fragile. I made a sheath from plastic wallet picture holder and slid it over the tag and lightly double sided taped it to the canvas. This will help but eventually the tag will wear out, I accept this, like the wearing of the battery and tires. I have seen tags where the lock stiching has been hand sewn in along the edge in the same stich spacing as found on the top and same color thread. The tag is held in place with double sided tape. Well done, it is very hard to detect as a separate and removable tag. Before leaving the judging field the tag is removed. Regards,

[Harmon C.]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

The tags with two sided tape will get a deduction if it can be told with the no touch rule but I for one will take a deduction for plastic or any other covering if it is on during judging it sure isn't original and very easy to find and may be covering up a non stiched tag or other defects. I also think al k. top tag is not as durable as the original ones as I rinsed mine off just taking off some dust. Make sure you have a tag and take a correct but small deduction if you need to. I always look at the big picture and a 97.0 Duntov hangs just as nice as a 99.9 if you don't tell.

[Nick Culkowski]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

Anyone care to elaborate on the differences observed regarding attachment, base material, ink, font, exact wording, etc. on original vs replacement tags? It is a relatively small point item, but significant in terms of judging originality objectively.

[Nick Culkowski]

No Touch Rule

Lyle, could you elaborate a bit on the "no touch rule"?

[Gary Bishop]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

What I have observed as a very good way show is to:- 1- Remove the Tag carefully from the top. 2- Stitch through the holes where it was attached. 3- Keep in a plastic holder. 4- Just before being judged attach with a "Glue Stick" along the bottom edge. 5- After judging is done remove, rub off the glue, and place back in the plastic holder.

I have also observed business card size tags printed and a new one used each time it is judged.

[Reba Whittington]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

I have seen owners not attach the tag, but slide it into the seam after the car is on the judging field. Sure, one would lose a point, but no more than if it were enclosed in tape or vinyl.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

I have found in checking original tags top, jacking instructions,tire pressure, and ect. with the repops in the year (1973) I have many examples that none I have found really are 100% correct . In other years they may do a better job. I have known original examples I have shown owners on the judging field and compared to vendors products, and I may not have all the different types that were originaly installed . GM may have used more than one vendor with the same wording but a different font but I have not seen this.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

Reba Your giving away my secrets and it's a repo so you can still take a point. Lyle

[Harmon C.]

Re: No Touch Rule

Nick I won't touch a top tag also a painted surface or anything this is the way I understand the rules today for judging . I try not to touch anything without asking while judging but with fender covers you will need to touch but not lean on the owners Corvette. I have no problem judging by looking. What would you say if the top tag fell off when you touched it? You could ask this question at a judging session I'm sure the answer will take some time. Lyle

[Bob Babcock]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

I agree and I certainly did thank Al Knock for the offer of replacement tags. In fact, I posted this with his consent and encouragement. He too is curious how NCRS treats this issue. I told Al that I would report back to him once I hear from the experts on the board. Yep, Al's good with my post.

[Art B.]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

I know I am commiting blasphemy but sometimes I think the paper tag requirement for judged Corvettes is a bit ridiculous. It is the one part that normally has a pretty short life. I have had non-Corvette people think that the presence of the tag is rather amusing. I know what they are thinking: "This guy needs to get a life".

[Wayne W.]

Re: Soft Conv Top Paper Tags

Every one knows that I am for original as much as any body else, but I agree with Art. Judges get anal over things like this, which in reality very petty. They are not knowledgable enough about more important things. There are many important and interesting things to consider on a top, but because judges dont know what they are, they concentrate on the little petty things like the dated rear window and the tag. When I am judging a top, I will find a bunch of things wrong with every reproduction and will note them with very minor deductions, but the tag is the least of my concerns.