original vert top...replace?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 144
From: on Barnegat Bay Joisey
original vert top...replace?
Hi folks, I'm a C3 newbie coming from the C4 and then C6 forums. I've just acquired a '74 L48 4speed roadster with 37K miles. Its all original with one respray about 15 years ago.
I'd like your opinions on replacing the white rag top which is original. Its in good condition but dirty and yellowed. The back window is milky but not opaque...you can kind of see through it.
If there are some magic cleaners out there I'd appreciate any suggestions.
I live in the Toms River, NJ area and look forward to chatting on this forum and meeting some of you at the local car shows. Thanks.
I'd like your opinions on replacing the white rag top which is original. Its in good condition but dirty and yellowed. The back window is milky but not opaque...you can kind of see through it.
If there are some magic cleaners out there I'd appreciate any suggestions.
I live in the Toms River, NJ area and look forward to chatting on this forum and meeting some of you at the local car shows. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
There is a couple of guys from the Toms river area that are here on the forum. Friends with them but I am an hour away in Voorhees. I have done a lot of work on thief cars over the years.
As for the top there is no magic. After that many years I would replace the top. You can try but like people there is no way to reverse age and the toll it takes.
As for the top there is no magic. After that many years I would replace the top. You can try but like people there is no way to reverse age and the toll it takes.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
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From: Kingman AZ
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
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From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I have replaced a C3 top myself for the same reasons. It is a job you can do yourself. There should be videos on the net that showed you how to do it. I rented a VCR tape from Al Knoch back in the day and just followed along. You need contact cement, a good staple gun with stainless staples and basic hand tools. The whole process was quite interesting.
I had a black top and it was still in good shape though. My window split while I was buffing it. I removed the entire top and took it to an upholstery shop who sewed in a new window for me. They told me that they could not install the window while it was on the car.
I had a black top and it was still in good shape though. My window split while I was buffing it. I removed the entire top and took it to an upholstery shop who sewed in a new window for me. They told me that they could not install the window while it was on the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
... Is that some type of inside name for people in the know on Corvettes?...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 144
From: on Barnegat Bay Joisey
Not all Corvettes are Verts...only the ones with the rag (soft) tops. This term has been in general use for many years. It's not a secret word kind of thing.
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Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 489
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From: Vancouver BC
When you say its all original with one respray then its no longer "all" original - if the old top is bringing the car down then replace it with a nice new one 
if you think the original old top will add value if/when you sell the car then pack it away in a box 
if you think the original old top will add value if/when you sell the car then pack it away in a box
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
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From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
