AL Knoch Headliner Issues
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 33
AL Knoch Headliner Issues
Has any tried to install a set of AL Knoch reproduction headliners? You will find the shape and color are right on but the fasteners will not hold them on. This because the GM factory fasteners are not the same as the ones on the reproduction head liners. I will post what I did if interested. From what I have seen there is not much interest in the later C3s.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 33
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 33
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 97
From: Lake Norman, NC
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 33
79 Corvette Head Liners
Last edited by IDOXLR8; Apr 15, 2020 at 11:52 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 97
From: Lake Norman, NC
That helps me to understand. Thanks for posting.
I've worked on cars that had warped headliners (both coupes and convertibles) and used various methods to re-work the fastening system to make them hold. IIRC, the method that worked best for me was to silicone a VERY strong magnet to the underside of the headliner and then silicone a flat piece of sheet metal (a large washer with a small ID works well too) onto a thin piece of foam, then to the inside of the top. The foam allows for some compression if/as needed. FWIW, this method works on stubborn door panels too.
I bought the magnets from an automotive restoration supply house. I'm not sure if they are a sponsoring member or not, so I am not posting their name.
Hope this helps...
I've worked on cars that had warped headliners (both coupes and convertibles) and used various methods to re-work the fastening system to make them hold. IIRC, the method that worked best for me was to silicone a VERY strong magnet to the underside of the headliner and then silicone a flat piece of sheet metal (a large washer with a small ID works well too) onto a thin piece of foam, then to the inside of the top. The foam allows for some compression if/as needed. FWIW, this method works on stubborn door panels too.
I bought the magnets from an automotive restoration supply house. I'm not sure if they are a sponsoring member or not, so I am not posting their name.
Hope this helps...
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 33
The one thing I'm not looking forward to is the installation of my new door panels on my 68. I went thru many Corvette America sets and none even come close to fitting. I have a new set from AL Knoch, *stay tuned)..
Last edited by IDOXLR8; Apr 15, 2020 at 01:04 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 97
From: Lake Norman, NC
Hope this helps too...
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
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From: Fairfax Virginia
I bought a Set of Black Leather Seat Covers and foam from Al Knoch at Corvettes@Carlisle.
My dear wife and I installed them together and we tried and finally got them on, it was not easy with new Foam and the New Seat covers. We ended up using wax coated paper to help slide things, it was a job for an inexperienced crew.
Two years later a thread breaks on my passengers seat so I spoke to Al about it at Carlisle. Al asked me to ship Both seats to him and he would take care of it. A few weeks later my two seats came back to me and everything was "Brand New" and "Perfect". They even refinished several parts that fit on the seats. The treatment to my seats restored them to virtually "new". This was way and beyond my expectation
I probably screwed it up, I admit it. Mr. Al Knoch and his company are an Outstanding group and Great people to do business with. Al and his company spent a lot of money but they made me into a Customer for Life. He is a smart man and HE stands behind products. If I had an issue with one of his parts I would call him.
My dear wife and I installed them together and we tried and finally got them on, it was not easy with new Foam and the New Seat covers. We ended up using wax coated paper to help slide things, it was a job for an inexperienced crew.
Two years later a thread breaks on my passengers seat so I spoke to Al about it at Carlisle. Al asked me to ship Both seats to him and he would take care of it. A few weeks later my two seats came back to me and everything was "Brand New" and "Perfect". They even refinished several parts that fit on the seats. The treatment to my seats restored them to virtually "new". This was way and beyond my expectation
I probably screwed it up, I admit it. Mr. Al Knoch and his company are an Outstanding group and Great people to do business with. Al and his company spent a lot of money but they made me into a Customer for Life. He is a smart man and HE stands behind products. If I had an issue with one of his parts I would call him.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
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I had problems with the door panels for fit and the owner's son was very helpful in resolving my issues. As far as the seat, no way!! I'm very good at picking my battles and I know going in that was not something I was interested in doing, my upholstery guy that did the install told me that kicked his ***! This company has made some mistakes that are easy to fix and I'm working the the owner's son on resolving something I ran in to and think I have a great solution to the problem.