New Top

[James H.]

I have a 1966 convertible. This car has never been restored. The only part replaced on it, other than brakes and a muffler, is the carburetor. I'm thinking about having Al Knoch replace the top. I'm led to believe that it's the original top. The date stamp on the window says "vinlite AS 6 ucc-m28." Each time I raise or lower the top, little pieces of thread fall off.

I'm new to maintaining a vintage Vette, so I'm wondering, would I be making a mistake by replacing the top.

I do drive the car, but never in the rain. And I do have a hardtop for it.

[Jack H.]

Re: New Top

Well, the answer here depends on what your objective(s) are for the car...

NCRS has award/recognition programs in two main categories: (1) restored cars, and (2) unrestored cars. The first is what we call Flight judging while the second we call Star/Bowtie judging. The programs are defined in the NCRS Judging Reference Manual which you might want to obtain to read and understand how the two paths work.

For unrestored cars, they can only be a candidate for Star/Bowtie consideration ONCE in their life (controlled by recording the VIN number). So, should you decide to go down the path of restoring the car, you effectively close the door to the car ever being a viable candiate for consideration as a restored car.

Bottom line, the advice you seek depends upon what objective you've set your sights on for this Corvette. IF you decide to campaign the car in the unrestored category (Star/Bowtie), the best advice I can give you is to do NOTHING with the car until you've read and understood the intracies of that program!

[Steven B.]

Re: New Top

James, this is only my personal experience for what it is worth. In Nov. '64 I bought a quite original '57. The next summer I replaced the soft top material and pads and also the carpet. Since the carpet was not "furry" or heavily looped I thought it must be worn out. The top had a small 1/2 inch tear, the thread breaking in a few spots and the rear window was yellowed a bit. I wish I would have kept them on the car. I still remember the top, pads and carpet in the trash can. Since then I rebuild what I can.

Steve

[Jack C.]

Re: New Top

Don't replace the top, keep it original. Look into Bowtie and Survivor judging.