New Convertible Top

[Terry B.]

I am replacing the non original top on my '68 soon. Before I send the order in I want to ask if there is any company out there that makes a convertible top closer to the way the original was constructed for my '68 other than Al Knoch? Thanks for any help.

[Joseph K.]

Re: New Convertible Top

I do not know of any but I spoke Al K at Carslie and he is costantly tring to improve his product to match NCRS standards.

[Don G.]

Re: New Convertible Top

I agree with Joe. Several years ago, I talked to Al about some deviations on his '74 top. He verified the items independently and made the changes on my order.

[Duane D.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Terry, I am also in the market for a new top per NCRS standards for my 1970 Corvette. I would be very interested in what you decide to buy.

Duane Dunlap (50312)

[Terry B.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Duane,

I have heard that Al Knoch tops have the correct stitching, tags, date coded rear window. It sounds like they are the best out there. What I don't think they have is the "jock strap" on the sides of the window area. I have attached a picture of an original '70 top for you to see what I mean. I plan on contacting Al Knock Wednesday and see what they say and what they have or could add to their top.

The picture on the far right is the "jock strap" which is at the bottom corner of each door window.

[Don G.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Terry

The Al Knoch top has a flap that is sewn into the vertical stitching. This flap is glued to the vertical frame member and the vertical weather strip is installed over the flap. This may be what you are referring to.

[Terry B.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Thanks for the replies to this thread.

Just got off the phone with Al Knoch Interiors and ordered the top for the '68. They assured me it would be just like the original including the "jock strap." I had to order a few more things that were extra $ such as the date code for $75, and the windlace for $40. I also ordered the weather stripping too and the hardware kit. I now have another project for over the winter.

[Don G.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Terry

Your last note implies you are planning on installing it yourself. If you have never installed a top, I strongly suggest you enlist the help of someone who has the knowledge through experience to guide and help you through the process. I have never done it myself but I would like to hear comments from others who done it with comments on what they recommend.

[Terry B.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Hi Don and Dolores,

I feel I can do the tear off of the old top and the painting of the convertible frame ( at least I think I should be able to do that ) but that's where the project ends for me. I will have a professional installer do the skilled labor. He has done hundreds and I have not done a one. It will be well worth the installation charge for it to come out correct.

[Terry B.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Just a follow up - I received my convertible top from Al Knoch and it seems to be correct in everyway as the original. I found no problems whatsoever. Yeah! Thanks for everyone's input.

[Terry B.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Hi Terry, Have been thinking about a new top for my 70' would like to see yours when you get it installed...

Thanks
Terry

[Terry B.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Hi Terry,

It will be a while before the convertible top goes on. I started thinking (dangerous and it always costs me money) that this might be the best time to get some body work done on the '68, before putting on the new top. Fixing the revit pops on the nose and some cracks near the hood hinges are among a list of body/paint problems that need to be addressed. As I'm sure you know with the seminars we have attended, paint companies seem to put too large of metal flake in almost all the current formula and '68 British Green is no exception. I have learned that when you decrease the size of the metal flake, you darken the color. My paint company is having some difficulty matching my original paint color using the smaller flake size. Hopefully they will be able to match the paint soon and I will be on to the body repair phase of this year's project. I do not want to start the body work until we have the paint matched. If anyone knows the correct formula of small flake '68 British Green, please let me know. Thanks!

[Tim B.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Hi Terry,

Do you know who you are using to install your top? I'm thinking of buying one for my 69, but don't know anyone in Columbus with the experience to install it. I was thinking of Jim's Trim, but not sure they do tops.

Thanks

[Jim T.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Hi Terry,

It will be a while before the convertible top goes on. I started thinking (dangerous and it always costs me money) that this might be the best time to get some body work done on the '68, before putting on the new top. Fixing the revit pops on the nose and some cracks near the hood hinges are among a list of body/paint problems that need to be addressed. As I'm sure you know with the seminars we have attended, paint companies seem to put too large of metal flake in almost all the current formula and '68 British Green is no exception. I have learned that when you decrease the size of the metal flake, you darken the color. My paint company is having some difficulty matching my original paint color using the smaller flake size. Hopefully they will be able to match the paint soon and I will be on to the body repair phase of this year's project. I do not want to start the body work until we have the paint matched. If anyone knows the correct formula of small flake '68 British Green, please let me know. Thanks!

Terry check out page 24 of the current NCRS Driveline. If you have not received the current issue you can view it online now by going to the last item at the top of this page on the right side. I read the add yesterday online on the page mentioned. A member has 4 gallons of lacquer paint that may be old enough to have the correct metal flake.

[Terry B.]

Re: New Convertible Top

Hi Tim,

My top will be installed by Rob Landers of Cars Plus, 968 Rt 42 South, Xenia, Ohio. 937-372-4591. He has been in the business a long time and does great work for a very resonable price.

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the lead. I will try to view the Driveline online as my paper copy has not arrived as of this date.