Midyear convertible top replacement question

[Edward S.]

Considering replacing the convertible top on my 1966 midyear. Was hoping someone could recommend the best replacement top manufacturer and an installer in the Long Island area. Perhaps a breakdown of cost of top and install too. Thanks!!

[Gene M.]

Re: Midyear convertible top replacement question

Advice: For judging just put the hardtop on and not have any judging issues. ALL THE TOPS OFFERED FIT LIKE CRAP. COMPARED TO THE WAY ORIGINALS FIT WHEN NEW THE OFFERINGS TODAY DON’T CUT IT.

Knowing how the top should fit I would not recommend anything out there currently. They are all too small. But you may be less critical of the fit and be pleased.

When John Kennedy was alive he was quite knowledgeable of how the top should fit. And we discussed the disinterest of the top manufacturer’s to produce a correct fitting top. Even the so called “Kennedy” top is not per John’s pattern.

[Edward D.]

Re: Midyear convertible top replacement question

Al Knoch does the best tops and interiors. They do them on the road at shows by appointment. Check their website and see what shows they are doing. I know they are always at Carlisle. Saw them doing their thing here in Florida at NCRS regional in Lakeland. They have the best repro materials and skilled craftsmen who know what they are doing on installation.

[Edward S.]

Re: Midyear convertible top replacement question

Thanks for the response. Given your information, i think I will nurse the top for a while more. It's a little moldy on the inside but, I think I can clean that up without causing an additional problem. I do not have the car judged, it is a driver.

[Edward S.]

Re: Midyear convertible top replacement question

thanks, Edward. I have seen them at Carlisle. Not sure I want to chance a 6 hr drive or so from Long Island for Install. I checked with them to see if they have an approved installer closer to home.

[Darryl D.]

Re: Midyear convertible top replacement question

Al Knoch does the best tops and interiors. They do them on the road at shows by appointment. Check their website and see what shows they are doing. I know they are always at Carlisle. Saw them doing their thing here in Florida at NCRS regional in Lakeland. They have the best repro materials and skilled craftsmen who know what they are doing on installation.

Yes, however I recently bought a top from them and had it installed by a seasoned top installer and it was too short and would not latch after install. The installer said the top was too short. I spoke with Al himself and he didn't think it was possible, asked why the installer installed it if it was too short. The installer said no reason to check it if the man. cut them right. He said, she said. Al sent me a new top cut longer but I have not had it installed yet. I seem to recall a restomod builder saying that Knoch's tops are too short and he always request extra length when he orders one.

[Joe R.]

Re: Midyear convertible top replacement question

Sorry Darryl but your seasoned installer is lying thru his teeth. The tops are cut with extra material and have to be cut by the installer so they will fit properly. Your seasoned installer cut it too short and would not admit his mistake.
All Al Knock tops have several inches of extra material. There is a video by Al Knock that shows the extra material and shows how to measure and cut properly. Maybe your seasoned installer should purchase one.

JR

[Darryl D.]

Re: Midyear convertible top replacement question

Sorry Darryl but your seasoned installer is lying thru his teeth. The tops are cut with extra material and have to be cut by the installer so they will fit properly. Your seasoned installer cut it too short and would not admit his mistake.
All Al Knock tops have several inches of extra material. There is a video by Al Knock that shows the extra material and shows how to measure and cut properly. Maybe your seasoned installer should purchase one.

JR

Well, all I can tell you is that Al sent me one with longer material. Why would he do that unless he thought there might be a problem? Maybe your right but my installer has been doing them for 40 years. I will make sure when I have the new top put on. I will make a mark on it and measure it from the mark back to the uncut front of the top.

[Gene M.]

Re: Midyear convertible top replacement question

There is no “extra material” side to side and between rear window and side windows. That’s why the tops are too small. The pattern is just made too small. They fit “short” all around the side windows. The w/s is way more exposed than GM originals when new. Definitely not fitted as the originals GM put on the cars.

[Darryl D.]

Re: Midyear convertible top replacement question

Sorry Darryl but your seasoned installer is lying thru his teeth. The tops are cut with extra material and have to be cut by the installer so they will fit properly. Your seasoned installer cut it too short and would not admit his mistake.
All Al Knock tops have several inches of extra material. There is a video by Al Knock that shows the extra material and shows how to measure and cut properly. Maybe your seasoned installer should purchase one.

JR

I should mention that since this thread is for C2 tops my convertible car is a 1957.

[Gene M.]

Re: Midyear convertible top replacement question

I should mention that since this thread is for C2 tops my convertible car is a 1957.

Perhaps the initial topic should be adhered to. Start a new thread to cover a different year model configuration. Solid axle and mid year cars are totally different to cover in same discussion.