C1 - 61 Convertible top replacement

[Jim K.]

Santa was good to me this year, and left me a new Al Knoch convertible top under the tree. I will be installing it myself and heard that there was an installation video available. My question is if anyone has seen the video, can you recommend it as being as good as the dash installation video, better or worse? I found the dash video only somewhat helpful. Otherwise, any pointers from someone who has installed a new top would be most helpful. Thanks, and Happy New Year!!!
Jim

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 - 61 Convertible top replacement

Jim,

Corvette Central has the Al Knoch Interiors "56-62 Soft Top Installation Video for 79.95 or rent at 59.95 with a 35.00 refund upon return. I never seen it, but the tape is 70 minutes and I bet along the lines of the Dash Pad video

[Ed Jennings NCRS #1550]

Re: C1 - 61 Convertible top replacement

I have never seen the video and cannot comment. I have replaced several tops, and strongly recommend you very carefully adjust the frame while the canvass is off. If you will refrain from attempting to streach the top banjo string tight it will probably operate better and look more original.

[Richard E.]

Re: C1 - 61 Convertible top replacement

Jim - The Knoch video is by and large good, but has a few holes in it, at least for us novices. If you can watch him install one at a show someplace, it would supplement the video very well. Also, there is a good article in the Fall 86 Restorer. Drop me an e-mail if you have any questions....Regards, Dick

[Mike G.]

Re: C1 - 61 Convertible top replacement

I thought the Dash Pad video was pretty weak, but better than nothing. The soft top video looked much more helpful when I watched it, but I haven't yet installed the top, so I can't speak definitively.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C1 - 61 Convertible top replacement

I have seen the C1 video (Al Knoch) and used the C-3 to install a few tops and I feel you can learn enough from the tape to make the rental cost seem cheap. I watched it a few times then set it up in the shop and went step by step and got good results but each one I did turned out better as their is a learning curve..

[Jim K.]

Re: C1 - 61 Convertible top replacement

Thanks all!!! Mike, I felt the same way about the dash video, but better than going at it alone. When I was into Corvairs, Clarks Corvairs in MA. had great instructions with every piece of interior and convertible top they produce (and they make it all), for the top, there was a 4 or 5 page step by step guide with pictures and arrows, etc. that top came out 99% perfect. Other than this board, it's hard to find a vendor that can or will walk you through it. Thanks again!!!