The top on my 1974 is a high-quality Haartz canvas (Stayfast) version. I drop it down in May and generally do not put it up until September. But I did encounter a rain-storm in June but whatever. It is now up for tuning pending autumn...and winter.

I use a product called RaggTopp to maintain the integrity of the fabric each year. The pic shows the cleaning phase. I am awaiting the protectant adjunct. It will be here in two days. I ran out.

These are nice products. I recommend them. Tops are expensive!



This will keep that rear window clean.

 

Paul,
Thanks for posting this tip on the window cleaning product - I was getting close to doing this job so the recommendation is timely.

 

When I get a Stayfast top I'll use that. Still have the original style white one on my car.

 

For my vinyl top I use Meguiars Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner and for the plastic rear window I use Plexus (Plastic Cleaner Protectant & Polish)....great stuff.

 

Vinyl and rubber cleaner would be fine for a vinyl top. He said he has a canvas top [which is a fabric], so it should have an appropriate product applied.

 

I realize that but his topic is "Convertible Top Maintenance Tip". I thought I'd include a tip for vinyl tops since I would think most tops are vinyl not fabric.

 

Any suggestions on a good replacement top? I have a 1970 with the White top and have thought about going back with a non stock Tan color as a replacement. Any pros/cons, etc. about dealers or products?

 

The RaggTopp line has products for both canvas and vinyl tops.

 

Al Knoch would be a good choice.

http://www.alknochinteriors.com/catalog.htm

 

Thanks!

I just went on the site and they will be at the Corvette Expo in Sevierville next month. If I go that route, I may try to set up an appointment and get it done on site at the show.

 

I've watched them install tops at Carlisle. They do a beautiful job and usually you get a show discount.

 

Al Knoch black fabric top on the 68. Fits and looks great.

 

I had planned on purchasing an Al Knoch top also but had an interesting experience.

My 70 LT-1 has the stock white top which I would like to replace with a Tan cloth top. I was ready to order and called Al Knoch. I talked to a very nice lady and wanted to ask about ordering a top, seeing if there were ever show specials, and also to ask if I could get on the list to have one installed at the Sevierville Tenn (10/16) show. She said he was busy, took my number and said he would call me back. 2 weeks later I called, once again, she very pleasantly apologized and said he had been very busy, took my number again and said he would call me back. Still no word so I decided to go by their booth at the Tenn show. I tried asking questions but they seemed very busy and I told them I had called a couple of times with no response...and that I had wanted to bring my car over to get the top installed at the show. He quickly stated that "we have been fully scheduled well in advance, even the Spring show is full". I seemed to get brushed off in spending any more time asking questions, so I dont plan on using them. I realize I am not a big purchaser, but I have dealt in Customer relations in my own field and this group gives the impression that they have more business than they need.

So with that said, who has a good vendor other than Al Knoch?

 

I have a Stayfast one from them and am very pleased with it. Yours is the first in negative customer service I have heard from them. Perhaps call and ask to speak to someone higher up the ladder-like Al. They make good parts, I would recommend them to anyone.

 

I bought my top from Willcox. It came from Al Knoch. I think the price was cheaper than if I had bought direct.

 

markdtn,
I am thinking that I probably will do just that. I feel sure that based on a lot of feedback they have put out good products in the past so certainly they have done a lot of things right.
I will give it another shot as I do want to make sure I have a good looking and well fitting top. Thanks!