Convertivle or not?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Convertivle or not?
Ok so I am looking at he c4 as I finally am in the market to purchase one. I have been a big fan of convertible cars over the years and would like to know from Vette owners if there is a downside of owning a c4 convertible over a hard top. Oh yeah and one more stupid question are all c4s Targa's ?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 700
Likes: 2
From: Spring Hill Florida
I have an '86 convertible and my suggestion is to look for a '94 and up. Reason? Glass back window. I replaced 2 before I put in the kit and made it a '94 glass back window. Why a convertible? I just think a REAL Corvette is a convertible. I like the wide open feeling of having the top down. My other Vette is an '03 convertible.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 111
From: Cherokee National Forest TN
Yes.
The top is bolted on with 4 Torx bolts. A small factory supplied ratchet & bit live in the center console.
The targa will snap into brackets in the rear hatch area if you do not have any cargo.
BTW: 88-89 cars seem to get the best reviews for the Attari flat dash cars & 94-96 for the "cockpit" interior cars.
The top is bolted on with 4 Torx bolts. A small factory supplied ratchet & bit live in the center console.
The targa will snap into brackets in the rear hatch area if you do not have any cargo.
BTW: 88-89 cars seem to get the best reviews for the Attari flat dash cars & 94-96 for the "cockpit" interior cars.
Last edited by Churchkey; Jan 22, 2012 at 08:27 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 144
From: on Barnegat Bay Joisey
I always liked the tail on a '90 and older vert with the big round tail lights and the kickup of the rear facia. My '90 has the original plastic window and its still in good shape. Just Armoral it regularly and don't put it up and down in supercold weather. Oh, and put a pad between the folds of the window when its down. Enjoy the breeze!
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
Some people prefer convertibles, some coupes. The down side to convertibles is, noise, rear visibility, maintainance (replacing/repairingthe top) security, and your wife bitchin about her hair getting messed up. 
Prices are about the same believe it or not, cheaper for the vert unless the top is perfect. Tops run about $800 to replace. They (convertibles) are kind of like manual transmission cars (and cults), some people have to have them, most people would rather not have the bother (and could care less what the people who have to have them say).
Prices are about the same believe it or not, cheaper for the vert unless the top is perfect. Tops run about $800 to replace. They (convertibles) are kind of like manual transmission cars (and cults), some people have to have them, most people would rather not have the bother (and could care less what the people who have to have them say).
Last edited by zr1fred; Jan 22, 2012 at 09:08 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 283
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas NV
I just purchased my 88 convertible two weeks ago.. 55k original miles and in new condition. It's also my first Corvette and I could not be happier.
The back window is not perfect however like mentioned above and there is a nasty blind spot (fixed that with a small additional mirror though) was mentioned above about a glass conversion kit.... Where do you find those????
Here is a pic of my new baby....
The back window is not perfect however like mentioned above and there is a nasty blind spot (fixed that with a small additional mirror though) was mentioned above about a glass conversion kit.... Where do you find those????
Here is a pic of my new baby....
Last edited by cldgin2; Jan 22, 2012 at 09:35 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 4
From: Argillite KY
I also like the wind in my hair.....or what's left of it. One of the reasons that a lot of people like the 95 and 96's are that they have the LT1 which is a great engine and a big step up from the earlier Vettes. The noise inside isn't bad at all. If you want quiet.....buy a Lexus. It's a sports car and chicks dig convertibles. I have to carry a baseball bat in mine just to beat the ladies away. Geesh.
It's a sports car and chicks dig convertibles. I have to carry a baseball bat in mine just to beat the ladies away. Geesh.
Last edited by H P Bushrod; Jan 23, 2012 at 11:11 AM. Reason: Uneccessary comment.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,830
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From: Granada Hills CA
that's a beautiful Vette.
Last edited by H P Bushrod; Jan 23, 2012 at 11:12 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 283
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From: Las Vegas NV
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I had a 92 'vert and really liked it. I do like top-down driving not only on a summer day, but even cold clear days (as long as the heater works good )
The biggest downside to a roadster is traveling on long trips. There is not really a lot of storage space behind the seats and with the top down, you lose about 20% of what is there. Socareful planning for packing and choosing the right kind of luggage is a must. But I did manage to drive cross-country and back with my 92 but I Was alone in the car and didn't put the top down while on the road.
There are differences in seating between the earlier and later C4's The 94 and later cars had wider and flatter standard seats compared to the earlier base seats. They are more comfortable but don't do quite as good a job holding you in place.
The auto trans is easier to drive but the 6-speed ZF6 is strong and of course fun!!
This was my 92
)The biggest downside to a roadster is traveling on long trips. There is not really a lot of storage space behind the seats and with the top down, you lose about 20% of what is there. Socareful planning for packing and choosing the right kind of luggage is a must. But I did manage to drive cross-country and back with my 92 but I Was alone in the car and didn't put the top down while on the road.
There are differences in seating between the earlier and later C4's The 94 and later cars had wider and flatter standard seats compared to the earlier base seats. They are more comfortable but don't do quite as good a job holding you in place.
The auto trans is easier to drive but the 6-speed ZF6 is strong and of course fun!!
This was my 92
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 4
From: Argillite KY
Fortunately blue-haired women can't run too fast!
You got that right. What gave me away? I still think I can catch most of the Blue Haired Beauties.If my white shoes, white alligator belt and checkered pants can't do it I've got the Vette.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 16,093
Likes: 820
From: Dallas Texas
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I rode around with my dad in his vert he had back then, It's awesome. If you go the coupe route it will be cheaper and you can still have a good time with the targa top off.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Sierra Madre California
Before you make your decision, take the time to search out a C-4 convertible with the top down and take a good look at it. In my view (subjective as it is) the C4 verts (especially the early ones with the notched rear) are the best looking cars to ever come out of Detroit. I've had a lot of people, including Mustang and Viper owners, comment on the lines of my '88.