I'm appealing to the Corvette Brotherhood for some information to help me in my decision. I am beginning, in earnest, my search for a C5. The question is do I go convertible or removable top. The issue is not preference, but due to my disability, (I use a walker), I would imagine it would be virtually impossible for me to handle removing the roof panel.

I would like some input (or even pictures if someone has them) on the process for lowering, and raising the top on a vert, and opinions on whether I would be able to handle it.

Thanks in advance for your help. I've been following the forum for quite some time, and know you guys will step up with information for me.

Mike.

 

The vert top is a cinch to raise and lower. It requires very little effort. Much less than needed to handle the targa top on the coupe.


I'd say the 'vert is the way to go for you.

 

Completely the targa top is somewhat heavy and awkward , not to mention scorching hot in the summer. Vert top comes off by two turns of levers,unrolling windows push release button for storage, lift rear of top then pull top towards rear. It all folds together and easily goes back into storage area.

 

The convertible top is easier that you could imagine. When seated just reach over the sun visors, there is a latch behind each visor, flip the latches. Then let your windows down and get out of the car, next just grab the front and rear of the convertible top and pull up with no effort the top will then collaspe up,there is a hidden botton under the tonneau cover, the top will collaspe then you just flip the top into and under the tonneau and push down to latch it.............in all it takes about a minute or less.........I really think you can do it................go down to the car dealer, give one a test. GOOD LUCK

 

Mike, for a non disabled person lowering or raising the manual convertible top takes 30 seconds or less. It is not very physcially challenging and I will describe how it is done. (Sorry I have not taken pictures of the process)

I do have a more fundamental question... Where do you plan to store your walker in the Corvette? I have a pre-teen nephew afflicted with cerebral palsy and I cannot fit his walker in the trunk , nor do I think it would be easy to fit it in the passenger seat with the top up.
I do believe it would fit in the rear cargo area in a coupe.

To lower the top
1. over the sun visor on each side is a lever that needs to be rotated.
sitting in the car I can reach both sides from the drivers seat. But this means if you are outside the car your either need to get into the car or walk around from side to side to do so.

2. Once the levvers are un-locked, get out of the car

3. Standing near to the car(drivers side) lift the front edge of the top and the rear edge of the top upwards simultaneously. You need two free hands to do this. When both are vertical reach in under the tonneau cover, depress a button to release the tonneu cover. Lift the tonneau cover towards the rear of the car until it also is vertical.
4. with the tonneau cover vertical lower the rear portion of the top and let it slip into the area under the tonneau , continue with folding the rest of the top intothe tonneau area. close the tonneau cover and get into the car.

To put the top up it is bascially the reverse procedure.

So the issues to address is how easy is it for you to get into and out of a Corvette? , can you free both hands while standing to reach and fold the top and open the tonneau cover?

Where do yo put your walker?

 

The convertible top is very easy to operate. Takes me about 5 seconds to do. I even was able to do it w/o much effort after some shoulder surgery. I could have never have done that with the targa top.

 

Have you looked at a vert in person yet? If not, do so and check out the easy operation of it.

 

This is definitly a question I can answer.
I have had to use a walker since 1994 and have owned Corvettes for over 25 years. When I got my 98, the thing I liked the most was that the walker fit in the trunk easy with the top up or down. We travel all the time with it and the trunk holds enough luggage for both of us and the walker. The top is easy to put up or down and is not an issue.
I checked out the C6 and since the car is 6 inches shorter, they took the room out of the trunk and the walker won't fit as well.
Good luck with your search.................

 

You can lower the top with one hand. I would say the vert is the way to go. Good luck in your search and be dilligent in your search.

 

vert is the easiest to do

 

As stated above, the Vert would be the easiest for you, just make sure the walker will fit.

Happy Vette scouting!

 

Hmmm, when I push the button to release the tonneau it automatically rolls down the windows.

As the others have said it takes little effort. The front folds straight up to the middle, the back folds up to the middle to meet the front part, the tonneau is opened and the rear of the top is started in and the front follows. The tonneau is closed at your done. It requires you to stand at the drivers door to do all this.

Putting it up is pretty much the reverse. I'd say depending on your disabilities the most difficult part would be starting the top up out of storage to the vertical position.

As suggested, try out a vert and be sure to work the top to see what if any issues it may cause you.

 

 

The brotherhood comes through as expected. Thank you all for your input.

The issue about the walker is valid, and will require some actual checking to see if it will fit. It folds flat. My understanding is that the trunk will hold two sets of golf clubs, and this is no where near that size. I think it will work, but will definitely take the suggestion of trying it out.

Based on your responses, I think the vert will be very do-able for me. I am able to stand by the side of the car with my hands free to raise or lower the top. The operation sounds simple and easy.

Thank you all, again for your input. The search goes on, but at least I have more information to move forward.

Mike

 

 

I don't want any bashing here......

Mike,
Wheather you have a weight problem or you have a stability problem, there is a problem. It is difficult to use a walker with 1 hand. The ability for you to handle a targa top, alone is virtually impossible. It is hard for a stable person to handle if they are not physically built right. Example: a 5'2" female weighing 90lbs, would have a hard time removing a targa top themselves.

A convertible top can be dropped with 1 hand. It is harder to put up ( weight & gravity against you) than to put down. I like the others would recommend a convertible top. I also highly recommend a window valet when you get your car.

 

Another reason to love CF!! Well done, guys!!!

 

It's a stability problem. Please enlighten me. What is a window valet?

Mike

 

wow, so great common sense responses....that's why I love this site...good luck in your search....I'm a vert guy...I agree that is most easy to go topless...

 

A vert with the window valet sounds like the way to go. I love mine.
Super easy to operate.