Any idea how hard it is to replace a 1965 Soft Top?
Mine looks to be the original, the PO cut the window right out of the back and so it's time for a new one!
Is this a DIY, a nightmare or pay someone job?

 

I've also have been flipping the coin to try it myself. Every quote I've gotten has been in the 3-4K range. I'm waiting on Al Knock to give me a quote for the Kiss. Fl. show in Jan. However with Dale passing I'm not sure if they will be up and running. If the top is anything like the rest of the car it won't be easy. Looks like its simple on the surface but once you get into it these old girls are tough. Good luck

 

Al Knock should be around 1,500 with the new top. Be perpairad to have your car for about 6 hours to do the job.

 

... Dale set me up at Carlisle a few years ago on my 67 vert and it was less then $1000 (cash) date coded black top...(what happened to Dale ?)

 

Unfortunately, Dale passed away about two weeks ago at the young age of 55. Very sad... he was a very helpful guy with a pleasant personality and everyone liked him. He will be missed.

With regard to your soft top replacement, the cost to replace the top with a vinyl top should be under $ 1,000-; a little more with a Stayfast top. The price will vary based on which top you choose, the installer, if you want to repaint the frame, and if you need to replace the weatherstripping. Al Knoch makes a great product (they supplied my top when I replaced it about 2 years ago) and you can have them do the installation next month in Kissimmee if they still have reservations available. Dale gave me recommendations for an installer in Southeast Florida close to where I live. After considering a few shops, I went with a one-man shop who has been installing ragtops on Vettes for decades. He did a great job and his price was about $ 500- including minor frame adjustments and replacing all the weatherstripping. His name is Scott with Quality Interiors, his phone number is 954-566-2537, and he is located in Oakland Park. Mike Coletta of Classic Restoration was highly recommended to me as well by another CF member. I communicated with him and he was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Mike (a CF member as well) suggested that I find someone on the east coast since he is located in Minneola which is just west of Orlando. Mike's phone number is 352-241-4686. If you are going to Kissimmee, he is relatively close and should be the first guy on your list!

Good luck,
Roger

 

So from people giving prices, can I assume no one here has done it themselves??
Also I see on (i believe) Corvette Central they sell a DVD to install it yourself. The disc is $75-ish. Anyone try that?

Also I'm in CT. I'm looking for someone local...

 

I am about to jump into the job myself. I bought the top last year and watched an experienced person (was NOT Al Knoch & Co.) do the install right on the grounds of Carlisle. I also have a neighborhood friend with a '65 that did his own via the video disc. Since my car is a 100% driver, I'm going for it. Several years ago I had a shop do the current top. I forgot about pads and he never mentioned them....well he used my old pads and still charged me $700. This was around '82, '83. Dennis

 

Roger thanks for the ref. I'll give Mike a call. thats much cheaper than the quotes I've been getting in the Jacksonville area.

 

Yes, I did the install myself on my ‘66…it’s not for the faint of heart but it is doable. The AK video is very good but I got some additional tips that I think made a big difference. I had help in the form of an experienced forum member over the phone. I’m very happy with the install. My frame was in good shape but needed refurbishing so the real challenge was the vinyl top itself. I think my top looks professionally installed (IMO).

I’ve been doing a write-up with some pics I plan to post soon. Hopefully it will give you the info you need.

Joe

 

I did mine (with the help of a visionary friend) about 1.5 years ago. Like JoeCool66 states "not for the faint of heart". Would I do it again...yep. A lot depends on your understanding of the process, skill level and preparation. I rented the DVD from Keen Parts which paid huge dividends. It's one thing to read how it's done.....total another to see it done. Turned out beautifully and very much comparable to the professionals. Don't get into a big hurry, be patient and as was said in a prior post "doable". We spread the project over two days but believe it could be done in one day.......the benefit of experience.

Here's a helpful link however the DVD will yeild the most help. http://rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair3.html

RestoMike

 

I replaced the top on my 65 many years ago, and it was not that bad from what I remember, if you take your time. My biggest regret was not knowing the "tricks of the trade" for this project. Mine looked great for about two weeks, then started to wrinkle on the sides. Turns out you need to put a heat gun to these and stretch the heck out of them when you tack them down. Don't be afraid to tackle it, just be patient.

 

I replaced the top on my 63 and my 69, and have been involved in helping several of my buddies do tops on their cars... a 62, 67, 73 IIRC.

It's not too hateful a job, BUT..................with the top installations I was involved in, they took TIME.

It often took us 3-4 "working days" over a 2 week period. The "us" consisted of 3-4 guys. We obviously were not in a hurry.

The Al Knoch video (DVD) is mandatory. You'll need to borrow or buy a HD electric stapler........

One more thing....once you get the old top off, the job can mushroom. You might look at the top bows and see that they need to be repainted. The tack strips might need to be replaced. The various weatherstrips might need to be replaced too.............

You can do it, but don't expect to do it in 3-4 hours like the pros at Al Knoch do.

Chuck

 

I've done my '66 a couple of times, takes time, patience, and a bit of understanding. All of the comments you've read above are correct.

I didn't have the DVD but I did have a bit of guidance from somewhere, the source of which now escapes me. You'll likely run into some top frame repairs that need correction before continuing. I also used the solid plastic (or urethane) tack strips being used by most late model vehicles these days. It has to be cemented into place, but is far superior IMO to the old cardboard type that attracts and holds moisture.

Critical also is assuring the top frame bows and pads are properly installed with correct spacing, and that the frame is correctly adjusted to the car windows and all before proceeding.

It's a doable job for an individual if you're the type that can usually take on and complete similar projects. If you have doubts about your abilities, I'd bite the bullet and spring for a professional installation. My $0.02 . . . . . . . . .

 

I have done many C2 tops. As stated above there can be a lot of issues with he frame and header that need to be addressed. You do not want Al Knox to strip your canvas and find problems that he will not fix properly because of time restraints. So, for that reason I would recommend doing it yourself or finding someone locally that will work with you. It takes me 10-12 hours to do a top if all goes well. So, taking your time is a must. If you decide to do it yourself feel free to PM me with questions.
Larry

 

I have been given a quote of $1500 to:

1) Fully restore top mechanism (blast, paint, replace all hdwe, and adjust)
2) Fit windshield into frame and mount on car.
3) Fit hardtop to windshield.
4) Fit and adjust convertible top to windshield.
5) Adjust door window frames to both tops

It is from a (somewhat) local shop that specializes in C1 restorations. He has jigs for setting up windshield frames, and any other restoration needs. At Minnesota Street Rod Association's Back to the 50's event this past June, I saw 5 or 6 C1's lined up, and couldn't believe how nice the tops looked on all of them. I asked one gentleman who had restored his car, and he pointed out another fellow 20 feet away. Without any hesitation, I made my decision to hire his shop to do my top. Initially, I had planned on doing it myself-I am not afraid of challenges (I know my limitations!!!)-but seeing the professionalism of his results, I decided to farm this job out.

My '62 has been painted-just last week-and I should be getting it home by the end of January. Planning on completion by spring!

 

If they will do all that, and a quality job, for $1,500 bucks I think its reasonable. NONE of the tasks mentioned are fun and they are all 'fiddly' and require some patience and experience.

Don't think you can take a DVD and do a first class job the first time out. I have both the dash pad and convertible top DVDs for C1s and they are good references but in no way show all the 'tricks' needed to do a world class job. Moreover, one wrong cut on an expensive (say 'StayFast') top and the pulling of hair and gnashing of teeth begins.

Mike Coletta did my top and its prob some of the best money labor-wise I've spent on the car. Humbling experience. I dropped it off late one afternoon and he called me noon the next day to pick up the car. I was thinking all the way over, "...man there is now way I got a decent job that quickly". WRONG!.

It's perfect -- but it helps to have a frame in decent shape !! Mike is an NCRS judge and a very busy man around the end of January though!

 

I finished the write-up of my adventure. I would do it again and I know it would look even better (definitely do it faster)
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...p-install.html

Joe

 

Frankie-I should have clarified that for the $1500, I am supplying the windshield and the convertible top (I had already purchased them). But I won't mind spending the $1500 to have the end results this shop can do. Something as critical as fit-and-function needs to be right. I love challenges, but I decided I just didn't want to risk having ill-fitting components.

NOW, if I had a buddy that had done this before.................................. .

Merry Christmas, all!!!