C2 Convertible top replacement

[Steve D.]

63 Convertible

I checked the archives and found a 2008 thread regarding the fact that replacement tops may be smaller than original, resulting in tighter fit. I inferred that this meant a more difficult installation. An current wisdom regarding choice of vendor for new top and tips for installation?

Steve

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

Steve,

You will probably get many tips and I will give you mine. Make sure to fit the frame to the doors before you install the top material.

[Paul J.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

Steve:

There are two different "cuts", one of which is supposedly larger and fits the frame easier. I don't remember what the name of this "cut" is, but it is in the archives. I believe that Al Knock can supply either one. I also seem to remember from past discussion that most people prefer the tighter, more original "cut".

Paul

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

Steve,

You will probably get many tips and I will give you mine. Make sure to fit the frame to the doors before you install the top material.

That's an excellent tip. Here's another. Make sure the car is on it's wheels when the top is fitted/installed, not on jack stands. Don't laugh, I've seen it done that way. It gets ugly when the car is back on it's wheels.

[Larry S.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

The larger cut is called the "Kennedy pattern". I hope you have better success that I did on this topic. Some say smaller cut, others say it doesn't fit, some people buy from a vendor other that Al Knoch where I don't think you get a choice of cuts like Knoch, etc.

[Jeff A.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

Based on recommendations on this and another forum, I ordered the Kennedy cut from Al Knoch. The fit was extremely tight and required considerable modification (i.e., $ome di$crete hidden cut$ and refitting) by my installer. The end result was drum tight and Top Flight, but not without hassle and expense.

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

If the Kennedy cut is supposed to be larger and it is that tight, then the regular cut must be a real challenge to install.

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

Tim

I've done most of the work on this project myself, including the seats, but I'm wondering if the top is "a bridge too far".

[Jeff A.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

If the Kennedy cut is supposed to be larger and it is that tight, then the regular cut must be a real challenge to install.

Steve,
There's always the possibility that Knoch sent me the wrong pattern and I just didn't know it. I did have to return the first top they sent because they forgot to stitch in the dealer 'do not remove' tag.
Good luck!
Jeff

[Jack H.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

You will probably get many tips and I will give you mine. Make sure to fit the frame to the doors before you install the top material.

I agree with this advice! Typically, folks strip the old soft top and dive in putting on the new one. Then, when it's final fit is complete, they notice rubber weather stripping along the side windows doesn't fit. That invokes a second fitting proceedure where door panels come off and the side windows are re-adjusted to fit the newly installed soft top...

The factory had a 'jig' to get the geometry correct. Plus, side window adjustment was supposed to be correct for BOTH the soft top as well as the optional hard top!

I've seen some savvy shops lay on a rather untouched hard top, to get the side glass adjusted properly. Then, with the old soft top removed from the frame, adjust the frame to get its fit 'correct' to the front, rear and sides.

Finally, with the soft top frame 'properly' adjusted, THEN go and install the replacement soft top material...

[Stuart F.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

Your'e all talking about the mistake I made back in 1976, but I bought a junk top to begin with. My frame needed so much work that I stripped off all the material including the pads and lost my bow spacing. Also, I did all new weatherstripping at the same time. Since then, neither my H.T. or soft top fit right to the rear deck or the doors. Good thing I live in Florida so I have the top down most of the time. I will let Al and his pros do it next time, but first I will re-hang my doors (bushing kit), and try to get a better fitting door weather stripping so I can get a good alignment of the doors to the deck. I had them redo my seats this year at Kissimmee and the quality and fit is beyond my hope and expectations. Even better was the color and texture match to my original door panels and center arm rest. Perfect! It's a pleasure to sit up straight once again (and I thought it was all due to my 70 year old frame).

Stu Fox

[Harry S.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

Another tip. If you have a hard-top, fit the hardtop first to the deck, latches and windows. May mean window adjustments. Then do the soft-top frame without adjusting the windows, latches and deck. Then add the fabric.

If you do the soft-top first, you may never get the hard-top to fit correctly.

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

Stu

Is there a VIN Number stenciled on that 70 year old frame? Sounds like an interesting article for the Restorer.

[Stuart F.]

Re: C2 Convertible top replacement

Steve;

Naw, not too interesting. But it was date coded August 23, 1939. It's showing it's age alot now too; the finish is all wrinklie, the joints are stiff and worn (makes it hard to get it up or down), and it leaks alot - specially during the night.

Now then, aren't you sorry you asked?

Seriously, I have made a tentative appointment to have my top replaced at next years show. All I have to do is live that long and get the doors fit properly.

Stu Fox