69 convertible top replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby BC
69 convertible top replacement
I just bought a new AL Knoch surfit cloth top and the DVD which should arrive in a few weeks.
Does anyone have any good pics of the stapling of the tack strips?
I did not order new ones as mine seem solid, but I ordered everything else.
Do I need more stapples on the new top for extra support with the cloth top?
I looked at this install on line http://rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair3.html
Thanks
Does anyone have any good pics of the stapling of the tack strips?
I did not order new ones as mine seem solid, but I ordered everything else.
Do I need more stapples on the new top for extra support with the cloth top?
I looked at this install on line http://rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair3.html
Thanks
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
Dvd
I am not sure I understand your question. If you follow the instructions you will be fine. I replaced the top, and the rear tac strip, refurbed the bows (sanded & painted) and installed a fine looking top (Al Knoch).
The staples I think should be the same for vinyl or cloth.
The most important step is getting the top set into the rear deck bow correctly (see DVD), once this is done the rest is not to difficult.
The staples I think should be the same for vinyl or cloth.
The most important step is getting the top set into the rear deck bow correctly (see DVD), once this is done the rest is not to difficult.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I bought stainless staples at Home Depot or Lowes and used those in my top installation. I also used Al Knochs Stayfast top. I am very happy with the way mine turned out. I stapled the poo out of mine as I wanted to be sure it did not turn loose after all of my hard work. Seems like I put a staple about every half inch or so. That is probably overkill and made it a little more difficult to get a staple in when I was installing the wire-on molding. The hardest part for me when I was installing the top was getting the wire-on strip in place and it covering the staples like it should. Have fun with it, take your time and if you run into problems come back to the forum. Several of us have done this job and got our questions answered here.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby BC
I am not sure I understand your question. If you follow the instructions you will be fine. I replaced the top, and the rear tac strip, refurbed the bows (sanded & painted) and installed a fine looking top (Al Knoch).
The staples I think should be the same for vinyl or cloth.
The most important step is getting the top set into the rear deck bow correctly (see DVD), once this is done the rest is not to difficult.
The staples I think should be the same for vinyl or cloth.
The most important step is getting the top set into the rear deck bow correctly (see DVD), once this is done the rest is not to difficult.
FYI I just got off the phone with Al Knoch and he said to staple every inch or less with 3/8 x3/8 and I should be good. He also suggested leaving the original tack strips attached and to just make sure the clips that hold them are good. If not screw them in and then grind of the heads. Interesting.
I just bought galvanized staples as I could not find any stainless up here, but they also should not rust.
Thanks AL and everyone else, I hope others can benefit from this post.
I will try and post pics when I start the install.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby BC
Al Knoch I think said $410 for the cloth top and then $50 for hardware kit $60 for the DVD etc. but I ordered through my friends Corvette shop and they gave a better deal. I only need the front tack strip as I messed it up taking the top off, the 2 back ones are in there for life. My friend had a tack strip in the shop so I just bought that one.
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