2002 Convertible Top Down
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Allentown PA
2002 Convertible Top Down
Is it OK to keep the top down in my C5 for long periods of time without damaging the top? I'm thinking like all summer long without putting it up until I'm ready to store it for the winter. I only drive the car to shows and relatively short distances during the driving season in Pennsylvania. Any advice or similar experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 69
From: Hanover MA.
Leaving the top down for a long period of time should not damage it. However, I left mine down for 3 days (in my garage), when I put it up there are now some permanent creases on both sides. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
If you show the car you will have to put up the top at some point. It will have creases in it when you do.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I leave the top up on both of my C5's - occasionally I'll leave it down over night. You can just put the top up and not latch it - just don't drive it that way!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 141
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From: Glen Cove New York
I've owned many convertibles, here's what I've learned FWIW. As you use the car the top will age. If you keep the top up and it's out in the open, the elements will take their toll over time. If you keep it down it will develop creases and while driving the folds rub against each other causing marks. In addition, the up & down process causes some stress and wear. So, if you know for sure you will use it again, soon, with the top down, just leave it down. All other times I'd put it back up. Keep it clean and never store it damp. Use only cleaning and dressing products meant for the convertible top you have. Cloth and vinyl products can be different.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,833
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From: Calgary, Alberta
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,162
Likes: 4,171
From: Kannapolis NC
I left my 03 top down all summer each year. It creases, but not permanently. When you put it up and rinse it off and let it dry in the sun, the creases disappear. At least they did on mine. There's only a couple of small creases that appear, one on each side where it folds to the rear of the side windows. The rest stretches tight and never creased.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 2
From: Tampa FL
I say put it up when you are not using it. There is always humidity, especially in the south at night, and the top absorbs moisture so keeping it folded up can't be good. Even if you think it's dry, it probably has a little moisture in it.
And I think you ought to latch it most of the time as well. Keeps everything taut and may keep pieces from warping.
I think the thing us Vert owners need to worry about more is the back window coming out. I would be interested to know what people think contribute to that. Is it that Verts are just sitting out in the sun, day after day, and that destoys whatever is holding that window in?
And I think you ought to latch it most of the time as well. Keeps everything taut and may keep pieces from warping.
I think the thing us Vert owners need to worry about more is the back window coming out. I would be interested to know what people think contribute to that. Is it that Verts are just sitting out in the sun, day after day, and that destoys whatever is holding that window in?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Sunshine
I left my 03 top down all summer each year. It creases, but not permanently. When you put it up and rinse it off and let it dry in the sun, the creases disappear. At least they did on mine. There's only a couple of small creases that appear, one on each side where it folds to the rear of the side windows. The rest stretches tight and never creased.
