Soft Top Tags

[Joe C.]

Has anyone else recieved an Al Knoch soft top with a FABRIC tag? The archives clearly specify paper, but my soft top kit was delivered 4 years ago with a fabric (plain muslin - heavily starched) sewn in. The first time that I washed the car, the tag went limp, and much of the ink was washed out. So I called Al, who, being a fair guy, sent me 5 new fabric tags, gratis. I also bought 1 tag from LICS. This one is HEAVY WHITE PAPER, which sounds like the real deal.

Since the "original" tag is ruined, I will carefully remove it, and use the two sided tape trick for shows only, using the paper, LICS tag.

I thought that Al had a reputation for excellent detail, in most cases. How could he attach such an obviously "incorrect" detail to an otherwise outstanding top.

Joe

[Marc R.]

Re: Soft Top Tags

When I was in Knoxville, I picked up an extra tag from Al--also gratis. It too is fabric.

[Michael D.]

Re: Soft Top Tags

When I was in the Auto Upholstery field Electron Top was the only supplier of convertible tops that used the paper/correct tag. You had to ask for a tag when ordering a Vette top and they would sew it in. Electron was the only company I use because of the tag and quaity and fit of there tops. I believe you could get the correct date stamp on the glass/plastic window as well if you ASKED for either or both. They advertise in Old Cars Mag.,Hot Rod and other car related Magazines. Mike D #1787

[Joe C.]

Re: Soft Top Tags

Thanks Mike. I always felt that Al Knoch made a very good product, and still does. Every time that I have spoken to him, either in person or via telephone, he has been extremely helpful (and eager for any input, as well). The same goes for his excellent staff. That is really the only reason that I am perplexed by this tag business........he really tries his best to be as faithful to original as possible. The top, as I installed it is beautiful, with no wrinkles, and a dead flat rear window, correct spears, stitching, inner pads, date marks, etc. The same goes for his seat covers/cushions/springs/wires/burlaps, etc.
If Long Island Corvette Supply is indeed selling an accurate tag, then he should know that an accurate tag is available for his tops. Or is it that the LICS tag is also not accurate. The LICS paper tag uses a different font, different shade orange/red ink, and is slightly narrower and longer.

Joe

[Harmon C.]

Re: Soft Top Tags

Joe
I had an AK top with a paper tag and I wiped it off toweling off the water from the first wash off of dust. I am not sure their is a good way to solve the problem. I have seen them all covered with plastic on the judging field. If it was on when judged was a deduction made for the plastic and tape?
Lyle

[Joe C.]

Re: Soft Top Tags

Lyle

When did you buy your top from Al? I bought mine in 2001 and it came through with the fabric tag. Maybe he changed to the paper type sometime after I got mine.

I removed the remnants of the fabric tag yesterday. I intend to use two sided tape for temporary placement during shows, etc. I have an accurate (I think) paper tag which I bought from LICS last summer, which I will employ for "show duty".

See the archives from 2002 for more on this. Search terms: "rear window instruction label".

Joe

[Harmon C.]

Re: Soft Top Tags

Joe

I had the top a long time before 2000 I think as the restoration got put on hold as I did easier restorations. Lyle

[dale edlund]

Re: Soft Top Tags

What should I do? Recently had AK soft top put on my 1960 (within the last month)it has fabric tag also. Drove car home, approx 20 miles, noticed fraying of tag. Should I take tag off and save, or leave it on? Also please explain double tape method of holding tag on. One last question, I'am not familiar with LICS. Could someone post address or telephone number.

Thanks to all,

Dale Edlund

[John H.]

Re: Soft Top Tags

Dale -

LICS = Long Island Corvette Supply, (631) 225-3000, www.licorvette.com.