New c4 owner asking about canvas top. Noticed a "rain coat" canvas top from mid amaerica for installing instead of the hard top. It looks like this would ideal for protecting the interior when the hard top is off. Has anyone any experience with this item? Would appreciate any imput. Thanks
Don

 

Who makes it? Trojan?

Sorry, I obviously can't help.

 

In my opinion I would not waste my money on such a item, I have seen them and I think they are ugly, and I have been driveing my Vette a few times with the top off and it started to rain a little it is not that much effort to pull over and pop it back on, or go faster and the rain reflects over the windshield... But really I think you probably will not find many coupe owners that have a ragtop looking targa top replacement that will chime in, again that is just my opinion and I am on my forth C4 now.

 

I have one and agree they are not worth the money. I bought mine used off of eBay for $75, cheap enough to try out, and to me, was an honest price. I used it for the first time this summer and I had mixed reviews, mostly negative.

First of all, it takes almost the same amount of effort to install it in my opinion. Instead of 4 bolts to tighten, you only have two, but they are a pain to line up in a hurry and the tightening method is not the world's greatest, you'd think for the money they charge, that a better method would have been implemented. I actually timed it and it was faster to put the hard top on than it was the Rain Coat. It does leak, both water and air, so if you get caught in a heavy storm, you most likely will experience some form of leakage. You also have to secure it tightly with both the velcro at the back and the securing straps around the mirror for highway driving otherwise the thing rattles like crazy and the front of it will actually lift up threatening to fly off.

I will say that it works keeping the interior cool when its on and saves storage space in the rear. I was able to put my golf clubs in the back for the first time while being able to drive topless. And it super light compared to the factory roof panel.

As far as looks go, its definitely a different look for a C4, kind of a love or hate it look. I have gotten compliments on it, probably because its different and no one ever sees them.

If you can get one cheap, they give it a try, otherwise, use the money for something better. Just my 2 cents.

 

 

ttt

 

EJscarfo & ron are both right on the $$..

Don't waste yours!

I've got one. Had it for several years.

Faded and went from black to tan in just a few months of normal use.

The cloth will eventually (if you use it often) tear at the crimp points. Mine has small pin holes in the front and rear right where it folds.

The velcro....well more accurately, the attachment velcro on the HALO...keeps peeling off no matter how I prep it.

LEAKS!!!! Yes, you'll get wet with it on. Simpler and quicker to pull over & re-install the targa.

Looks like

You have to spend an inordinate amount of time cranking the hand turnscrews that secure the top. PUtting the strap around the mirror is a PITA and it will cause your mirror to eventually loosen if you use it to drive at any kind of highway speed very often Ask me how I know?

I bought mine from E cklers. Of course, had to send it back to the manufacturer for repair. The MFG "offered" to sell me a new cover after telling me that he had a problem with the dye lot in several batches???

If you just want to cover it when parked, I'd get the much cheaper cover that is not intended for driving. Can't recall the name but you'll probably find it in the same area of the catalog you found this one.

I wouldn't waste my $$...agian....

 

and your referring to the Carbrella Sport Top I think, its not cheap either, but I have seen them on eBay for as little as $25

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1399

 

Yes sir....thats it, thanks

 

Thanks for the imput. Really apreciate your candid opinions.
Don

 

Got one from a forum member for shipping cost, I haven't used it or mounted any velcro, but I do like the cargo area better without the targa in there....I might modify how it attaches so I can use it to keep the interior cool and the unwanted out while parked..or just keep the rain out til I get home, actually it looks fairly good when I just set it on top......but I'd never pay a retailer for one.