what to do with a original 65 convertible soft top

[Keith B.]

On my dads new 65 L76 convertible project it still retains the original black folding top. It is in fair shape with no rips or tares. The front bow seam as come apart and of coarse the back window is not clear. It is also very stiff. I feel it could be used on a bowtie style car or just saved due to it being original. For this project we are having the car painted and everything else gone over, so the top really can't be used. I can get pictures of it later today if needed.

[Gene M.]

Re: what to do with a original 65 convertible soft top

You realize if someone was to want the top for an original application they would want the canvass, top frame all intact. IMHO

[Keith B.]

Re: what to do with a original 65 convertible soft top

Yes I realize that. That's the dilemma

[Jim D.]

Re: what to do with a original 65 convertible soft top

The 65 L78 I just picked up still has its original top. It hadn't been up in at least 25 years as that's how long it had been sitting in a garage with the hardtop on. The material is very stiff and the window is a nice shade of yellow. When I replace it, it will go in the trash. I can't imagine anyone having a use for a 50+ year old brittle top.

[Alan D.]

Re: what to do with a original 65 convertible soft top

Get many pictures ssssssss!

[Richard M.]

Re: what to do with a original 65 convertible soft top

I would call Al and/or Elliot Knoch at Al Knoch Interiors and see if they would use it as a guide to improve their tops.

However, I don't think they could locate the identical material grain. I know of no supplier that has vinyl in the identical grain.

But it could show them how the header horizontal is detailed and they'd do a much better job supplying restorers.

Also how the rear window seam was originally made. Theirs is not the same as original.

Rich

[Tim G.]

Re: what to do with a original 65 convertible soft top

I had a nice original complete top from an early 66 on my '67 blue roadster when i bought it. A friend had bought a survivor 66 without a good top. We did some horse trading and his survivor 66 now has a properly dated nice black top. He traded plus cash for a '67 frame and bought soft top material, so we both won. If it is decent, someone will trade a frame plus enough cash to buy Al Knoch material for a new top for you.

[Jim S.]

Re: what to do with a original 65 convertible soft top

Just a reminder that the first (#1) bow differs between early and late 1965 tops. Early cars have a 3/8" round (#1) bow and later cars have bows that are all 5/16" thick by 3/4" wide.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: what to do with a original 65 convertible soft top

If your original top is in good shape you can do some repairing.

If your rear glass is not to far gone you could use a headlight restore kit on it
i would ask Gene Manning if this could be done on it.

Maybe the front bow can be re-glued, re-stapled and replace the wind lace?

[Ronald L.]