Conv. Top Question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,198
Likes: 15
From: Columbia MD
Conv. Top Question
Short of replacing the top, does anyone know how to get rid of, or minimize, those nasty "crease" or "wear" marks left by the top rubbing against itself when stowed, especially on the rear sides aft of the side glass? The top is '98 OEM Black canvas. Was hoping a good scrubbing with a semi-stiff brush and some Ragg-Topp might help but the weather hasn't cooperated here yet. Thanks in advance for any tips. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 0
From: East Lansing, Mi
If it is just a crease, I steamed mine. However, I also had the wear marks and those wouldn't come out. I replaced my top with an upgraded aftermarket that I got from a forum member. In order to avoid the wearing on the new one, I place a clean towel on the center of the back brace and as I fold it down it keeps the wear from occurring when the top is stowed.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis MO
If it is just a crease, I steamed mine. However, I also had the wear marks and those wouldn't come out. I replaced my top with an upgraded aftermarket that I got from a forum member. In order to avoid the wearing on the new one, I place a clean towel on the center of the back brace and as I fold it down it keeps the wear from occurring when the top is stowed.
I like that idea. It's amazing what you can learn on here. David
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,977
Likes: 9
From: Houston, TX www.djmotorsportaccessories.com Specializing in C5 & C6 Accessories. DJ Motorsport Accessories.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
If it is just a crease, I steamed mine. However, I also had the wear marks and those wouldn't come out. I replaced my top with an upgraded aftermarket that I got from a forum member. In order to avoid the wearing on the new one, I place a clean towel on the center of the back brace and as I fold it down it keeps the wear from occurring when the top is stowed.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Mt.Washington Kentucky
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 4
From: USA
It was recommended that you have a professional install a new rag top.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 245
Likes: 40
From: Hollister, California
I bought two fender protector blankets from one of our venders and leave them on the floor in the back. I use them for loading or unloading items from the back of my vette. I also use them on the center rail, one on each side of my vert top when storing it to reduce any wear. So I actually get three uses from one product. Fender protection when working in the engine bay, rear deck protection and convertible top protection.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,198
Likes: 15
From: Columbia MD
Thanks for the input guys. I was hoping the wear marks weren't wear at all but just the nap being smashed down by folding. Oh well. Here's a tip for those thinking about replacing their convertible top:
If you own a '98-'01, opt for the later model "02-'04 top when buying. Unlike the older model tops made with 3-ply fabric, the later model tops are thicker 5-ply material which provide a quieter ride; warmer in winter too. We had an '02 convertible which was way more quiet than the '98 we just bought for my wife. In fact, it was about as quiet as the C5 coupes we've owned.
If you own a '98-'01, opt for the later model "02-'04 top when buying. Unlike the older model tops made with 3-ply fabric, the later model tops are thicker 5-ply material which provide a quieter ride; warmer in winter too. We had an '02 convertible which was way more quiet than the '98 we just bought for my wife. In fact, it was about as quiet as the C5 coupes we've owned.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: pawleys island sc
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 4
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Thanks for the input guys. I was hoping the wear marks weren't wear at all but just the nap being smashed down by folding. Oh well. Here's a tip for those thinking about replacing their convertible top:
If you own a '98-'01, opt for the later model "02-'04 top when buying. Unlike the older model tops made with 3-ply fabric, the later model tops are thicker 5-ply material which provide a quieter ride; warmer in winter too. We had an '02 convertible which was way more quiet than the '98 we just bought for my wife. In fact, it was about as quiet as the C5 coupes we've owned.
If you own a '98-'01, opt for the later model "02-'04 top when buying. Unlike the older model tops made with 3-ply fabric, the later model tops are thicker 5-ply material which provide a quieter ride; warmer in winter too. We had an '02 convertible which was way more quiet than the '98 we just bought for my wife. In fact, it was about as quiet as the C5 coupes we've owned.
I was amazed at how nicely insulated the top is when I bought my '02 vert.
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 592
Likes: 17
From: Tempe AZ
If it is just a crease, I steamed mine. However, I also had the wear marks and those wouldn't come out. I replaced my top with an upgraded aftermarket that I got from a forum member. In order to avoid the wearing on the new one, I place a clean towel on the center of the back brace and as I fold it down it keeps the wear from occurring when the top is stowed.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Dacula Georgia
Thanks for the input guys. I was hoping the wear marks weren't wear at all but just the nap being smashed down by folding. Oh well. Here's a tip for those thinking about replacing their convertible top:
If you own a '98-'01, opt for the later model "02-'04 top when buying. Unlike the older model tops made with 3-ply fabric, the later model tops are thicker 5-ply material which provide a quieter ride; warmer in winter too. We had an '02 convertible which was way more quiet than the '98 we just bought for my wife. In fact, it was about as quiet as the C5 coupes we've owned.
If you own a '98-'01, opt for the later model "02-'04 top when buying. Unlike the older model tops made with 3-ply fabric, the later model tops are thicker 5-ply material which provide a quieter ride; warmer in winter too. We had an '02 convertible which was way more quiet than the '98 we just bought for my wife. In fact, it was about as quiet as the C5 coupes we've owned.
