Convertible Top Installation

[Mark Jekot]

Looking for a quality installer to supply / install a convertible top. I live in the Denver Colorado area. I can purchase the top, but do not know how difficult the install would be. Also want to refurb the top frame. Blast and repaint. Spray or powder coat?

As always,
Thanks for the advice.

Mark
#33661

[John W.]

Re: Convertible Top Installation

Mark,

You don't mention model year. I just a had a local installer that came highly recommended put a top on my '62. It was an Al Knock dated top. The installer came to my home garage to do the work. He and I worked for about 12 hours total. I had the old top off. I had sanded and painted the frame and installed all new tack strips, and weather strips. I was not able to get the top frame aligned the way I wanted, so I thought I would wait for the PRO. He and I worked on alignment for quite a while. He said he thought we were close enough and could make final adjustments when we got the top installed.

Well he did a conscientious job of installing the top. It really looked good. He took his time to make things right. There were several parts that he could never have gotten done if I had not been there to help him. The rear bow weatherstrip and the front header weatherstrip were the worst.

When it was all finished we tried to make final adjustments. When we got it about where we wanted it, I noticed that we had managed to pull the frame away from the windshield. There was a quarter inch gap between the top of the frame and the glass. The top is so tight that I can't latch the front and the back at the same time. I still have to pull the windshield to put in a new gasket, and re-seat the glass.

Then I get to rip off my new top and find a way to get to Bloomington or somewhere I can get Al Knock's people to install my New New top. I'm only out about $800 or $900 dollars so far.

I wish you a lot better luck than I had.

John

[Tom B.]

Re: Convertible Top Installation

Mark,

Have you looked in the Portal? You can find just about any Corvette related business or service there. You may need to register but it's free. A friend in Florida recently had an installer come to his house and did an excellant job on his '69. I saw it at the NCM on Labor Day so I know that there is at least one guy that can get it right. As always, ask for references.

Good luck,
Tom




The Portal