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Topic: Convertible top questions

in Forum: C3 Body


Convertible top questions

Posted: 11/24/03 8:48pm Message 1 of 6
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San Antonio, TX - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 117
Vette(s): 1973 Corvette Roadster Elkhart Green, 300hp 4-spd // 2003 Millinium Yellow Coupe
My convertible top is in fairly decent shape, the window is good (after polishing it) the vinyl (white) is not torn or cracked, but is dirty….soap and a brush don’t work, I even experimented with harsher cleaners, with very little improvements, anyone have a magic cleaner for this?

I am contemplating buying a new top (black) any preferences for vinyl or canvas, was canvas an option on my 73’?

What should I expect to pay for someone to install it for me? I contacted a top replacement company; they quoted me a price of $350.00 I am removing the top prior to taking it to them, to detail out the frame.

Thanks,
Rick
|saluteflag|


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Convertible top questions

Posted: 11/24/03 9:53pm Message 2 of 6
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jamestown, ND - USA
Joined: 9/21/2003
Posts: 4
Vette(s): 73 yellow white top convert
Mavrick: I think most tops for c3;s are canvas. I have a yellow 73 with a white canvas and I have seen another yellow 73 at Madison Wisc show earlier this spring with black canvas. Actually I haven't seen any cloth tops on older vettes. The biggest problem with converts is to get the windows tight so as to avoid air and water leaks. I wouldseek out someone that has experience with tops and window adjustment so as to get a first class job. Ecklers and
idamerica both have tops and I beleive they canstamp the back window with the date for your car. Nothing likeasoft top. goood luck tao |bouncy|


Convertible top questions

Posted: 11/25/03 6:00am Message 3 of 6
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Joined: 6/16/2003
Posts: 252
I would go with a Stafast top. They are available from Al Knoch. I think I paid close to $500 labor to have mine done right-no leaks. Your ID doesn't say where you are, but if you are close to Atlanta, GA I have a recommendation on an installer.


Convertible top questions

Posted: 11/25/03 11:21am Message 4 of 6
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Burke, VT - USA
Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7290
Vette(s): SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
SOLD - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am
"BLUBYU" - '04 Coupe
Last spring I was going to replace the top myself until I came to the realization I didn't have the experience (or confidence!) to do a good job. I got the new top from Al Knoch and found a local auto upholstry shop to install it. The $380 was money well spent as the top looks great!

btw - a couple of the the places I contacted weren't even going to talk to me when I intially told them I had already purchased a top kit. Only after telling them that it was an A.K. kit would they give me a quote for the installation. The place that did the work gets all their replacement top kits from A.K.


Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

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

Convertible top questions

Posted: 11/25/03 12:13pm Message 5 of 6
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Canton, MI - USA
Joined: 9/25/2003
Posts: 13
Vette(s): 1971 White Convertible
I just replaced my top and did it myself. It was a pretty good experience. It is a difficult process and takes time. I called a local shop to get a price for installation only since I had the Al Knoch top already and had removed the old one. They quoted me $800 to install only the top. Out of my price range since I already paid $300 for the top.

I cleaned and repainted my frame. I put all new weather stripping on. Hardest part is the final seam that is over the back window.

Either way, the new top really makes the car look great! Have fun and good luck.

Kevin
|wavey|


Convertible top questions

Posted: 11/26/03 10:30pm Message 6 of 6
Former Member
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Joined: 3/9/2003
Posts: 281
Whatever you decide, remember that all of the adjustments that make the top fit better, especially where the windows and weatherstripping are concerned, must be done before the covering is installed. This is where someone who is experienced in getting the top to fit the windows is worth their weight in gold!

|thumb|


'69 350/350 conv.

in Forum: C3 Body


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