'66 Soft Top Problems

[chipster]

I just had a new (Al Knoch) convertible top installed on my '66 roadster. I bought the top "kit" from Corvette Central complete with all of the weatherstrips. I also had the frame sandblasted and painted. The front top bow was "rusted beyond repair" so I bought a new "reproduction" bow from Eckler's. I picked the car up from the trim shop a few minutes ago and found a problem. The top is setting on the windshield frame correctly (I think) on both ends, but is setting up off the windshield frame 1/2" to 3/4" in the middle. You can actually see daylight! Also the pins are barely seated in the windshield frame. The top guy is blaming it on the bow. Does that seem possible? If so, what should I do? Could the guy that installed the top have "screwed up". I never drive the car in the rain, but I couldn't now, even if I wanted to. I plan to drive the car to Orlando tomorrow to the NCRS Regional event - in hopes that Al Knoch and Ecklers are their.

 

[JohnZ]

It's probably the reproduction top bow, not the top installer's fault; ask Al or one of his guys to take a look at it and they can advise you on what might be able to be done with it - I'm sure they've seen this issue before.

The most important part of a new top installation is to completely trial-fit and adjust the bare frame, bows, and weatherstrips to the windshield frame and side glass before you even start installing the soft trim pieces.

 

[chipster]

Thanks for your response. I went to Orlando today (NCRS show) and was fortunate to meet Al Knoch. He took the time to come out and look at my car and said the problem was with the reproduction bow (as you did). He also stressed (as you did) the importance of adjusting the top frame prior to installing the new top. With his help I believe I now know how to fix my top.

 

[JohnZ]

Glad you were able to get Al to look at your top - nobody knows Corvette tops/problems/solutions like Al does. :cool