C5 Advice needed
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 442
Likes: 3
From: Kingsport TN
C5 Advice needed
I am looking at a 98 and need some advice on a couple of issues.
(1) on the passenger side, the glass top has a defect about 2 inches wide from the front to the back of the top. It appears that maybe someone rubbed something on the top and ruined it or it could be a naturally occuring defect that is gradually getting worse. The owner says he has no idea, since it has been that way since he bought it a few years ago. My question is "is there a way to repair these tops or would I need to buy a new one and how much that would cost?
Secondly, the drivers seat seems to move slightly forward or back when the car pulls out or comes to a stop. Is this a common problem with these cars and how can it be fixed?
(1) on the passenger side, the glass top has a defect about 2 inches wide from the front to the back of the top. It appears that maybe someone rubbed something on the top and ruined it or it could be a naturally occuring defect that is gradually getting worse. The owner says he has no idea, since it has been that way since he bought it a few years ago. My question is "is there a way to repair these tops or would I need to buy a new one and how much that would cost?
Secondly, the drivers seat seems to move slightly forward or back when the car pulls out or comes to a stop. Is this a common problem with these cars and how can it be fixed?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
Not sure about the roof issue, but you can buy a new one for 500-700 on ebay.
The "rocking seats" problem is one I have heard of, but I have not YET had it. Search the forum and you will probably see some messages about the seat issue.
The "rocking seats" problem is one I have heard of, but I have not YET had it. Search the forum and you will probably see some messages about the seat issue.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 607
Likes: 1
From: Chesterfield Virginia
I have a 98 and to date the seat has not been a problem, but is an issue and can be fixed, cost unknown. The roof is a total replacement unless you can live with it the way it is. The for sale/parts area you can sometimes find someone selling one, otherwise e-bay for about 4-7 hundred. Remember, I believe the 98 - 04 roofs fit all years.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Most all of the glass tops of that vintage do that and the car has the common rocking seat problem. For the top try www.astrotops.com
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The top issue is one that has been reported here before. If you end up buying the car, the best bet is the try and find a used top in excellent condition off the forum here - good buys can be found - usually in the $400-500 range. If you don't want to go that route, places like Mid-America sells refurbished tops for about $800. Or try giving Gene at the KarShop a call to see if he has a used one.
And yes, the rocking seat is another problem the C5 can experience. There have been a number of posts on how to fix the problem - hopefully a search will bring up the old posts.
And yes, the rocking seat is another problem the C5 can experience. There have been a number of posts on how to fix the problem - hopefully a search will bring up the old posts.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 993
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From: PA
The roof issue is a delamination commonly found in 97 and early 98 Vettes. There is no 'fix' for this, only a replacement of the Lexan. If you bring it up in price negotiations, remember, it will cost ~ $799 IF the exisiting frame is in good shape. If not, to purchase a complete top will run ~$1200.
Personnaly, the only time I notice it, is when I wash the car, so until I finish all the 'go-fast' mods, mine is going to stay the way it is. No leaks, just a bit fugly.
The 'rocking seat' issue is a common problem. My 98 is nmot plagued by it ... yet. There are fantastic directions, with pictures, to resolve this, here on the forum.
HTH
OBTW, my 98 is an early production, and the ONLY thing I wish was different about my Vette, is Active Handling was nit available until later in the 98 MY.
Personnaly, the only time I notice it, is when I wash the car, so until I finish all the 'go-fast' mods, mine is going to stay the way it is. No leaks, just a bit fugly.
The 'rocking seat' issue is a common problem. My 98 is nmot plagued by it ... yet. There are fantastic directions, with pictures, to resolve this, here on the forum.
HTH
OBTW, my 98 is an early production, and the ONLY thing I wish was different about my Vette, is Active Handling was nit available until later in the 98 MY.