Stayfast top installed.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 65
From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Stayfast top installed.
Here are a couple pictures from my recent Stayfast top install. Top was purchased from Al Knock at the NCRS show here in Kissimmee in Jan.
It took a couple of weekends including cleaning and painting of the frame (done on the car) I was not in a hurry, and also had to wait for new tension springs to arrive.
I watched the Al Knock video and refered to it several times during the install. It is not outside of the scope of most to do this install if you know the steps.
Thats where the CD helps.
It took a couple of weekends including cleaning and painting of the frame (done on the car) I was not in a hurry, and also had to wait for new tension springs to arrive.
I watched the Al Knock video and refered to it several times during the install. It is not outside of the scope of most to do this install if you know the steps.
Thats where the CD helps.
Last edited by c69vete; Mar 5, 2011 at 02:58 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,165
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From: Where are the Smoky Mountain Cruisers? Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Very nice. I'm going to be picking up a Knoch Stayfast Top at the Sevierville Expo. My top frame needs refreshed too. Thinking about removing my top now to clean up the frame. Do you see any disadvantage to removing the top now to clean the frame vs. waiting?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 65
From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
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St. Jude Donor '07
Thanks all.
If you will not be needing the top I would remove it first. That way you can check the tack strips, tension springs and weatherstrips and get any parts you will need and have them all there for the insall.
Also with the top off that is the time to make any adjustments of the frame to the windows. Cleaning and painting beforehand also speeds up the process.
I actually took the old top off in one piece as opposed to cutting it up as in the AlKnock video. I could have put it back on.
Old top
If you will not be needing the top I would remove it first. That way you can check the tack strips, tension springs and weatherstrips and get any parts you will need and have them all there for the insall.
Also with the top off that is the time to make any adjustments of the frame to the windows. Cleaning and painting beforehand also speeds up the process.
I actually took the old top off in one piece as opposed to cutting it up as in the AlKnock video. I could have put it back on.
Old top
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
The Al Knock video was very helpful in outlining the steps, however, as stated in another recent top thread, it is a bit dated. A couple of things are different in the kits of today, and there is NO information as to Stayfast tops.
Because I got the video and watched it before getting the top and was able to question Dale and the installer here at the Kissimmee NCRS meet and clear up those differences, and watch them for a while working on a couple of C-2s.
Last edited by c69vete; Mar 5, 2011 at 02:52 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Its been several years since I did mine but I am very happy with the outcome too. The stayfast material makes the car look like it has a tuxedo on. Great job on the top. It looks awesome.
Here is mine from the back with the paper still in the window.
Here is mine from the back with the paper still in the window.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,695
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From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
[QUOTE=Eddie 70;1576972500]Its been several years since I did mine but I am very happy with the outcome too. The stayfast material makes the car look like it has a tuxedo on. Great job on the top. It looks awesome.
Thanks, Eddie. Seeing yours at the cruise in a few years ago really helped me make the decision to go with the Stayfast. Glad you are still satisfied with it years later.
Thanks, Eddie. Seeing yours at the cruise in a few years ago really helped me make the decision to go with the Stayfast. Glad you are still satisfied with it years later.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,242
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From: Kalispell MT
[QUOTE=Eddie 70;1576972500]Its been several years since I did mine but I am very happy with the outcome too. The stayfast material makes the car look like it has a tuxedo on. Great job on the top. It looks awesome.
Here is mine from the back with the paper still in the window.
QUOTE]
OK now I'm sold for sure! I've got a black '70 too and Eddie your's is killer with that triple black.
I checked the Wilcox site based on another thread but it doesn't appear that they are still on sale. Who has the best price for a Spring purchase for an Al Knock StayFast?
Here is mine from the back with the paper still in the window.
QUOTE]
OK now I'm sold for sure! I've got a black '70 too and Eddie your's is killer with that triple black.
I checked the Wilcox site based on another thread but it doesn't appear that they are still on sale. Who has the best price for a Spring purchase for an Al Knock StayFast?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The best thing about living in Tennessee, I hardly ever have the top up so it stays looking good. I think the last time the top was up was when we were in BG. LOL!!!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Taylor Michigan
It must be nice to come across a quality product/top that almost any one can make a very presentable installation.....and the finished top is ... much nicer than vinyl....you performed a class act to your Vette.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Standing still with all my might Texas
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Everyone I have talked to about the stayfast tops has told me that you cannot leave them down for extended periods because they will shrink. You have to put them up when the car is parked to keep them stretched out.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,046
Likes: 675
From: FL
Never heard that one about Stayfast. I keep mine up in the garage just so the window isn't kept folded. I also unlatch it in the garage so that it does not stretch out. Been on the car for five years and stilll looks good.
