Convertable Top Replacement for '62
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield IL
Convertable Top Replacement for '62
I am ready to replace my top on '62 and I figure Al Knock tops are the one to get. It seems all vendors list them differently and at different prices. Since I am replacing top, it only makes sense to replace pads, rubber, and anything else while doing it. Can anyone with previous experience recommend a vendor with complete package that they have had a good or bad experience with? Any thoughts good or bad? I have a local interior shop that has a good reputation to do the labor.
Thanks for your help.
Richard
Thanks for your help.
Richard
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,347
Likes: 672
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Re: Convertable Top Replacement for '62 (76rich)
76rich,
I recently went through this on my 62. Had the softtop replaced by Mike Bell @ Creative Interiors in Oswego, Il. Don't know where Geff, Il. is, but Mike has done many of these older Vettes and knows the process. I had him obtain a Non-stock cloth Tan top, and I am very happy with the fit and looks. He obtained the pads with the top. I obtained the rubber weatherstrips from Corvette Central, as well as new screws, retainers, etc. The only thing I would do different is that I recently replaced my windshield weatherstrip (after the top was replaced). These 2 jobs should of been reversed (windshield first and top after that).
Note that I also removed the old top, so that I could refinish the bows, etc. before I drove out to Mike's (in the rain of course, but I drove plenty fast enough so the rain did not soak me or the interior). So Mike had a bit of a job in relocating the bow pivot brackets (even though I had tried to put everything back in the same location where I found them).
I understand your problem with Al Knoch prices. 2 years ago, I purchased new seat covers for my 87 at the Chicago VetteFest. Al Knoch was there and he wanted $850 (sport seat leather plus foam). I walked over to OC Vettes, and they charged me $700, and then we (OC Vette saleman and us) walked over to Al Knoch to pick up the set. Seems kind of strange, but anytime I can save $150 I will take it! Mike @ Creative also installed those seat covers and they look/feel perfect.
Good luck,
I recently went through this on my 62. Had the softtop replaced by Mike Bell @ Creative Interiors in Oswego, Il. Don't know where Geff, Il. is, but Mike has done many of these older Vettes and knows the process. I had him obtain a Non-stock cloth Tan top, and I am very happy with the fit and looks. He obtained the pads with the top. I obtained the rubber weatherstrips from Corvette Central, as well as new screws, retainers, etc. The only thing I would do different is that I recently replaced my windshield weatherstrip (after the top was replaced). These 2 jobs should of been reversed (windshield first and top after that).
Note that I also removed the old top, so that I could refinish the bows, etc. before I drove out to Mike's (in the rain of course, but I drove plenty fast enough so the rain did not soak me or the interior). So Mike had a bit of a job in relocating the bow pivot brackets (even though I had tried to put everything back in the same location where I found them).
I understand your problem with Al Knoch prices. 2 years ago, I purchased new seat covers for my 87 at the Chicago VetteFest. Al Knoch was there and he wanted $850 (sport seat leather plus foam). I walked over to OC Vettes, and they charged me $700, and then we (OC Vette saleman and us) walked over to Al Knoch to pick up the set. Seems kind of strange, but anytime I can save $150 I will take it! Mike @ Creative also installed those seat covers and they look/feel perfect.
Good luck,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Re: Convertable Top Replacement for '62 (76rich)
When you replace the top, if there are any problems with the top frame fitting the windows, w/s header, rear deck, etc. the time to fix these is BEFORE the new top is installed.
