Gator05

I've searched the forum high and wide, but cannot find any threads about soft top manufacturers. Can you share your pros and cons...the good and bad stories about soft top purchases in recent years? Thanks in-advance.

Bluestripe67

Al Knoch! Who else? Dennis

gbvette62

I assume you're asking about soft top canvas, and not the soft top frames.

A lot of Corvette people swear by Al's tops. He's been supplying them to the hobby forever, and has built up quite a following. Knoch's tops are very tight though, and because of this, some shops don't like installing them.

Kee Auto Top makes a very nice top too. There are two very good top shops near me, one prefers Kee Tops, and won't install Knoch's, while the other prefers Al's tops.

If you're planning to have a shop install the top for you, you may want to ask them who's top they prefer.

USMC 0802

Another vote for Al Knoch tops.

In fact, I'll be sourcing carpet and seat covers from him as well...After the motor is done

RatDog

Matt - Are you going to do your own seats? If so, I just ordered the Installation DVD if you want to borrow it. I'm switching from vinyl to leather in the same teal color.

I was was going to replace my carpeting but it was in pretty good shape, just faded, so I dyed it and it came out very nice. I did it with the carpet in the car and the seats out. $3 for the dye and a few hours labor.

Steve

Fiberglass Kid

Al Knoch is the best I have ever used !

Nowhere Man

Get a Knock top and ask for a Kendey pattern

leif.anderson93

Keith,
A friend recently order a new top for his '65 and I advised him the same thing. Al Knoch's people told him they no longer have this option...don't know why, though.

Nowhere Man

Might have to do with Mr Kendey whom the top pattern was named after who was a partner with Al Knock died a few years ago

OHSIXX

Another vote for Al Knoch. I bought mine at Carlisle two years ago. Fits perfectly.

I have seen a few cars with the cloth tops and don't like them.

Frankie the Fink

Isn't that the "Kennedy" pattern ?
I wouldn't even think of using anything but Al Knoch soft tops. I prefer the Hartz Stayfast material but all of their offerings are first rate...

USMC 0802

Steve,
No, I'm not going to do my own seats...I'm currently installing my GM crate motor / engine bay beautification project. Maybe in 2 months when driving season for non-a/c cars ends in Tampa...



It is "Kennedy" cut (Keith - spell check is neat, try it sometime - HA!), that's what Mike Coletta put on my '66 this July.

mark6669

I install several of Al Knock's tops a year never any problems if you follow the instructions. The windows and frame have to be adjusted before you even take the top out of the box or you wont be happy with the results. Adjusting the frame after installing the top will not give you a good window fit!!!
Mark

Nowhere Man

I did post it from my phone. The spell checker works most of the time

Gator05

Thanks to all for posting...Al Knock "Kennedy" and/or Hartz Stayfast will be my request after I check in with my installer- L&S in Gainesville. Thanks again! Gator05 (Mike)

RatDog

Mike - L&S did a good job on a top install for me 17 years ago. Glad to hear they're still in business.

Steve (U of F class of 1970)

C2 Hot Cam Guy

Al Knock has high standards

Gator05

RatDog, L&S still going strong--they did my leather seat covers some years ago too.
Go Gators!
Mike UF Class of '05 (...returned for another degree on GI Bill).

leif.anderson93

Let us know if Al Knoch still has the "Kennedy" style top. I was told they no longer make that style top.

USMC 0802

They made mine just this July, so I think so...