I have been away from the forum for quite a while. I felt like I didn't belong after I lost my 95. So here I am in the market and I have a question or two. Given the choice between a C5 Commemorative Edition Blue/tan and C6 coupe white/tan both of equal price, what would you choose? Also, I took the 04 to a local car wash on a test drive and it leaks. Common? The driver's seat had about two NyQuil cups of water. The passenger side had much less. I am concerned about the C5 door panels. They seem to de-laminate. I have seen many with this problem. What is the fix? The C5 has 17k and the C6 has 25k. I really want to get back in to the Corvette lifestyle and at the risk of being impulsive, I want to pull the trigger in the next week or so. I could use some guidance.

Oops, I did a better search and answered the door panel question. Now I'll search for a fix.

 

I think the response here will be a tad biased. Most will support the C5 even though the C6 is a nice piece of engineering. Sometimes it just gets down to a subjective view of looks.

Leaks are fairly common although I've never had an issue. You can adjust the window tip in. If that fails to work its a seal replacement. If its both windows on an 04 I'd be tempted to think its adjustment. Two bad seals would be unusual.

As you've probably found the fix for delamination is to get some adhesive in there. I've heard of guys using a hyperdermic and superglue. The easy way is a Vette Essentials Armrest to cover it up.

Best of luck with your choice.

 

Ask on the C6 forum and see what they say!

 

as the owner of an 04 CE vert, i suggest that the one you "tried out" in a car wash might not have been a fair test as the water most likely was being "driven" from directions that normal rainfall (even in a bad storm) probably doesn't take. i live in the thunderstorm capital state in the union (florida) and have been caught in rain so blinding that it was virtually impossible to see much beyond the car immediately in front of me. did my car "leak" a bit? yup, it sure did, but i considered the conditions extreme. in normal storms, (and with a dab of vasoline on the seals), the car is virtually hermetically sealed.

that said, my car might be 180 degrees from the next 04 vert as far as it's tightness. that's why the glass is adjustable as is the glass "tilt" or lean in. it's just my opinion, (and i own a 78 with t-tops also), but there is nothing to compare with a convertible. no coupe will give you the same feel (or in my opinion, enjoyment) of a complete top down ride.

all things being equal, buy the CE. the color combination is unique and the car will draw comments no matter where ever you go (plus it doesn't look like you backed it into a wall and squished the rear end, LMAO)!! or look like a refrigerator on wheels (white. sorry, but just not my choice for any car)

 

White C6 does look very nice In the end, it's a question only you can answer.
I hope that wasn't an automatic car wash...

 

No automotive seal was ever designed to seal out water under high pressure not to mention odd directions!

 

For the same price I would choose the C6.

 

I appreciate the feedback. As for the test. I kept the sprayer about three or four feet away at all times and I tried my best not to do anything that defied what nature provides. I hit the winshield the way water would hit it while driving on the highway. The same goes for the sides. Water is swept slightly up when driving and I did the same. As for the decision making, as it turns out this car has a twin. I located another CE just 5 miles away with only 13k on the clock and what appeared to be basically a brand new car. Owner one drove it 5500 miles and owned it 2 yrs, 1 month. Owner two drove it about 8000 miles and owned it 2 yrs and 9 months. It is a California car. I don't see any options NOT on the car aside from the Z06 option, but it is a CE, so not possible. As for the doors, these are only slightly delammed. It seems though that the add on armrest would only ride up with the vinyl, unless it is attached with screws. I would not want to molest the doors like that. I picked up the car last night and only got to drive about 20 miles so I am really anxious to get home today and cruise a bit.
Automatic car wash !!

By the way, THIS ONE passed the car wash test.

 

Ive owned C4, C5, C5Z06, and C6 (vert) and still driving the StuzVette... since Jan 2001

Im sticking with the C5's (the others are gone)

 

Congrats on your purchase. I would have seriously considered the C6 just because it is a newer car for the same price, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the choice you made. Sounds like you got a sweet new ride.

 

Sounds like you have a nice one. Congrats on the new Vette and welcome back to the Corvette world.

 

Gratz!

 

C5

 

Tough decision.....Personally, the '04 CE is the tops on appearance...(some might dispute that)...........Best of luck and welcome home....