66 Corvette Top replacement
11-02-2018, 05:24 PM
#1
1st Gear
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66 Corvette Top replacement
I am looking to replace the top to my 66 corvette. I need to get some information on how much do they normally cost. Just to know i am not getting taken advantage of. Is there a different in material. What quality id the one that comes originally with the car.
11-02-2018, 05:36 PM
#2
Safety Car
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2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Welcome to the forum! The cost will vary a lot, depending on what part of the country you're in. The top plus installation would probably run $800 to $1200 on average. You could save yourself a lot of money doing it yourself. There are video's on how to do it on the web or you can buy them. Al Knoch out of Texas has the tops and video's. He carries all the correct tops and can date it for you too. Be sure to check your weather stripping also, because it would be best to install it at the same time. 
11-02-2018, 08:57 PM
#3
Race Director
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C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Welcome! There are somethings that experienced craftspeople should do, and my personal choice is, have a pro put the top on. Especially a shop that understands the Vette top mechanism. Use the search feature, "top replacement" or something similar (upper right corner of the main C-1/C-2 page) here since there are tips that are valuable so it all comes out looking right. 
Dennis
Dennis
11-03-2018, 02:08 AM
#4
Check your personal messages.
11-03-2018, 08:33 AM
#5
Safety Car
It is about 500 for the top kit, 500 for labor, 200 for weather strip kit, 50 for tack strip kit. It is also a great time to refinish your frame so take a close look it it.
If you are thinking of doing it yourself I would be happy to walk you through it. I have helped several forum members install new tops.
In my opinion Al Knoch has the best top kits. I would not "cheapen up " on the top kit.
If you are thinking of doing it yourself I would be happy to walk you through it. I have helped several forum members install new tops.
In my opinion Al Knoch has the best top kits. I would not "cheapen up " on the top kit.
11-03-2018, 08:36 AM
#6
Melting Slicks
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I’ll be replacing my top in the Spring so I’ll join in. I want to use the canvas fabric. Sometimes it’s called Haartz stayfast and also Mercedes fabric. Don’t want original vinyl fabric. I’ll have someone install, but is Al Knoch best for this type of top? Didn’t find this material option on the Knoch site. Appreciate best source for the canvas type top kit and what it’s called.
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Lotsacubes (11-03-2018)
11-03-2018, 03:52 PM
#8
I just did the soft top on my 62 a couple of week ago. I purchased it from Al Knoch out of Texas. Top was top quality. I've never done it before, but I decided to tackle it myself. I downloaded a video from Al Knoch site that cost $40. You can also get a DVD version. It was very detailed and it guided me thru the whole process. Top install came out perfect. I did buy a electric staple gun at Harbor Freight I believe $45, that made the stapling part much easer.
I believe with the video and patients, you can do it.
I'd be happy to answer question, if you decided to tackle it yourself, since it's all still fresh in my mind.
Mark
I believe with the video and patients, you can do it.
I'd be happy to answer question, if you decided to tackle it yourself, since it's all still fresh in my mind.
Mark