Tips on installing Convertible Top
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 64
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From: Flemington NJ
Tips on installing Convertible Top
Looking for advice and tips on mounting a convertible frame and vinyl on a '61 that at one time had a soft top. It looks fairly straight forward but the supplier recommends professional installation. Is there a trick to mounting and stretching the vinyl? Any tips are appreciated. Thanks.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 21
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From: City of Sails NZ
There is a video available for C1s which covers the installation process - on a '58, which is the same except for the rear bow.
If you have a new frame you may find the fit less than satisfactory.
I had to tweak the header across the windshield and the rear bow quite a bit to get the correct contour for my car.
If you have a new frame you may find the fit less than satisfactory.
I had to tweak the header across the windshield and the rear bow quite a bit to get the correct contour for my car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 1,362
From: New York New York
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I just finished my 61 top last year. Without a doubt you need Al Knoch's video. In the begining he does a 58, but at the end he does the 61-62 rear bow installation.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
The very first thing to do is get the frame adjusted properly on the car. That can be a real challenge. If you have a hard top, install it and verify the the windows fit the hard top properly. If they don't, they won't fit the soft top either. Getting everything to fit right may involve adjusting the windows, or even the doors in extreme cases.
Don't even think about installing the top material until the frame is adjusted to your satisfaction. Once the material is installed, there is very little adjustment left.
After adjusting the frame, be sure it stows properly. If the inner attachments aren't right, the frame will not fold completely.
Don't even think about installing the top material until the frame is adjusted to your satisfaction. Once the material is installed, there is very little adjustment left.
After adjusting the frame, be sure it stows properly. If the inner attachments aren't right, the frame will not fold completely.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
See my article in the current (November) issue of "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine on the step-by-step installation of the soft top on our 1958 "REX" project car; has lots of photos and tips on the top frame adjustments and top installation. 
