1965 Top Frame Adjustment

**Michael G.** · May 21, 2011, 05:18 PM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

George,

Did my own top recently.....which came out nicely. I've read the Rowely Corvette tutorial which for me left some questions as the images were difficult to see. The Al Knoch DVD (rented through Keen Parts) however paid dividends as he took you through all the processes start to finish. Both indivduals use differing methods to put their tops on however would plan on having another person there for the extra set of hands. The top will be a snug fit with not a lot of room for error but measure twice....cut once. A heat gun (used in moderation) can be your friend as well when stretching certain areas but be careful. Will need glue as well as sharp scissors. Lastly, be patient

**George C.** · May 21, 2011, 08:46 PM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

Michael,

My problems with the Corvette are getting the bows right. I see a lot of cars with the rear bow way off the rear deck, and mine was that way with the old top.
I think I need measurements for the top straps, and then the dimension between the header and the middle bows. Right now the rear bow measures 16 1/4 inches from the tack strip, seems to me if I lengthen the straps, I can get the rear bow closer to the deck. Then I would like dimensions between all the bows, so I can be sure they are right, or change them when I install the new pads.
Do you have measurements from when you did yours?
Thank you,
George

**Michael G.** · May 21, 2011, 09:09 PM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

Originally posted by George Cooper (36908)

Michael,

My problems with the Corvette are getting the bows right. I see a lot of cars with the rear bow way off the rear deck, and mine was that way with the old top.
I think I need measurements for the top straps, and then the dimension between the header and the middle bows. Right now the rear bow measures 16 1/4 inches from the tack strip, seems to me if I lengthen the straps, I can get the rear bow closer to the deck. Then I would like dimensions between all the bows, so I can be sure they are right, or change them when I install the new pads.
Do you have measurements from when you did yours?
Thank you,
George

George,

My top was a Al Knoch branded top. Came w/pads which had the bow settings already marked on the pad where to place your bows for stapling. What brand did you purchase and are you installing new pads?.......I'm assuming you are as your asking about measurements.

**George C.** · May 21, 2011, 10:08 PM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

Michael,
Allright we are making some progress! I have an Al Knoch top kit with pads, and just went back out to look at them again. I found the markings, I just hadn't opened up the pads and removed the foam before, so I didn't see the chalk marks on the inside. I havent even removed the original pads yet, just the top cover.
When I opened up hte new pads and layed them over the top frame, it looks like my number 2 bow is too far forward by about 3/4 of an inch. That would also raise the rear bow up off the deck as well.
Now if I can get some help on the rear bow and straps I can get this project moving again.
I have looked at the pictures I posted and looked at that rear bow again, I am convinced it is bent, might pull it off in the morning and see if I can reshape it to fit the deck better.
Thank you for your help,
George

**Michael G.** · May 21, 2011, 10:24 PM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

Originally posted by George Cooper (36908)

Michael,
Now if I can get some help on the rear bow and straps I can get this project moving again.
Thank you for your help,
George

What help on straps?

**George C.** · May 22, 2011, 08:33 AM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

Michael,
The straps that establish the distance between the rear bow, and the tack strip above the rear window. The current measurement between those two bows is 16 1/4 inches.
I have not been able to find a standard dimension for this, but I believe if I increase the length of these straps it will also allow me to get the rear bow to sit tighter against the rear deck lid.
One more question, did you have tension cables along the side rails of the top? There are none on mine, yet they are shown in the 63 service manual.
I am still trying to find my 65 supplement to see if there is mention of them.

Thanks again for all your help,
George

**Michael G.** · May 22, 2011, 09:13 AM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

Originally posted by George Cooper (36908)

Michael,
The straps that establish the distance between the rear bow, and the tack strip above the rear window. The current measurement between those two bows is 16 1/4 inches.
I have not been able to find a standard dimension for this, but I believe if I increase the length of these straps it will also allow me to get the rear bow to sit tighter against the rear deck lid.
One more question, did you have tension cables along the side rails of the top? There are none on mine, yet they are shown in the 63 service manual.
I am still trying to find my 65 supplement to see if there is mention of them.

Thanks again for all your help,
George

No tension cables George.

16.25 inches is too close. Once the new pads have been installed will establish bow position. Now.....with the front header/rear bow snapped into place and your new straps attached to r/bow will pull straps up onto bow #3 and staple into place. Btw.....new top has already been slid into postion on rear bow at this point. Keep in mind.....straps will need to be attached to r/bow before new top is attached to r/bow.

Again....most if not all questions are answered on the Al Knoch DVD.

RestoMike

**George C.** · May 22, 2011, 11:04 AM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

RestoMike,
Thats great information, I found my 65 supplement and there was nothing about the convertible top, so I was thinking I needed the cables as shown in the 63 manual. The instructions for dry fitting the top to establish how it lays up to the tack strip were a little light as you said but I get it now based on your post.
I have decided to change the tack strips, as they were starting to deteriorate. So I will order them tonight & see how quickly they arrive. A little painting on some of the frame today and that is about it.
Thanks again,
George

**Michael G.** · May 22, 2011, 11:27 AM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

I purchased my top through Keen Parts as well as rented the Al Knoch DVD. Other vendors may offer the rental opportunity but the info on DVD is invaluable.

The DVD will cover this but ensure front header is locked into place before fitting and stapling new pads into place.

**George C.** · May 22, 2011, 09:25 PM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

Michael,
Hi the frame is all painted and ready to go. I will see about getting the video, as you have convinced me it is worth having.

Thanks again,
George

If anyone readung this thread has the Al Knoch 63-67 Convertible top DVD to loan out or rent please let me know.

Thank you,
George

**George C.** · May 26, 2011, 10:59 PM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

I have received my new tack strips, and need to know how all the members install them.
The front bow is all about the tabs, and the originals ddin't have any glue on them. The rear tack strip appeared that it may have been glued in. Or is it just wedged in there due to the shape of the bow? The smaller strips to attach the top pads also seemed to be glued in.

Have you used glue to install new tack strips, if so what kind?

Thank you,
George

**Chuck G.** · May 27, 2011, 04:18 AM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

I'm no expert, George, but I have been involved in putting on 6-7 tops over the years.

Usually these have been "team efforts" involving 2-3 guys pitching in, working slowly over a week's time. We could never make any money doing it.

EVERY time I've been involved in a convertible top, we have had the Al Knoch video, cued up in the garage, so we can play and replay it. I do not own that video myself. Members of my NCRS Chapter "back up North" had it.

Two things:

First of all, spend HOURS getting the top frame to fit the windows. Install the weatherstrip in/around the side windows. You might have to adjust the windows in the door.

This is critical, because once the top is on, you can't "tweak" it without creating wrinkles somewhere else.

Secondly, we have replaced the tacks strips with the plastic/rubber ones currently available from Al Knoch. We have glued them in place using contact cement. The only problem we have encountered is that the plastic/rubber ones you get today are much narrower and thinner than the channel above the rear window. You'll have to cut and piece the material in to get it to fill the channel. Maybe today, wider, thicker material is available?

Chuck

**Michael G.** · May 27, 2011, 08:23 AM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

Originally posted by Chuck Gongloff (5629)

Secondly, we have replaced the tacks strips with the plastic/rubber ones currently available from Al Knoch. We have glued them in place using contact cement. The only problem we have encountered is that the plastic/rubber ones you get today are much narrower and thinner than the channel above the rear window. You'll have to cut and piece the material in to get it to fill the channel. Maybe today, wider, thicker material is available?

Chuck

George,

To echo what Chuck had to allow, the new strips are narrower....no big deal as they still fit in the channels. In my case used 3M Weatherstrip glue, sold most auto supply stores. Strips for the header are much thinner than original. Play with it before you cut and glue....as stated before, measure twice. Lastly, we used a Arrow T-50 (fairly heavy duty stapler) to staple pads into place. You will want to tamp the staples down flush, if not they will show through the top.

**Gary B.** · May 27, 2011, 09:56 AM

Re: 1965 Top Frame Adjustment

Following the great tips in this thread.

I have a question..... Do you leave a bit of slack in the top material to allow for future shrinkage when the top is down?

1965 Top Frame Adjustment

1965 Top Frame Adjustment

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