Convertible top update

Ok, after much consideration and research, I am going to do this myself.  I have heard arguments saying it is hard and others that it is simple.  I visited a top shop, saw the equipment and a job in progress.  Believe me, if those two knuckleheads can do this, I can do this.  Well, ofcourse I have a question.  I want to do a complete job, so what parts do I need?  Corvette Central has a restoration kit for $399 that looks fairly complete.  Any suggestions would be helpful.  I plan on prepping my frame and gathering parts and actually doing the work in May, after I save a few bucks.  Thanks for the input.

JR

I just finished my top restoration and Corvette Centrals kit is what I used. It is pretty complete although you can always run into problems. My advice is to let the top sit in the sun and really warm up so you can get it to be mor pliable.Stretching the top tight to keep "wrinkles" straight is the biggest problem while trying to fasten it down. Buy beer, invite a friend, bone up on your favorite four letter words and tell yourself over and over that it is really gonna be fun.

Might as well replace the weatherstripping while you are at it,also take a look at the rear latches and hold down pins, if you plan to keep the top down alot, I'd also get on of the rear window pillows for about fifteen bucks to keep the wrinkles (when it's down) from creasing the rear window. If any of the screw holes are reamed out,head for a good boating store and you can usually find good stainless steel replacement screws etc. I send you my moral support,for when you do finish, you will know you have accomplished a real project. Also use a good Rust-oleum semi flat black paint on the frame and at all hinges before installing the top,lube each joint with a good penetrating oil ,openand close the top frame many times and wipe excess off . Hope this helps!!!!!!!!

jwc0305, my top came today.  I did as you suggested and bought the Corvette Central restoration kit.  For $400 you get a complete Al Knoch top kit, new tach strips, new weatherstripping and weatherstripping hardware.  The top kit has all of the tension cables, pads, and Stainless Steel tips.  Now for the beer and a friend..........

JR

  Way to go JR. Hope to see you at the Dogwood Festival car show on April 30th, downtown Fayetteville. It's another short one. Only last from 12 noon to 3pm.

By the way, what color top did you get, black?

Jim, only black would do.  You know, after I put this top on, I am going to have to get a paint job.

JR

[QUOTE=StreetShark] ... only black would do.  ... [/QUOTE]

I agree.  A white or tan top on a yellow car just doesn't look right to me.

My parents live in Galion, still a long drive, but it would be a cool road trip.

JR

Hey JR, keep us updated on your progress.  I need to do the same thing, and I hope you don't mind me using you as a guinea pig!   

I checked out the Corvette Central site and saw that they have two different top choices, the restoration kit you purchased, and one listed as "origional type" soft top.  I'm guessing the first is a direct GM replacement and the second is a reproduction.  Is there an advantage to one over the other?  Are people concerned with judging scores and that's why they take the first, or is there a quality difference?

Good luck with the top!

Bryan, I think it means that the top is made like the original.  The same fabric, window material and so forth.  I have seen aftermarket tops made with cloth.  For me it was a money decision, that is why I selected the less expensive "Undated" top.  If you are looking to show your car, you should get the dated one.  As for the restoration kit, I had to replace my weatherstripping, it was cheaper as a kit than bought seperate.  If your rubber is in good shape, you can save more by just purchasing the top.  Which is from Al Knoch interiors.  I plan onredoing my fram this weekend and installing the top next weekend, I will keep you posted and take pictures.

JR