New interior?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I always liked the quality that I got from Al Knoch but I'm not sure if that is the case anymore. I've installed many of their seat covers and convertible tops and always had perfect results with them until around 2005. I don't know what changed but I had a top for an 87 convertible that was cut 1/2 inch short on one side. Don't tell me it needed stretched, this was a cloth top and they stretch very little. This thing was cut 1/2 inch too short. They sent me another top and it worked fine. I don't hold that against them, mistakes can happen, but now I tried to install one of their tops yesterday dated on the box June 2005 and the pads were wrong. Holding the pad at the front tack strip Where it is supposed to start, the marked lines inside the pad where you staple to the bows were off by an inch and a half. They seem to have had a quality control problem in 2005 and apparently there are some of these products still being sold. I hope they got the problem solved because they have always been a good company but I have to say I would be afraid to buy their products again.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
What has every one used to clean the floor pans, under the carpet and insulation. I tried simple green, but it didn't do to much of a cleaning. Maybe if i use a more concentrated amount.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,980
Likes: 6,207
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Bought a top for my '58 from Knoch last year, looks great. I bought leather seats and carpet from Knoch at Bloomington this year... they will go in after paint this winter. I always buy from them first.
Ordered seat foam from CC, but they were drop shipped from Corvette America, I believe. Same on the new compartment doors assembly.
Ordered seat foam from CC, but they were drop shipped from Corvette America, I believe. Same on the new compartment doors assembly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
The plastic handle on my parking brake handle assembly is breaking apart. Can that part be replaced without replacing the entire handle assembly and, if not, how difficult is it to get to and replace? Will the brake console cover come out without disassemling anything else on the inside of the car? I know, buy a shop manual, right?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 672
From: FL
I always liked the quality that I got from Al Knoch but I'm not sure if that is the case anymore. I've installed many of their seat covers and convertible tops and always had perfect results with them until around 2005. I don't know what changed but I had a top for an 87 convertible that was cut 1/2 inch short on one side. Don't tell me it needed stretched, this was a cloth top and they stretch very little. This thing was cut 1/2 inch too short. They sent me another top and it worked fine. I don't hold that against them, mistakes can happen, but now I tried to install one of their tops yesterday dated on the box June 2005 and the pads were wrong. Holding the pad at the front tack strip Where it is supposed to start, the marked lines inside the pad where you staple to the bows were off by an inch and a half. They seem to have had a quality control problem in 2005 and apparently there are some of these products still being sold. I hope they got the problem solved because they have always been a good company but I have to say I would be afraid to buy their products again.
I installed a canvas Stafast top on '75 back in Dec 2005. The first one I got from Al Knoch was about 1" too small around the rear bow. The replacement was workable but still about 1/8" too small. Since this was a custom order, I was surprised. I also got carpet from them this year and every piece was oversized and needed to be trimmed.
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
I've done two interiors with all stuff bought from Ecklers and had no issues. Everyone complains about Ecklers carpet, but I haven't had any issues other than the "crimping" effect from being folded for shipping. A few minutes with a heat gun and it all blends right in.
I didn't need to buy a dash or any of the pilar posts since all were easily repaired and repainted, but I've done two color changes (both going from red to black) and used their carpet, door panels, seat covers, door handles, center armrest, all ***** and switches, instrument cluster plastic pieces, vents, and topped it all off with the burlwood trim package. Looks great.
I didn't need to buy a dash or any of the pilar posts since all were easily repaired and repainted, but I've done two color changes (both going from red to black) and used their carpet, door panels, seat covers, door handles, center armrest, all ***** and switches, instrument cluster plastic pieces, vents, and topped it all off with the burlwood trim package. Looks great.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
The plastic handle on my parking brake handle assembly is breaking apart. Can that part be replaced without replacing the entire handle assembly and, if not, how difficult is it to get to and replace? Will the brake console cover come out without disassemling anything else on the inside of the car? I know, buy a shop manual, right?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
Yes, the black plastic piece. I've just looked in the Corvette Central catalog and they have the handle assembly for $79.95 and good instructions about how to install it in the brake assembly. Do the seats have to be removed to get to the sides of the console? Maybe a dumb question, but I'm here at work and the car is 25 miles away.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
You can get the side panels off, with the seats on. The question is can you get to all the mount screws on the center console. Im not sure, I did it with the seats out, im also at work so i cant go look and see.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Just to follow up, I called Al Knoch about the problem. They were very helpful about taking care of the situation. They are sending another top out directly to me without going through the dealer. I have to say they were very courtious and still seems like a good company. I will let you know how it turns out.
