Topic: Convertible Top
in Forum: C3 Body
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Former Member
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Fayetteville, NC - USA
Joined: 2/13/2005
Posts: 244
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette Convertable, 4 spd, 350 SB, Daily Driver
Hey everyone, I am looking into re-doing my top. The only pieces re-usable are the frame, the hardware, and the plastic header panel. That said, I can not believe the estimates on replacing the top and the weatherstrip. I have seen kits that sell in the $400.00 range, so an estimate of $1000.00 plus seems a little high to me. So I am considering doing the project myself. How about some opinions please?
JR
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Former Member
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Bladenboro, NC - USA
Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.
JR....I'll sell you my vinyl hardtop for less than that.
Did you try The Top Shop in Hope Mills? (if it's still there)

Back in the spring of 2003 I bought a top kit from Al Knoch Interiors with the intention of doing the job myself. If you dig back through this forum to that timeframe you should find several threads that discussed replacing tops. I ended up running out of time (and confidence that I could do a good job) and had a local upholstery shop do the install for under $400.

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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Here's "Eddie 70"'s post on Conv. Top Install His turned out nicely!
Should have some good info for ya.
Should have some good info for ya.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 2/20/2003
Posts: 548
Vette(s): Frederick County Corvette Club (Maryland)
Tan 64 365 Hp Conv 4 sp
Red 72 4 sp Conv ..running a '68 327
Blue 76 Coupe L 48 4 sp
White 79 Coupe L 82 auto
Silver 98 Conv, 6 sp
35th Anniv '88 vette
I replace the top myself on my 72 years ago ...came out pretty good I THOUGHT.... However 2 years ago I had an upholstery shop install a new one on both my 64 and 72...
To be honest I would never do this myself again... too much work
to get it Perfect (wrinkle free )...
You may want to strip everything down and really look at the frame..
I had some minor rust on the piece that runs along the windshield.. with the top removed it would be a perfect time to fix any problems...
Price for a pro to do it was about 350 for each car...
To be honest I would never do this myself again... too much work
to get it Perfect (wrinkle free )...
You may want to strip everything down and really look at the frame..
I had some minor rust on the piece that runs along the windshield.. with the top removed it would be a perfect time to fix any problems...
Price for a pro to do it was about 350 for each car...
Bob
64,72 & 98 Corvette Ragtops
76 & 79 & qa 88 ANC Corvette Coupes
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in Forum: C3 Body
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