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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 02:00 PM
  #1  
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Default Convertible Top Question

Hi

Being that l am shopping for a vert l have several questions.

1) If l have to replace the top because of wear or not like the color,
where can l but the best available.

2) What does it cost to take off the old and put on the new top?


3) What is the best material to buy for the top?

4) heard that the back glass falls out from time to time, is this true and is there an easy fix??


5) Besides blk, white, tan are there any other colors out there sold in the lower 48? I am aware that Carraviggo in Canada does but that's too far.


Thanks

Alan
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 02:24 PM
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Do a search on here, loads of information. Anything you can think of has already been answered a few times. Good luck.
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 04:15 PM
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my top is Shale color
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 04 commemorative
my top is Shale color


Same here.
I have seen several non-stock colors when people replace their tops.
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by JerzeyJoe
Do a search on here, loads of information. Anything you can think of has already been answered a few times. Good luck.

Hi

I did a search and all of the threads are not current!

Has anything changed as far as the best top to buy and is the top the same for the 2001 thru 2004 as far as the rear glass window falling out?

Thanks

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi

Being that l am shopping for a vert l have several questions.

1) If l have to replace the top because of wear or not like the color,
where can l but the best available.

2) What does it cost to take off the old and put on the new top?


3) What is the best material to buy for the top?

4) heard that the back glass falls out from time to time, is this true and is there an easy fix??


5) Besides blk, white, tan are there any other colors out there sold in the lower 48? I am aware that Carraviggo in Canada does but that's too far.


Thanks
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2010 | 03:12 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by 04 commemorative
my top is Shale color
so is mine, but that top originally was on the commemorative edition in 2004 (mine is an 04 CE). i would think that you could probably buy just about any color product you would want. the only difference is that it wouldn't be an OEM type product.
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 09:14 AM
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Hi

OK then who makes the best top and l could care less what it costs, just want the best.

Thanks

Alan
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 10:59 AM
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I have seen Navy Blue and Maroon canvas tops.
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by kingman
Hi

OK then who makes the best top and l could care less what it costs, just want the best.

Thanks

Alan
i have found the quality of the OEM top material to be excellent. whenever it is needed, that is the way i plan to go as far as replacement.
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 11:45 AM
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In 2002 GM upgraded the vert top considerably over prior years, better material, more insulation, better rear seal (doesn't scratch the tonneau cover anymore), and revised corners so the windows don't come in contact when you open/close the doors and tear it over time.

Only oem-quality tops in other colors that I've seen are from Caravaggio.
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by VR-4ever
In 2002 GM upgraded the vert top considerably over prior years, better material, more insulation, better rear seal (doesn't scratch the tonneau cover anymore), and revised corners so the windows don't come in contact when you open/close the doors and tear it over time.

Only oem-quality tops in other colors that I've seen are from Caravaggio.
Hi

This is the reply that l was hoping for, thanks a lot. I am going to be trading my o2 coupe for a vert, just waiting for a vert to come into a
corvette specialist. Depending on the vert's top color and condition l will most likely have it redone asap. Black and Oak are the only two colors available so l will stay with them.

Thanks once again

Alan
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 12:20 PM
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Why do you think you will need to have it redone?
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by VR-4ever
Why do you think you will need to have it redone?

Because most of the verts that l have seen had issues like tears, stains
just didn't look pristine. But again l am a little ****. hahaha

Alan
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 01:08 PM
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A 2002+ C5 that's been garage kept and properly cared for will be fine. But if you're just waiting for a random vert to come in to a local shop to buy then it's up to chance.
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 01:11 PM
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Hi

Living in NJ if l trade in my coupe l will not have to pay the taxes again, this is a $1400 plus savings. The dealer is a good guy and l trust him. If nothing comes up then l will sell my coupe and buy a vert myself.

Alan
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by VR-4ever
Why do you think you will need to have it redone?
Originally Posted by VR-4ever
A 2002+ C5 that's been garage kept and properly cared for will be fine. But if you're just waiting for a random vert to come in to a local shop to buy then it's up to chance.


I have been wondering this myself.
I know you would be happy with the condition of my top, and I'm sure there are others out there as well.
I have only used the raggtopp kit on mine, and spend a small amount of time after the cleaner/before the protectant and you are good to go. Make sure it is COMPLETELY dry before applying.
Good luck in your search.


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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by VR-4ever
In 2002 GM upgraded the vert top considerably over prior years, better material, more insulation, better rear seal (doesn't scratch the tonneau cover anymore), and revised corners so the windows don't come in contact when you open/close the doors and tear it over time.

Only oem-quality tops in other colors that I've seen are from Caravaggio.
Hi

By the way where did you read this about the change in tops beginning in 2002?

Thanks
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by steve8
I have been wondering this myself.
I know you would be happy with the condition of my top, and I'm sure there are others out there as well.
I have only used the raggtopp kit on mine, and spend a small amount of time after the cleaner/before the protectant and you are good to go. Make sure it is COMPLETELY dry before applying.
Good luck in your search.


Hi

Your pic really cracked me up, your as sick as l am! But it gave me a tip
on protecting from over spray.

Is the Raggtopp kit a product?

My wife drives an Audi convertible and her top is really one helleva top.

You have to give the German's credit when it comes to tops. It must have 3 to 4 layers.

Alan

PS Did you read (above) that the 2002 had a better top then the one it replaced?
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted by kingman
Hi

Your pic really cracked me up, your as sick as l am! But it gave me a tip
on protecting from over spray.

Is the Raggtopp kit a product?

My wife drives an Audi convertible and her top is really one helleva top.

You have to give the German's credit when it comes to tops. It must have 3 to 4 layers.

Alan

PS Did you read (above) that the 2002 had a better top then the one it replaced?


Yes, mine is an 04 and supposedly improvements post 02.
I am very happy with mine.
What I did in the pic takes no time at all.
Drape an old sheet out before folding the top back up, and mask away on the small parts that are left.
Well worth the small amount of time and effort to protect the finish from the protectant. Oxymoron??
Repeat, let the top dry fully from the cleaning part before applying the protectant. I waited 24 hrs.
Check out raggtopp. I get the kit that contains the cleaner, first step, then the protectant.
I have not tried the 303 kit but have heard good things.
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 09:34 PM
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Couple more.









And then I did this after treating the top to protect the top from my polishing.








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