Convertible top question

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Feb 11, 2009 | 02:02 PM

#21

simard

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 191

Likes: 0

From: lincoln, ne

Convertible top?

You must be talking about the sunshade for the seats to be used when the car is parked. I get it now.

Feb 11, 2009 | 02:38 PM

#22

ferrari red vette

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 875

Likes: 0

From: Los Angeles CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSG C5

Absolutely. In fact, one of the worst things you can do for any ragtop is drive at higher speeds (above 30 MPH) with the top up and the windows open. The air that circulates through the cabin puts upward pressure on the top expanding it and causing it to loosen over time.

I've seen this on many late model Mustangs, Firebirds and Camaros where the top has a bubble curve vs. a flat profile.

the bubble is there permanently or while driving?

if it's while driving, it has nothing to do with the top loosening over time. its physics and air pressure. air pressure is lower above, causing the canvas top to bubble. same principle for airplane flight.

Feb 11, 2009 | 02:43 PM

#23

Vette310

Racer

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 299

Likes: 1

From: 310 California

My top has a leak on the driver side but I need to get fixed ASAP..
WINDOWS UP TOP UP , WINDOWS DOWN TOP DOWN !

Feb 11, 2009 | 02:59 PM

#24

MSG C5

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2008

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From: The Sunshine State

2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ferrari red vette

It happens while driving, however the bubble is not as extreme when the top is new. It takes time and eventually gets worse and worse the more you drive it with the top up and windows down.

My buddy had a Mustang convertible and when the car was parked or stopped, the ragtop then collapsed downward (opposite the bubble effect) and looked just as bad.

Feb 11, 2009 | 03:01 PM

#25

Shinyredone

Advanced

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 59

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Stays up on my 2001

Feb 11, 2009 | 04:20 PM

#26

Quicksilver Vert 01

Tech Contributor

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 3,100

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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL

St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAV162

Is it SPRING yet!!!!!!!!

It felt like was it today!

Feb 11, 2009 | 04:26 PM

#27

Jet-Jock

Race Director

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 13,421

Likes: 8

From: Lake Mary Florida

Might as well join in, yep that is the way Chevy designed it.

In my case being a daily driver, it is starting to bleach out from the sun so I believe one can order just that piece and it appears to be an easy install, just torx screws.