I think you would still do better trying to find a good used OEM top than going aftermarket. 
clear top
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I'm currently researching due to my Melrose Cracking. Bought it three years ago. The thing looks like new but has a crack down the center. Heard then watch the crack grow on the way to work a week ago. I live in NC so it had to deal with Hot days in the sun but, would have hoped to get more than three years out of it.
I think the acrylic they use has the wrong properties and will crack over time. Talked to a friend who had the same thing happen. When mine is hot in the sun the crack will close up but, when it is cool there is about an 1/8 inch opening.
I was thinking of going with the astro but not sure if they are better.
I think the acrylic they use has the wrong properties and will crack over time. Talked to a friend who had the same thing happen. When mine is hot in the sun the crack will close up but, when it is cool there is about an 1/8 inch opening.
I was thinking of going with the astro but not sure if they are better.
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
yes, it's a Melrose top. They installed it at Carlisle for me. I think they only warranty against glue failure.
The Melrose was a very nice top its fit and finish was great but, cracking after three years is not acceptable.
I just did some searches and see that Astro tops have had many problems.
Looks like there is not really a good solution.
The Melrose was a very nice top its fit and finish was great but, cracking after three years is not acceptable.
I just did some searches and see that Astro tops have had many problems.
Looks like there is not really a good solution.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Shame after all these years there are still issues with them especially the newer ones that would fry me after paying all that $
Wait for a nice used original if you can.
Wait for a nice used original if you can.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,776
Likes: 182
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
I was lucky enough to find a never used (still had the GM wrapping on it) top a couple of years ago. Drove and picked it up, and it still looks brand new.
I got it for less than half of what I've seen other new GM tops go for on ebay.
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Looks just like mine. IF you park it out in the sun you will see the crack close up. I think the problem is due to the expansion rate of the acrylic verse the aluminum frame.
I've seen the thread on the carbon fiber top. I don't think I'm willing to take the time to make the skin myself but may be someone will start selling them.
BTW, my top had a pretty gentle life it was only out in the sun when I drove it. The rest of the time it was in the garage. My OEM top cracked too but that was after 20 years.
I agree these tops are too expensive to be replacing all the time.
I've seen the thread on the carbon fiber top. I don't think I'm willing to take the time to make the skin myself but may be someone will start selling them.
BTW, my top had a pretty gentle life it was only out in the sun when I drove it. The rest of the time it was in the garage. My OEM top cracked too but that was after 20 years.
I agree these tops are too expensive to be replacing all the time.
Last edited by datobin1; Aug 8, 2021 at 02:58 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 5
From: Coast MS
I have the glass stop that came with my car. It's in perfect condition, and I was thinking of putting it on the car for the winter.
I see a few threads about these tops splitting, and it's making me worried to put the top on.
Is this just a heat issue? Am I fine to leave the glass top on for months at a time? I was hoping that the stock glass top was hefty enough to normal use.
I see a few threads about these tops splitting, and it's making me worried to put the top on.
Is this just a heat issue? Am I fine to leave the glass top on for months at a time? I was hoping that the stock glass top was hefty enough to normal use.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 3
From: Conowingo Maryland
I had to replace my top a few weeks ago. The bad thing was I needed it in 3 days. I found East Coast T tops and sun roofs. They are GM certiifed. use GM frames ect. They make the tops as ordered not put out my the mass. They made me one and had it shipped out and I was ready to go when I needed it. I have been very happy with it so far. The price was also less then Melrose and astro. Check out their web site call the owner.They did all they said they would do for me and got it to me on time.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
I had to replace my top a few weeks ago. The bad thing was I needed it in 3 days. I found East Coast T tops and sun roofs. They are GM certiifed. use GM frames ect. They make the tops as ordered not put out my the mass. They made me one and had it shipped out and I was ready to go when I needed it. I have been very happy with it so far. The price was also less then Melrose and astro. Check out their web site call the owner.They did all they said they would do for me and got it to me on time.
