I am getting ready to help friend change the vert top on his 93 40th Ann that I used to own and was formerly Perry Kincy's car. Any advice or tips from any of you who have done this? Not wanting to bring to a shop to do it- funds for it are unavailable so I said I would help him. Thanks for any help

 

I have to do a top on my C3 and I have been dreading paying thousands of dollars to do it. I ordered a new convertible top and a DVD from Al Knock Interiors. The DVD walks you through putting a top on a convertible for a C3, Since he also makes tops for the C4 I would guess he would have a DVD for that too. It was about $40 for the DVD and it is a lifesaver. I have a large Sand blasting cabinet which will hold the frame parts inside allowing me to bring my top back into nice shape. Fortunately I have the Hard Top for my C3 to cover the Corvette while I work so I can take my time and still drive the Corvette.

Be sure to track down any wearable parts before you start so you have "Everything" ready to go. It is not supposed to be hard to do, getting the material nice and tight is part of the trick. People who have put them on all tell me to get your measurements BEFORE Starting the work. I would also replace any parts that might have stretched with the old top. I would call Al Knock and ask him for a list of everything you will need to replace the convertible top on your buddies Corvette!

I sure wish I had somebody to help me with my top replacement. I wish I could have Al Knock and company do my top for me as they are amazing at what they do. He did my leather seats in my C3 years ago and they are still beautiful!

You are a good friend to help someone like that, my compliments Sir!

 

Check with a shop that specailizes in convertible tops.
I had one replaced on a Mustang once.
It was less than $800.00.
Its one of those jobs I would never try doing myself.

 

good points we'll check with Al Knoch, he redid the seats in my 63 roadster years ago. Top notch Thanks for the advice

 

I will tell you a short story about Al Knock. Many years ago I decided to try to recover my own seats along with new foam. My wife and I struggled to get them on the seats. A year or two later there were threads in the seat that were breaking. I was at Corvettes@Carlisle and I showed Al the issue and asked his advice. He insisted they be shipped to his shop and "he" would take care of it.

So I got home and removed both seats as per Al's suggestion and I shipped them back to his shop. A few weeks later I received a box that had both seats completely Recovered in leather. He also had the hardware cleaned up and re-painted. Both seats were completely redone by professional installers and they still are beautiful.

Al Knock is an incredibly nice guy and a true QUALITY businessman. He stands behind his products..... I support Al and will as long as I can!

 

thanks very much we will try to tackle this next week when it is less that 99 degrees outside!!!