Just getting ready to install my new convertible top and I hope to get it done by C3Extravaganza. I was just wondering if anyone has any tips or secrets they would like to share. Really any words of encouragement would be great also. I have never done this but have watched Al Knoch installation video twice now, so I figure I can do it in about 45 minutes or so. 

I am installing the Stayfast type top. It is made of the same material the C5 top is made of. Should look really good on my vette. Hopefully all will go well and I will have some pics to post over the weekend of my big mess.

If you have the video hopefully things will go well, Vette fever had and artical about the installation and of coarse I can't find it, what I can remember about it is the top frame should be on the car and adjusted for proper operation before install less weather strips, and a pair of something I can't recall the name of, great help huh?! and the door glass adjust last, ANYway good luck!

BTW, did you do the install of the 5-speed on your car, if you did how hard was it to get the trans input shaft past the bell housing and in?anips38624.8370833333

45 minutes?! You must be plannin' on a coffee break in there somewhere!

Only advice I have is to take your time( ), measure twice--cut once, and make sure you have everything you need to do the job before you start. Good luck, and let us know how you do.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I was going to do the 'Do-It-Yourself' a couple of years ago, then chickened out and took it to a local upholstery shop.  Best money I've spent on "The Toy".

Check out the replies and the web-sites referenced in these two threads ('Replacing Soft Top?' and 'Convertible Top Replacement'). Might be of some help.

Norsky38624.9332523148

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Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Cover the paint.  Watch the video several more times and make sure it is very very tight or it will look like doo doo when you finish.  Make sure you have everything before you start; it will take more than 45 minutes.  U can do it.  Good luck! OH6A38625.7116550926

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C3VR Life Member #4
NCM Life Member #994
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Life Member

I did mine last winter with the Al Knoch kit and video.  First let me say that when I called to order it over the phone I had several questions and told them I was a complete novice at this.  Next thing you know I was talking to Al Knoch himself.  He said "Call me any time if you have any questions and we will get it done" and then he gave me his personal cell phone number.

I got the video and watched it several times, then began.  I would watch a little, do a little, watch a little, do a little etc.  I got stuck on something (could not get the tack strip in properly if I recall) and called the cell number -on a Saturday- fully expecting a "Leave me a message and I will call you back".  Mr. Knoch answered after 2 rings and kindly helped me out.  I ended up calling him twice more over the next couple of days.

I don't see anybody being able to do this in 45 minutes.  Even the guys at the Al Knoch tent at Bloomington took longer than that.  I would say plan on one very long day or full weekend.

Careful with the interior retaining straps on the rear bow.  The video does not address them very well and I left one of mine a little too long.  Also watch the top piece that covers the rear bow staples (the strip that has the metal tips screwed onto the ends).  It is easy to miss the tack strip with the staple gun as you come over the top.

I have had mine on for about 10 months now and am still very happy with how it turned out.  It looks tight and near perfect as far as I can tell.  Take your time and call the company if you get stuck.

Good luck

Neil

 

 

 

 

Great customer service if I have heard it. Neil I am where you were at when you called Al on the phone. I am stuck trying to get the tack strip into the bows. I don't want to make a big mess of my bows. So, fill a fellow forum member in on how to get the tack strip in and also did you glue the rub strips to the bow? The new rub strips are MUCH thicker than the old ones I took out. The old ones were about 1/2" maybe, the new ones are easily 3/4" or better.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Eddie 7038627.2318171296

Hi Eddie

I redid the tack strip on all my bows also and it was a definite PITA.  When I saw how wide the tack strip was I thought they had made a mistake and sent me the wrong stuff.  Remember that no one is going to see it once it is in.  I think I even broke a piece trying to squeeze it in.  Do you have the fiber kind or the newer rubber type?  Anyway I had the fiber type - almost like heavy cardboard - and I mostly just forced it in a little at a time with a large straight edge screwdriver.  Also pressed some of it in using a "C" clamp.  Just be patient and do a little at a time.  I think I also used a shot of WD40 here and there to help it slip into the bow channel, but that also let it slip out easier too.  One of the bows is wider than the others and that one is easy.  Do that one first for practice.

The rub felt is easy to glue on but is quite thick.  I did not cut mine thinner but thought about it.  I thought maybe after a while it might compress down so that is why it is so thick to start with.  After almost a year it is still pretty thick.  If I had it to do over again I might trim off 1/4 inch or so with scissors beforehand and then glue the cut side onto the bow and leave the finished side facing up.

I had mine at a show yesterday with the top up.  Not a wrinkle in that baby!  Don't give up.

Regards
Neil

 

 My tack strip is the fiber type also. I thought about it and thought about it last night, I finally went out in the garage and got a pair of channel locks and squeezed the smaller pieces in on the one bow I have out right now. They both went in but I was still leary so I came and checked the forum because I was wanting to check and see if you had responded. I thought the tack strip should be easier to install.
 I believe I can handle the tack strip now. I was going about the same way as you. Now I have to sneak the scissors out of the kitchen and into the garage.
Thanks for you words of encouragement Neil.

I am taking pictures and going to post some later. Hopefully, the pics will be something to look at.

Eddie:
         I did install a top on my 72 many many years ago...and it took me all fricken day...spent more then 45 minutes just removing one wrinkle.

Honestly Last year I picked up two new tops for my 64 and 72 at Carlisle...and the very first thing I did when I got home was to call a
pro....
 
Heck he charged  almost 600 dollars  to install both tops...and both are completely wrinkle free and tight ... 

So instead of watching the video twice and spending an afternoon in the garage on each car( mor elike a full day or two)  I spent 600 bucks..spend the saved time playing with the kids mother ...(don't tell her I said that)...

Bob G.


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Bob
64,72 & 98 Corvette Ragtops
76 & 79 & qa 88 ANC Corvette Coupes

Click on any image for larger view!

I finally got it done today. I guess it took me a whole week of tinkering with it to get it done. Okay, here are a few photos for you to look at.

It may have taken me all week but I do have the satisfaction of saying that I did it myself. It is not perfect but it will do. 

looks sweet as hell. Ill keep ya in mind as Im replacing my in a few months
Glenn


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Man that looks perfect from the photos!  Nice tight back window - no waves.  Looks like you did a super job.  Its like anything else - the first time you do it it takes all week but if you had to do it again it would be alot easier.

Congratulations

Neil