Hi

A couple of weeks ago l searched through the archives to search out information as far as were there any years to pass on because of vert top problems.

A forum member answered me back the following;

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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.

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Is this true and where can l look for this. Based on this l would only buy the 2002-04 vert unless l was misinformed.

Because of this statement l of course have to rule out 2001's.

Thanks

 

I know about the seal on the pre-02' but my 01' is fine. You cn replace the seal with a later model seal OR but the $20 plastic film to protect the deck (like I did). Top is down most of the time anyway.

 

Hi

For the next two years l will be living in the Republic of New Jersey so l will not have that much down time plus l use my wife's Audi vert so that l can take my Golden with me.

But l do love verts and going back to my 64 and forward never had a vette vert. Every other vert but not a Vette and it's about time.

Thanks for the reply:

 

I own a 2000 vert and my top looks as good as the day it rolled out of Bowling Green. I do know the 2002 top has another layer (s) but a convertible top does little to dampen noise so no big deal IMHO! Don't be afraid of an earlier vert, the top is NOT a problem.

 

 

No, the new top came in 2001.

"Convertible top noise was reduced with better weather stripping and a new, double-thickness twill material. Noise in all models was reduced by addition of an expandable foam baffle inside the lower lock pillar."

 

Hi

Right now there is nothing out there and l will have to wait until the garage queens come out for Spring.

My plan is to go through a dealer (specialist) to make it an easier transaction and save the tax (min $1400).
The only thing that l am going to miss is a perfect vette and with no friends, relatives or neighbors to sell my vette to l have no choice.

All of the youngsters want a 4 seater so they can take their friends with them and the rest have had one of my vettes until they got tired of them. Mid life crisis l'm sure.

Anyway thanks for the info

Alan

 

Are you sure because l have heard now from more then two people who clain the 2002 was the big change??

 

Of course I'm sure. The previous quote was from page 120 of Corvette Black Book 1953-2007.

The following quote is from page 17 of the Chevrolet 2001 Corvette dealer brochure: "For 2001, the convertible top has a new five-layer design for added quietness at highway speeds. Weather stripping and sealing around the door glass are also improved."

 

I'm the second owner of my '99 Vette vert. I understand the tops were improved in '02 as described above in this thread. I have not had any problems with my top (knock on wood) and it is original to the car. I take good care of the top with Raggtop products. I don't drive much with the top up, but I certainly wouldn't rule out a pre '02 vert just because the top was improved then. Good luck in finding your car and have fun...the "Vette vert will put a smile on your face.

 

Maybe they made further improvements in 2002!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Was there anything during the 2002 model year mentioned in the book. Tomorrow after l dig myself out l will go to Barnes & Noble and buy the book.

Thanks

 

No, the only reference to convertibles is those with HUDs for 2002 and all Z06's got a thinner 4.8mm windshield compared to the standard 5.4 mm, a weight savings of 2.65 pounds per car. Convertibles without HUD and all Coupes continue to have the thicker windshield.

Hey but since you all doubt me so much, I will quote Neal Boortz "Don't believe anything you read on this web page, or, for that matter, anything you 'read' on 'The Corvette Forum', unless it is consistent with what you already know to be true, or unless you have taken the time to research the matter to prove its accuracy to your satisfaction. This is known as "doing your homework.""

 

 

2000

Millennium Yellow available
? "Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
Pup cats added to CA models for LEV emissions requirements (5hp loss relative to 97-99)
Steel swaybar endlinks instead of plastic on Z51 equipped cars
Z51 swaybar diameters grow (25.4/21.7 to 28.6/21.7 to 28.6/23.6 (note: new rear same as Z06)
No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle
Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console (light by TC/AH button)

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2001

return to 28# injectors for all models.
Second Generation Active Handling
Nassau Blue discontinued
Alternator 'clutch' pulley added on A4 cars
New soundproofing + foam in all cars
Smaller keyfob
electrochromic dimming rearview and driver's mirrors
lighter AGM battery
Thickness + Material in vert change
Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
85MM MAF with integral temp sensor (versus 74mm with separate plug for IAT)
LS1 cam profile changed to: .500/0.500, 198/208 on 115.5LSA (From: 0.472/0.479, 202/210 on 117)
All Corvettes now have the LS6 intake manifold
All Corvettes now have the LS6 engine block (windage passages in block), which includes a beefier oil pump.
LS1 changes result in new output of 350 HP @ 5200 RPM and 375 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM (MN6)
Hardtop/FRC discontinued
Pup cats added to all models
Stronger synchros in all transmissions
Exhaust manifolds revised (5hp regained) - thin wall cast replacing SS manifolds
metal valvestem caps (late year)
Torque Tube changed from metal-matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, increased in dia from 55 to 63 mm.
Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability

Introduction of the Z06, which has as differences:
hardtop body style
rear brake ducting
screened inlets on front fascia, without foglights
F1 supercar tires 265-17 front, 295-18 rear, on 17x9.5 and 18x10.5 (one inch wider, respectively
new LS6 top-end with new style head design (10.5:1 compression, 64cc chamber), LS6 cam (0.525/0.525, 204/211 on 116) - 385hp
M12 transmission with shorter gearing (1-2-3 analagous to MN6 with 3.90 rear diff
Titanium exhaust system
lightweight windshield
New, stronger clutch with redesigned master + slave cylinder
Stronger rear differential (shotpeened ring gear)
Red brake calipers (otherwise identical)
Trans overtemp warning light on DIC
6500 redline gauges with special checkering + Z06 font
redesigned PCV system to help combat oil burning
Red LS6 Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's)
FE4 Z06 suspension - uprated springs, bars (30mm/23.6mm), shocks (note front spring and rear bar same as Z51)

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2002

Z06 Changes:
Z06 LS6 cam changed to: 0.551/0.547, 204/218 on 117.5
Less restrictive intake airbox lid
Descreened MAF
Removal of pup-cats (total with changes = 405hp)
Z06 shocks revised with less rebound for better launching
Z06 brake pads revised for better stopping (generate more dust)
Lighter, sodium filled valves w/ stronger valvesprings
higher tension rings installed to prevent oil burning problems
slight piston redesign *
clutch strength upgraded.
HUD available on Z06 (not avail '01 model year)
Wheel supplier changed to Speedline, moved from forged to cast. Weight nearly identical
Electron Blue color offered
Steel endlinks changed to aluminum

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2003

Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's

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2004
· Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.