What is the procedure for replacing the top on a 71? The original top is in pretty rough shape and we have a new one sitting in the box.

Thanks

 

Info! Depending on your competence and replacement top quality, it's not too tough. If it's an Al Knoch top (the best), it comes with good instructions. If not I hear the video from Ecklers is good, or there is a how-to on this site somewhere.

The two best pieces of advice I have: don't rush it, and have at least one helper that can stay throughout the assembly. Plan on one day to take it apart, and another to assemble it. That gives you time to repair any frame problems (rust, paint, tack strips, etc...) and re-finish it in between sessions. Be aware that the front bow (actually a substantial header piece) is often rusted and unusable because they are bare metal from the factory and any moisture that leaks in attacks imediately! Also, get new weatherstrips front and rear as well as the tack strips if it's ever had a top replaced before. They get beat up pretty fast. Stay away from the rubber tack strips if possible, they don't hold as well as the original style cardboard-like stuff.

One other thing. Keep everything you take off 'till it's complete! Some of the original straps are better quality than the replacements, and/or you may need them for patterns.

The cool part is the tops are so inexpensive (in the $200.00 range last time I bought on a couple of years ago) that a major screw-up isn't as big a deal.

Hans

 

Thanks for the reply...Competence is up there, just finished up a period restoration of a 49 Jeep CJ3a. The only thing I had to farm out was the engine machining. Next project on the block is a Cobra replica.

I'm not sure on the manufacturer of the top. It's still in the box unopened. I inherited the vette from my brother after he passed away last year. The top was something he bought and never got around to putting it on. Overall the car is in good condition except for the top.

 

There are several forum members that have recently done their own tops (Eddie70, Theandies). Find their threads and look through them. There are written instructions with pictures on the Rowley Corvette site, but the best thing to do is get the Al Knoch video.

 

It can be done pretty easily. I watched the Al Knoch video several time and got some advice from here. It took me about a week working only an hour or so at night to get it done. Not too hard and I am very happy with the results of my work. Looks like a tux on my vette.

 

Eddie the top looks GREAT (and the car too)!!!

Is the vinyl or fabric tops easier to work with??

Mark

 

Looks great. I think I'll be investing in a video.