Convertible top repair / service

mikeyb57 · 03-09-2009, 04:57 PM

I have heard that there are restoration places that you can ship your entire convertible top to (frame and cover), and they will completely rebuild the frame and install a new ragtop. Does anyone know what companies perform this type of service for a 57 corvette? Thanks.

FlyGunz · 03-10-2009, 03:07 AM

http://www.tracyvette.com/convertibletops.html

Might try them. My upholsterer just recommended me to them today. I have never used them, but might want to give them a ring and see what they say. Good luck.

JohnZ · 03-10-2009, 08:56 PM

BAD idea - there's no way on earth any outfit is going to install a top on your frame, not on the car, and have it come close to fitting properly when you install it back on the car.

If you want the top to fit, you install and adjust the frame first to the body and the glass (with the weatherstrips installed), THEN install the top skin LAST.

Easy Mike · 03-11-2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnZ

BAD idea - there's no way on earth any outfit is going to install a top on your frame, not on the car, and have it come close to fitting properly when you install it back on the car.

If you want the top to fit, you install and adjust the frame first to the body and the glass (with the weatherstrips installed), THEN install the top skin LAST....

You're okay having them restore your frame irons, but top installation should be done with the irons on the car.

mikeyb57 · 03-12-2009, 11:19 AM

Thanks guys. I see your point about the ragtop fitment on the car.

However, Im still looking for a reputable shop to rebuild the frame. Does anyone know of a good shop to send the frame to? Thanks again.

roger55 · 03-29-2009, 12:11 AM

Also if you have a hardtop, you want to adjust the side windows to it before installing your soft top.

j3studio · 03-31-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger55

Also if you have a hardtop, you want to adjust the side windows to it before installing your soft top.

Another piec of knowledge to file away...

Qiken · 04-01-2009, 05:48 AM

70ZZ3 96LT4 · 05-10-2009, 06:29 PM

If you cannot find someone to rebuild you top, take your 57 to Carlisle in August and let the professionals installers with Al Knoch Interiors install the top. They only install converitble tops bought from them.
If you take it to Carlisle, make a reservation ASAP with Al Knoch Interiors, they only have limited time to do their installations with a lot of customers at Carlisle.

Duke94 · 08-01-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyGunz

http://www.tracyvette.com/convertibletops.html

Might try them. My upholsterer just recommended me to them today. I have never used them, but might want to give them a ring and see what they say. Good luck.

They have received some bad reviews on this Forum, you might want to do a search.

Gary

Here's one thread.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...xperience.html