64 Convertible top

[Rod R.]

Has anyone had experience with mid-year convertible tops made by Kee Auto Top Manufacturing? I know one vendor who thinks it is a good top. I am looking for options other than an AK top. Any help or guidance will be appreciated.

[Dale M.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Sorry Rod I don't have any input, I am looking to redoing my top in a year or so. We have an installer locally here that does not like the fit or the AK tops. I just saw a '59 that he installed, but the top was returned to AK to match the bindings with the top. Knoch had no problem and acomplainedabout good help. Just used two different materials.

[Gene M.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

[SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Calibri]I have an Al Knoch (AK) top that does not fit correctly on my ’64; actually is too small and cannot be installed properly. I have read in the past on this forum about the “Kennedy pattern” which is supposed to fit better, but AK apparently does not offer such a top. ......................

YES, YES, those AK tops fit like a 300 pound, 5 foot tall guy wearing a speedo. TOO small, TOO short, TOO tight, Not cut correct around side windows (my worst pet peeve). When John Kennedy was with us I had a long talk with him on most of the issues with the AK tops. But until someone starts producing a correct and correct fitting soft top my interest as far as NCRS will be to use the hard top.

[Bill W.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Hi Rod . Bob Jourdain & Dave Dawdy are putting on a A K top on Bobs 63 . It is a Kennedy cut . Dont go by the movie Al sells use the directions that come with the top .We did allot checking and Als Kennedy cut was everyone first choice .Good luck . Bill

[Rod R.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Your description is perfect for my AK top. Too small, short, and tight. Unfortunately, my car did not come with a hard top so I have to use the soft top.

[Rod R.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Hey Bill. Good to hear from you. Tell Bob and Dave "hi". Do you know how they obtained a Kennedy cut from AK? I do have the AK movie, what is wrong with his method of installation? I wonder if the top in the movie was a Kennedy?..........it fit and AK did not have the issues I had with being too tight/small. Makes you wonder why he doesn't adopt the Kennedy cut as the standard top? Take care. Rod

[Edward J.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

I installed a Al Knoch top on my 63 myself. watched the Video about 4 times. I had never installed a top before my 63 and My feeling he video was right on. As far as the judging prospective my car has been judged at the chapter level at this time and The judges made good comments on the install and a few very minor comments on the sealing strip. front. before ording I did call Al and told them to make sure it was thecorrect dia. sealing strip on the front and the kennedy cut. I am fussy and feel the the top quality was great. Its been a year now and have had no issues. Rod good luck.

[Bill W.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Rod when we called A K to order the top we asked if we could get the Kennedy cut and they said no problem . We had problems with the pads and the rear bow fitting , could have been us ? but the directions that came with the top were good .

[Roger P.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Hi Rod,
I installed a new AK vinyl top on my '65 about 2 years ago and it fits and looks great. However, I did my homework before ordering the AK top. There is a very experienced installer (and restorer) on the CF that I consulted with before buying my top from AK. He has been installing C1 and C2 tops for decades and explained that it is all about the installer. The first and most important step is making sure that the frame is adjusted to fit the car. He told me to find an experienced installer in my area (South Florida) which I did with the help of the late Dale from AK (a real good guy... may he R.I.P.). The installer charged me around $ 500.00 to replace my top and all the weatherstripping pieces which I also purchased from AK. I was contemplating using the Stayfast material, but my top is white and it isn't made in white. In hindsight, I am happy that I went with the vinyl top. Overall, the job was relatively inexpensive and I have no regrets or complaints. I am pretty handy like a lot of car guys, but I think this is one job that should be done by an experienced installer.

Good luck,
Roger

[Rod R.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Thanks Bill. I will give AK a call and order the Kennedy cut.

Rod

[Rod R.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Edward, thanks for your reply. Good to hear you had success installing your top using AK's video as a reference. Do you know if the top you have is the Kennedy cut?

[Rod R.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Roger, thanks for your reply. You have a good point about the frame being adjusted correctly. A friend and I adjusted the frame before attempting the installation, but that does not mean it is right on..........we will check it again. Your point about having an experienced installer do the work is something I am considering.....have to research who has the experience to do such a job around here.

You indicated Dale, at AK, passed on. I did not know that. Talked to him last year and numerous times before. He was always helpful. R.I.P. Dale.

Thanks,
Rod

[Edward J.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Edward, thanks for your reply. Good to hear you had success installing your top using AK's video as a reference. Do you know if the top you have is the Kennedy cut?

Rod , I Did have the Kennedy cut. this was one of the areas that everyone was telling me that was important for the install. along with the 3/8 diameter front sealing strip.

[Rod R.]

Re: 64 Convertrible top

Thanks Edward. I will go for the Kennedy cut and the 3/8 diameter front sealing strip. I appreciate your help. Rod