Convertible top questions
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Hobbs NM
Convertible top questions
I'm currently a C3 owner, looking to get into a C5 convertible. What is the life expectancy of the top? In other words how often would the top need to be replaced? How costly is a new top and how difficult are they to replace?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
The life of any top depends on the care that it gets but the C5 top will usually last much longer because it has a glass rear window and the C3's all have plastic windows . However, The C5's have a problem with the glue on the rear windows coming lose and the window falling down . They can be re-glued and there are many comments in the C5 section on how to do it. The C5 tops are more expensive to replace though because they also have a headliner and are more difficult to replace.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 41
From: Pinecrest FL
2015 C3 of the Year Finalist
My 63 still has its original dated softop. It has wear spots on both sides, but it is still very presentable.
There is no reason a new top wont last 10 to 15 years or more if properly installed and well cared for.
There is no reason a new top wont last 10 to 15 years or more if properly installed and well cared for.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I will have to cross this soon on our 69 the rag that is on it I do believe came on it and was closed so long it will not fully open,
Anyway ballpark...what do shops charge parts and labor for this?
Anyway ballpark...what do shops charge parts and labor for this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
The C3 tops are not hard to install. I have no background in upholstery work but have installed many of the C3 and C2 tops. Just study the top and take notes before you remove it if you don't have the Al Knoch video. If you can find the video it makes it easy.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I wanted one of the tops I havent seen in 20 plus years the rear window was the chevy bowtie...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,422
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
At 41 years of age, I had the factory soft top of my 68 replaced by Al Knoch. It was still very presentable, but the plastic rear window was entirely fogged. The car had been garaged through almost of it's lifetime. My new top instal actually took longer than usual. Since it was in good condition and it was an original factory top, Knoch had his team very carefully remove it to do minimal damage. He was saving tops like mine for his dealings with National Corvette Restorer Society (NCRS) members. His intent was to defend the stitching and construction details of his repro tops as being factory duplicate manufacturing.
Did a great job replacing my top. It fit much better than the factory original.
Did a great job replacing my top. It fit much better than the factory original.