Convertible top opinion
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 97
From: Lake Norman, NC
Hi 73. I agree that the Al Knoch top is a nice looking and nice fitting top too. I have one on my car and have been pleased with it.
If judging is important to you, you should invest in the small welting along the front edge. Some call it the Kennedy Top. You will also want a date stamp in the rear window, conforming to the NCRS "6 month rule". Lastly, you should know that while the reproduction tops typically use a fabric care tag, I think judges will want to see a paper care tag, so deductions will be taken if these details are not observed.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Don
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
I'm about 80% done installing my AL Knoch top, and it has been a pain. As others have mentioned, it's cut a bit short, especially on the sides. I've been heating and stretching, but can't get the top to line up to the side window rear vertical of the frame. It may because this top has been sitting a long time. It's gonna come out ok, though it won't be perfect. Maybe if i had it to do again, or a better quality top, it would have come out better. But where the top fits into the groove on the rear of the frame, it doesn't seem to be long enough. The same holds true on the width.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I'm about 80% done installing my AL Knoch top, and it has been a pain. As others have mentioned, it's cut a bit short, especially on the sides. I've been heating and stretching, but can't get the top to line up to the side window rear vertical of the frame. It may because this top has been sitting a long time. It's gonna come out ok, though it won't be perfect. Maybe if i had it to do again, or a better quality top, it would have come out better. But where the top fits into the groove on the rear of the frame, it doesn't seem to be long enough. The same holds true on the width.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
It must have been a long time since you installed an Al Knoch top , if ever !
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I have been told that anyone that buys that many tops from him gets personal inspection of the tops that he sends. Everyone else is on their own. It's a grab bag for his tops. Buy them if you like them . For the rest of us , BEWARE !