convertible replacement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
From: SAN FRANCISCO CA
convertible replacement
saw a great 71 f/s but MAN did it need a new 'vert top. anyone done that recently and know what it costs including installation (which i have heard is a bitch).?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
My '71 is in the shop right now getting a new top. I got the top rebuild kit from Zip for $439 or there abouts for the non dated one (dated was $499). The shop gave me a quote of $550 for the labor. I dropped it off this morning and they said they'd have it for 2 days.
Last edited by wiseman79; Apr 17, 2007 at 11:22 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Midland TX
I got a top kit from Zip (includes weatherstrip and all materials). I did the top myself. It was not that bad. Just take it one step at a time.
It may not be the best job in the world but I take pride of doing it myself. I enjoy learning to do stuff so it was gratifying knowing that I installed it myself.
It may not be the best job in the world but I take pride of doing it myself. I enjoy learning to do stuff so it was gratifying knowing that I installed it myself.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
I bought the kit from Al Knock, top quality products. I chickened out... Was going to do it myself, but decided to have a shop do it. They quoted me $600 for labor only since I was supplying the materials. Ended up costing $1200 
They had to spend almost a full 8 hours correcting a bunch of BS the previous owner did. Bondo, newspaper, all the threaded bolt holes were stripped, and I needed a few pieces of hardware. All in all, I'm glad I had a shop do it, it came out beautiful.
They had to spend almost a full 8 hours correcting a bunch of BS the previous owner did. Bondo, newspaper, all the threaded bolt holes were stripped, and I needed a few pieces of hardware. All in all, I'm glad I had a shop do it, it came out beautiful.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
Thanks bro!!!... supposed to be Donnybrook, but not exactly. I'll post some more pictures later, at work now and Photobucket is blocked by the firewall.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 13
From: San Angelo TX
I got an Al Knock top and got his how-to video which is essential.
I was apprehensive about doing this job myself but it's really not that bad and I'm glad I did. I tell you, it's one hell of a lot easier than putting on the seat upholstery!
Roger
I was apprehensive about doing this job myself but it's really not that bad and I'm glad I did. I tell you, it's one hell of a lot easier than putting on the seat upholstery!
Roger
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
Replacing the rag top
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville Va
I have seen some mention of Zip and Al Knoch, so I just wanted to reiterate that Zip's Convertible Top Kits include Al Knoch brand tops.
http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...p?dept%5Fid=78
As for the the installation ease, this thread breeds confidence that one can do it themselves and I know many customers of mine who have indeed installed the kits themselves with great success, but every once in a while someone just has a real problem with it. I guess its all about how uphostery-inclined you are.
http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...p?dept%5Fid=78
As for the the installation ease, this thread breeds confidence that one can do it themselves and I know many customers of mine who have indeed installed the kits themselves with great success, but every once in a while someone just has a real problem with it. I guess its all about how uphostery-inclined you are.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
I have seen some mention of Zip and Al Knoch, so I just wanted to reiterate that Zip's Convertible Top Kits include Al Knoch brand tops.
http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...p?dept%5Fid=78
As for the the installation ease, this thread breeds confidence that one can do it themselves and I know many customers of mine who have indeed installed the kits themselves with great success, but every once in a while someone just has a real problem with it. I guess its all about how uphostery-inclined you are.
http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...p?dept%5Fid=78
As for the the installation ease, this thread breeds confidence that one can do it themselves and I know many customers of mine who have indeed installed the kits themselves with great success, but every once in a while someone just has a real problem with it. I guess its all about how uphostery-inclined you are.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,367
Likes: 1,061
From: Virginia USA
Here is my effort. I did it myself.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1428437
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1457856
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1428437
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1457856
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 13
From: San Angelo TX
Hi Roger, I have just recieved all the needed parts for my 70 vert rag top from Al Knoch (w/ DVD). Question did you replace the tac strips, if so did you use the original (fiber board material) or the plastic material tac strip? In the DVD Al demonstrates using the plastic tac strips and looking at the fiber board type seems to be a very tough fit, they are not very flexible.
See the thread that theandies posted.
We discussed the tac strip issue in detail there.
Roger
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
Frame alignment
Hi Roger, can you describe or show a picture where the edge of the window should align on the weatherstrip. I will be adjusting the frame with the weatherstrip on as you indicate before the vinyl goes on and I am not sure where the edge of the glass should meet the rubber for proper alignment.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
