1970 Soft Top

[Fabio B.]

Hi,

Does anybody know the style of soft top my 1970 stingray would have been issued with - i.e. vinyl or fabric.

From what I can tell it would have been fabric?

If it is, does anybody know where I could get my hands on one? I've only found the vinyl one's online but they look too cheap and tacky for my liking.

Thanks,

Fabio

[Don W.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

One option is Dr rebuild, although others with convertables may have better info...Don

http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/CONV-TP1.PDF

[John H.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Hi,

Does anybody know the style of soft top my 1970 stingray would have been issued with - i.e. vinyl or fabric.

Fabio -

All C3 Corvettes came originally with vinyl soft tops.

[Terry B.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Try Al Knoch at http://www.alknochinteriors.com/welcome.htm

I have been told by many that you can get the best reproduction top through this company. You need to be sure you know what you want before you order, such as proper date code, correct color, proper length of ribbing, correct stitching, and correct heat sealed rear window.

[Fabio B.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Fabio -

All C3 Corvettes came originally with vinyl soft tops.

Cheers John, good to know.

[Paul L.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Google Haartz Stayfast.

[Fabio B.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Try Al Knoch at http://www.alknochinteriors.com/welcome.htm

I have been told by many that you can get the best reproduction top through this company. You need to be sure you know what you want before you order, such as proper date code, correct color, proper length of ribbing, correct stitching, and correct heat sealed rear window.

I looked into Al Knoch and his products look great, but I've read a few things online where people were complaining about the quality of recent stock - saying it's not a well made as it used to be with it often being cut too short.

Does anybody have a point of view on this? Good/bad experiences?

Thanks,

F

[Don L.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

I'm very happy with my white vinyl top from Al Knoch. If you are looking to keep your car as original, listen to John and do vinyl. The fabric tops look very nice but will give you lots of trouble in judging.

[Todd L.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

I went with an original type date coded top for my 70 from Al Knoch and am very pleased. Here are a couple of quick cell phone pics.

[Terry B.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Todd,

Thanks for the pictures. I'm thinking of replacing my top and would like to see a close up of a couple of areas of your top if possible.

Any way you could take some close up pictures of the stitching patterns by the driver or passenger side door window, the ribbing as it terminates from the windshield corner near the driver side door, the date code stamp, and the warning label? This would be very helpful in seeing how correct the top is to an original.

Thanks,

Terry

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Terry,
You should also pay attention to the roll of material at the front header. Note the material grain pattern, the size of the roll, and the way the ends of the roll turn under the top material at the ends. Also note the trim piece that covers the tack strip at the top rear (above the window). Note the style and location of the chrome terminations and the style of the grain pattern on the trim piece. Both the front roll and the trim cover are a different grain pattern than the top material on original tops. These pieces are a long grain pattern, whilst the top is a square pattern -- for want of a better way to describe them. Words fail me, and I have no pictures. There, however, may be pictures or drawings in the 1968-69 TIM&JG – I know there was at one time.

You should pay attention to these points because the exterior judges will.

[Terry B.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Thanks Terry!

I have taken pictures of originals and appreciate what you said about the other areas too. I hate to put you on the spot but do you know of a better correct top being produced today other than Al Knoch's?

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I think all the tops being produced today do not have the "jock strap" that was located on original tops at the lower base of both driver and passenger side windows.

Here are a few pictures of areas that you have mentioned:

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Terry,

Since I don't own a topless car, I do not keep up with the current state of reproductions. I don't even judge exteriors, except under extraordinary circumstances. Heck, I didn't even sleep in a Holiday Inn Express the last few nights. I wish I would have; it would have been cheaper. Sorry to the New Mexico people; the Embassy Suites is a fine hotel.

Very nice pictures. I don't know squat about the rear window stamp, but the rest are just fine. Now to duplicate them -- this of course is why you are asking. Sorry I forgot about the "Jock Strap." I remember a conversation with someone who talked about making his own roll at the front, but I don't recall that he talked about where he got the long-grain material. I know he mentioned the size of the foam core, but I would be guessing if I mentioned the number (maybe 3/8-inch??).

[Terry B.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Here is another picture that might help.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 Soft Top

Good picture. It shows exactly my points. You have been doing your research, or due diligence as some would say.

Maybe someone who has wrestled with these issues recently will chime in. Some of them are not unique to C3s.