I just got a 67 convertible (427/435) with hardtop. I have taken it off but question whether to store it ( with blankets) top up or down, or does it make a difference? Also, it needs a new soft top and I want to replace with as original as possible, are there suggested vendors for that?
Thanks for any info

 

most like to store with the soft top up so its not to crease the window. Al Knock is the go to vendor for the soft top

 

Not only that but if you leave them down for too long the material will shrink and it will often no longer fit even after leaving it in the sun for a long time. I understand that the fabric rather than the vinyl material is more resistant to this problem.

 

This is how I store my hard top when it’s not on the car.

 

If you are going original I would use Al Knoch. Make sure you take it to a shop that is know for working on old Corvettes.
I live south east of Cleveland, Ohio. I do a lot of C2 tops if you are close by. Where are you located?

 

Thanks , I will give Knock a look

 

Very nice setup. Thanks

 

I am in Ky, What are the issues with C2 convertible top installations that make them so difficult requiring a specialist?

 

Al Knoch sells a DIY install video and you can see for your self. On a high dollar car well people can be so judgmental with owners wanting nothing but the best and any mistake will be seen by everyone when the top is up most leave it to the people who have done a few. I will say this years ago Al Knoch team did my dads 67 convertible top and they spent a good bit of 6-7 hours making it right. So it’s not like it’s easy

 

The main issues are getting the top centered and pulled over the side rail edge. I see a lot of cars where the bead on the side rails is not pulled over the edge. Adjusting the top to the windows. Also, getting the wrinkles out of the side "sails"
Dealing with any rust on the header so you can install the tack strip. Installing the tack strips correctly. installing the wire on binding correctly. Installing the header windless correctly. Installing the correct windless for NCRS judging. Dealing with bent rails and replacing broken or missing rivets.
Just to name a few of the many problems that can occur.

 

Thanks a lot guys. From what you have said I will definitely try to find someone with experience. I am a member of NCRS in Cincinnati and they have been very helpful in finding a car etc.
Appreciate your experience, probably saved me a not so nice install.

 

With some reluctance I’ll give my solution/option. We use our ‘66 for pleasure drives, shows, and restaurant trips. In six years of using weather radar, we’ve never needed the top, ever. Planned on a show yesterday, but radar showed heavy rains on the way. Didn’t go, dumped rain. So I didn’t restore or reinstall our top leaving a very nice large storage area and lighter car. Not feasible for real traveling, but that’s not planned now. I have a cockpit cover for emergency showers and prolonged sun protection if I drive to work. Never intend to reinstall the top, but I keep the frame. Sounds like a great car. Cheers

 

great idea and simple

 

I can understand, I have another convertible (not Corvette) that has never seen the top and I don't use it in winter or rain.
I am a driver and will enjoy using it in the winter when dry; that is the reason for a top. Appreciate all the comments.

 

There are lots of reasons to explore having it installed by someone that is familiar with the top. So where do I start....

1) the measurements between the bows.

2) the installation of the top to the rear bow. Most people think you start in the middle and you don't. You measure it first then transfer this measurement to the top. Then you start on the ends and work toward the middle. If you start in the middle you'll swear the top is to small which if it's a Knoch top (the only top I will install) it's 100 percent correct in size. So the trick here is to make sure the rear bow is installed on the frame without anything on it. Then take a measurement from the the vertical edge to the front edge of the rear bow. I've posted a picture of this below as well. It's from a 68-75 top but it's done the same way. Then you transfer this measurement to the top with a pencil and you'll install each end about 6-8" first before moving on toward the middle... Trust me the top will stretch and fit but if you do it from the center you'll end up short.

3) the correct equipment and various sizes of staples. I've seen people use swing line staplers to do this installation and that's a huge fail.... we use a fasco pneumatic stapler here when we do the installations.

4) How to get the hold in cord in the rear bow.... I've seen everything from soap, water and what ever to get the cord in but a long time ago Al showed me his trick which was to use regular oil and wipe the cord down with it. If you do this to cord will fall into place very easy, if you don't prepare yourself for a struggle.

If you look at the picture below it will show you the pad installation. I'm working on a help page for the tech site but I don't have it finished just yet.

I think I covered most of it... and this is not to say you can't do it yourself, you just need good equipment and take your time anyone can do it.




If you go to this link you'll see some pictures of a top we installed a few years back. We actually do about 5 of these a year on cars from 58-75.

http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/1...tion-pictures/

 

Wilcox makes a lot of good points.
I used to measure the A to B distance but now I simply lay the canvas over the frame and hold the bead to the side rail right where I want, pull tight towards the rear and mark the end of the rear bow with a pencile.
Also, the pads are the foundation for a great top install. It is worth it to take your time to measure and get all the wrinkles out. I will spend a lot of time on the pads and go over them with a heat gun to get the wrinkles out.
I'm sure you got the point that it is well worth it to find an experienced top installer. Even if you have to travel.

 

I agree with the pads, the one I took the picture of already had the rear bow off and that is why they look so sloppy, there is no tension on the frame when this picture was taken.

Willcox

 

Corvette Central (And many other vendors) sell this style of hardtop storage...It does take up valuable floor space, unlike warren's slick wall hanging design above, but it is very functional and prevents "speading" of the sides...

 

That is a great idea. I have been trying t figure out the best way and now I know...thank you!

 

Check in with MikeM about how he hangs his hardtop. He came up with a very clever solution.

Live well,

SJW