C6 Corvette General Discussion General C6 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Is a transparent top worth it?

Old 04-02-2009, 08:06 PM
  #1  
LMB-C6
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
 
LMB-C6's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 2,673
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts

Default Is a transparent top worth it?

I was actually looking to have this option when I purchased a vette but mine unfortunately didn't have it. Didn't think much of it at the time because I knew I could add it later. Question is, it's not exactly cheap, is it worth the $? Considering where I live, there is no issue with the sun beating down on me or really high temps - those conditions last for a week or less around here . I just thought the top would add some 'openness' to the cabin when I don't want to drive with it off. Is it noisier in the car with one of these?
Old 04-02-2009, 08:08 PM
  #2  
srtclg1007
Racer
 
srtclg1007's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2009
Location: San Antonio TX
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
St. Jude Donor '11
Default

Originally Posted by LMB-C6
I was actually looking to have this option when I purchased a vette but mine unfortunately didn't have it. Didn't think much of it at the time because I knew I could add it later. Question is, it's not exactly cheap, is it worth the $? Considering where I live, there is no issue with the sun beating down on me or really high temps - those conditions last for a week or less around here . I just thought the top would add some 'openness' to the cabin when I don't want to drive with it off. Is it noisier in the car with one of these?
Old 04-02-2009, 08:10 PM
  #3  
JameyTurner
Too Much Fun
Support Corvetteforum!
 
JameyTurner's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2004
Location: Florence, AL
Posts: 1,645
Received 180 Likes on 79 Posts

Default

OH YEAH they are sweeeeet!!!! I had one on my last 2 vette's and my 08 did not come with one and I am looking to buy 1, but just can't pull the trigger on $800-$1000 for a clear top for my 08 YET!!!!
Old 04-02-2009, 08:13 PM
  #4  
Ames
Pro
Support Corvetteforum!
 
Ames's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: Ames IA
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

It's the only top I use. My painted top just hangs in the garage.
Old 04-02-2009, 08:15 PM
  #5  
phileaglesfan
Race Director
 
phileaglesfan's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2007
Location: Frederick, MD
Posts: 19,573
Received 164 Likes on 129 Posts

Default

I knew when I ordered my car that all options I wanted later would be $$$. I love the transparent top and that is what I mostly use. Top Flight Reproduction shades are great for the real hot months.
Old 04-02-2009, 08:25 PM
  #6  
C-INRED
Le Mans Master
 
C-INRED's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2005
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 6,709
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
St. Jude Donor '06

Default

I think it is. I have both tops but only use the clear one. If it's really hot and sunny or I'm going somewhere that it is I take along my DSV removeable headliner. With that combo I have the option of:

1. Top with headliner.
2. Clear top with lots of light (headliner stowed in back).
3. No top.

Besides, I like the look of the car better with the clear (black) top anyway.
Old 04-02-2009, 08:29 PM
  #7  
CQRT
Team Owner
Support Corvetteforum!
 
CQRT's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2003
Location: Scottsdale AZ
Posts: 23,769
Received 295 Likes on 237 Posts

Default

Those that have it probably think it was worth it . . .those who don't . . .

I bought mine from another forum member and paid far less that new- and from October to April it's a great feature. In the summer out here, it's like being an ant under a magnifying glass.

I'd think in Upstate NY, you'd have a good 6 months of the year to enjoy it.

Last edited by CQRT; 04-02-2009 at 10:37 PM. Reason: typo
Old 04-02-2009, 08:29 PM
  #8  
v.vet's Z06
Melting Slicks
 
v.vet's Z06's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Orlando FL
Posts: 2,378
Received 153 Likes on 115 Posts

Default

Yes it absolutely is! I had both tops with my C5 and do miss it with my current Z. It is a bit noisier than the solid top but the openness more than makes up for the noise IMHO. I enjoyed it 6 months of the year in FL and would have left it in all year if not for the heat from the sun!!

Old 04-02-2009, 08:32 PM
  #9  
DougDawg
Advanced
 
DougDawg's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2008
Location: Tishomingo Oklahoma
Posts: 79
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

It's an absolute must. We have ours on 90% of the time. We only want the solid roof on on the hottest summer days and even then the transparent top does not let in as much heat as you think. As for the sound, it does not let the sound in any more than the solid one. If you are on a budget right now. The transparent one can be bouught without the hardware and you can put the hardware on it from the other roof.
Old 04-02-2009, 08:37 PM
  #10  
budmont
Drifting
 
budmont's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2002
Location: hamilton nj "Life's tough......It's even tougher if you're stupid."-John Wayne
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

Love mine

When my wife gets in the car she always says: “I want one of these in my next car”
Old 04-02-2009, 08:42 PM
  #11  
Raazor
Goon Squad King of Battle

Support Corvetteforum!
 
Raazor's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2008
Location: 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑
Posts: 118,130
Received 920 Likes on 356 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13x3- '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23


Default

Originally Posted by LMB-C6
Is a transparent top worth it?
Uh.. no.. no it's not.


Old 04-02-2009, 08:43 PM
  #12  
*FAÇADE*
PHOTOSHOP SPECIALIST
Support Corvetteforum!
 
*FAÇADE*'s Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 16,432
Received 39 Likes on 21 Posts
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16


Default





You can purchase the GM C6 Transparent Roof
from Gene Culley (GMPartsHouse.com) at this link:


http://www.gmpartshouseusa.com/partl...catalogid=5210



Old 04-02-2009, 08:44 PM
  #13  
0Brian@RPT
Former Vendor
 
Brian@RPT's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2007
Location: Austin Texas
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Is it worth it, I love mine. Makes the car feel more open and real light weight.
Old 04-02-2009, 08:48 PM
  #14  
SSN609
Intermediate
 
SSN609's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2008
Location: Northeast Texas
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I love the clear top. I live in Texas and leave it in nearly year round. Even in the summer it's not bad as far as the sun. Plus, I just think it looks better on the car. The only time I put the other top on is just for a change of pace (which isn't often). Not sure about the noise difference. Must not be much if I haven't noticed it. One thing I do notice is the weight difference when I put the solid top on.

Last edited by SSN609; 04-02-2009 at 08:50 PM.
Old 04-02-2009, 08:51 PM
  #15  
dvilin
Team Owner
 
dvilin's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2007
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 44,739
Received 7,918 Likes on 4,804 Posts

Default

If I had a choice between the two I would definitely choose the transparent roof, but to pay the extra bucks for one, I have to pass.
Old 04-02-2009, 08:52 PM
  #16  
Revette
Drifting

Support Corvetteforum!
 
Revette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2001
Location: Manitowoc WI
Posts: 1,468
Received 194 Likes on 78 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by LMB-C6
I was actually looking to have this option when I purchased a vette but mine unfortunately didn't have it. Didn't think much of it at the time because I knew I could add it later. Question is, it's not exactly cheap, is it worth the $? Considering where I live, there is no issue with the sun beating down on me or really high temps - those conditions last for a week or less around here . I just thought the top would add some 'openness' to the cabin when I don't want to drive with it off. Is it noisier in the car with one of these?
We purchased our '08 with both tops and find we use both of them. In the winter we use the transparent top so the car stays warmer inside while it is parked and in the warmer months we run with the painted top to keep the temperature down in the car. It does feel a bit more "open" with the transparent top on, and the radio does sound a bit different with the painted top giving a deader, quieter interior and the transparent a bit brighter.
Old 04-02-2009, 09:29 PM
  #17  
terpfan
Instructor
 
terpfan's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2008
Location: Broadway NC
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I really enjoyed my clear top in my 05. It really made the machine silver look better with the clear top.

Get notified of new replies

To Is a transparent top worth it?

Old 04-02-2009, 10:04 PM
  #18  
Dif
Safety Car
Support Corvetteforum!
 
Dif's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2009
Location: Northeast MA & Mad Beach FL
Posts: 4,101
Received 716 Likes on 436 Posts

Default

When I bought my Vette it came with both tops.
Before I even left the Dealer I had the Clear top put on .
My thoughts:
I really like the openess it creates and the extra light it lets in, but I personally find it hotter and the weather here isn't even hot yet.
Naturally once the AC cools the interior down it's Nice, but still noticed how much heat gets into the interior.
I find it's a lot cooler with the solid top on.

I'm glad I have both tops and will use each one at different times.
The Top Liner sounds like a great item and a lot easier than changing tops
I also liked the look of the car with the Black roof matching the Black in the Back window.
Gives the car a whole different look in a good way

If I didn't have the Clear top, I know I'd wish I had one.
But I would want to try one first to see if I liked it enough to spend the money.
Good Luck with your decision
Old 04-02-2009, 10:14 PM
  #19  
mcwire
Melting Slicks
 
mcwire's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2007
Location: --- N.E., Pa.
Posts: 2,067
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by C-INRED
........................
Besides, I like the look of the car better with the clear (black) top anyway.
-- Me too -- That's the main reason that I got it. -- --
Old 04-02-2009, 10:14 PM
  #20  
Greenstealth
Burning Brakes
 
Greenstealth's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2007
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

i havent gone back to painted since i got mine

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Is a transparent top worth it?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:33 AM.