C5 Vert Hardtop opinions!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
Well, here's a dissenting view. Had hardtops for my '62 and '73. Used them in winter months for added warmth, quiet, and security in urban areas. When installed, I didn't have to worry about vandalism/slashed tops. Like all things Vette, it's a matter of personal choice.
They are a huge hassle, even if you get the little block and tackle to store/install it's still a PIA.
If he digs the looks and wants to drop 2-5K (top/paint) then do it-seems like a giant waste when there are better goodies.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 844
Likes: 32
From: Wilmington DE
C5 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
St. Jude Donor '09
Yes, my top is stock, but I drive with it down most of the time. I have a heater to keep me warm in the winter and an AC to keep me cool in the summer. Top down driving is the BEST!!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
From: Home Southern Maine
St. Jude Donor '08
Smoothline is running a $1999 special until the end of the month.
With shipping and some options (I went with the big window, Black insolated interior, and shipping to the house), $2500 is bout right for new.
LOL now the tough part is what color to paint it...Black would be easier to sell if I needed to, or Nassua Blue for the FRC look...
Last edited by Beer99C5@FastbirdPerf.com; Jul 28, 2008 at 03:21 PM.
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,725
Likes: 4,564
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
did they even try to match the paint?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
I've thought about this, since my convertible is my daily driver and my top is show a little wear. A local shop quoted me about $800-$1000 to replace my 8 year old top.
It seems to me that I'm better off with the cloth top, even during the winter. Purchasing a $2k or $3k hard top to protect a top that only costs $1000 doesn't seem to be worth it. Especially when you consider the pain of having to take it on and off and store it.
It seems to me that I'm better off with the cloth top, even during the winter. Purchasing a $2k or $3k hard top to protect a top that only costs $1000 doesn't seem to be worth it. Especially when you consider the pain of having to take it on and off and store it.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 1
From: NC
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 2
From: San Diego California
- too bad there isn't a cheap hardtop out there. i'll keep an eye out - but it makes sense...it was mentioned, why buy a hardtop for a few grand to protect a 1000 investment 
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
From: Home Southern Maine
St. Jude Donor '08
I just talked to Gary @ Smoothline, and my top will ship next week, guessing 21-22 Aug so that is less than a month on turn-around time. Its being shipped direct to the body shop to be painted Nassua Blue.
I'll Post up pics in Sept when I get home
I'll Post up pics in Sept when I get home
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 2
From: San Diego California
Sounds good! i'm excited for you! 