Vert Owners - Step inside for a quick ???
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 47
From: Indianapolis IN
I just bought my convertible, so I don't have a winter routine yet, but a friend of mine who just loves convertibles says that the opposite is a problem - if you leave the top down for an extended period, then it can shrink. So I plan on leaving the top up once it comes time to keep the Corvette in the garage for the winter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 534
From: PNW Cougar Country WA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
C6 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
Originally Posted by Sponge Vette
I will soon be putting my Vert away for the winter, I do leave the latch open an the windows slightly down. Nothing to do with the top stretching more for keeping the weather strip from being compressed all winter long in the cold winter months. Of course the cover is on. 
Usually keep the top up if not using for several days. If it's down i have a cockpit cover to keep the dust out. This will be the first winter storage for my 2k vert. I think i will also unlatch it so it doesn't compress the seal around the back deck. I will probably greese the rubber too. We get some cold weather in the NW is one reason and sitting for maybe 3-4 months, in cold weather, just think it would be better if the seal were not compressed fully. I have noticed slight wear and creases in the fabric from some of the ribs and metal of the top caused when it is down. I would assume it vibrates some when you are moving. I have a cotton sheet that i put on the top when it's down.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 8,155
Likes: 1
From: The United States of TEXAS www.corvettemotorsportsinc.com
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11
had my car for almost 4 years and have not had/scene any problems. Normally the car sits under cover. If its under cover the top is up. I have dogs so I normally leave the top & windows up so I don't get dog hair inside. Normally don't latch it.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
If you havent' already, take note of this thread related to storage...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...6&forum_id=103
..rickko..
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...6&forum_id=103
..rickko..
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Whitefish Bay Wi
vert top maintenance
I use a turkish bath towel laid over each side of the top where it folds on itself. This will eliminate the "shiney" spots on the top fabric where the top frame puts pressure when the top is down. 
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 502
Likes: 1
From: Fountain hills AZ
I live in AZ and seldom put the top up. Usually, only to wash the car. Its a 2000 with 35,000 miles and the top - along with the rest of the car - looks new with no flaws. I keep the car covered in the garage to minimize dust and abrasions.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,760
Likes: 148
From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
Had my C5 Vert from April 98 till june 05.
Top has been down for as much as 6 weeks at a time (have garage)
When top is up, as a result of rain or cold weather driving its parked with top latched.
For winter storage parked with top up, unlatched, windows down ,car cover on
NO PROBLEMS got top dollar at trade for 05 Vert.
Have/ Will treat 05 the same way
Top has been down for as much as 6 weeks at a time (have garage)
When top is up, as a result of rain or cold weather driving its parked with top latched.
For winter storage parked with top up, unlatched, windows down ,car cover on
NO PROBLEMS got top dollar at trade for 05 Vert.
Have/ Will treat 05 the same way
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,992
Likes: 3
From: Pleasanton CA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12, '14-'17,'21, '25
Originally Posted by MarkPDX
I leave the top down in the garage..... the only time the top goes up is if it's parked somewhere outside for an extended period. Of course I'm not the usual C5 owner in that I drive the car really hard, don't wash it much and have a few bumper stickers
With everything he said...except the bumper stickers.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
From: Florence Al
I have a 2004 and I put my hardtop on so the top is in the down position. I have had it for one year now and I can not see any problems with leaving it down. I have a 325 BMW vert that I did not buy a hardtop for and the top wore very quickly from winter months and wet days that is why I bought the hardtop for the Vette. I don't drive the vette much, she stays in the garage, but I do driver her on pretty DRY days year round! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
I like having the top down in the garage as it makes it eaiser to get in and out. But we do have the shiny spots from the top being down most of the time. Ahh, sunny California. Never thought of putting a towel between the folds, sounds like it might work. We have a new top and will try the towels when top down after the new top is installed.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 5
From: Forsyth Illinois
Purchased mine (2000 Vert) 6 years ago this Nov. 12. Garage kept fair weather driven, no wet streets, Top always up and covered. No signs of sagging. Still looks like it did at pick up on Nov.12, 1999.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,760
Likes: 148
From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
Originally Posted by nco663
I left the top up and unlatched then joined the Flying Roof Club. No damage but now if top is up, it is latched!!
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Top up, latched.
I do the same for my '71 Old Cutlass Supreme 'vert. After owning 'verts for 20+ years and doing both, I've found keeping the top up and latched actually keeps the top material and mechanism in better shape.
Also, I keep both covered, even in the garage and the 'Vette is my daily driver, so it's covered nightly and washed *at least* weekly. Did I mention I LOVE my Vette???
-Twylite
Austin, TX
I do the same for my '71 Old Cutlass Supreme 'vert. After owning 'verts for 20+ years and doing both, I've found keeping the top up and latched actually keeps the top material and mechanism in better shape.
Also, I keep both covered, even in the garage and the 'Vette is my daily driver, so it's covered nightly and washed *at least* weekly. Did I mention I LOVE my Vette???
-Twylite
Austin, TX
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Convertibile Top
Wow...I am in the minority here. I keep my 2002 convertible all winter in a heated garage at 60 degrees with a cover on and the top down. Always down. Any comments on the advisability of this?
Thanks
Thanks