FRC Top on Vert
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Huntington TX
FRC Top on Vert
Has anyone here done the FRC hardtop setup for the Vert? Here is the site where I've read about it. http://www.vetteweb.com/features/vem...ble/index.html
I've got the top already but need another soft top cover and the parts from a targa top. Anyone from the FRC (Flying Roof Club) have one with the front frame still in good condition?
Any pics of the process would be great.
I'm stuck in Afghanistan for a while and just gathering parts and information right now.
Thanks, Kerry
I've got the top already but need another soft top cover and the parts from a targa top. Anyone from the FRC (Flying Roof Club) have one with the front frame still in good condition?
Any pics of the process would be great.
I'm stuck in Afghanistan for a while and just gathering parts and information right now.
Thanks, Kerry
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Down the Shore New Jersey, Elev.3 feet
St. Jude Donor '17
To me it seems like a thing that can get old quick...needing a hoist or two people for taking the roof off the vette....putting it somewhere then putting it back on.
If you use it as a DD in the snow maybe but....it's just my opinion.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
If you use it as a DD in the snow maybe but....it's just my opinion.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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To me it seems like a thing that can get old quick...needing a hoist or two people for taking the roof off the vette....putting it somewhere then putting it back on.
If you use it as a DD in the snow maybe but....it's just my opinion.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
If you use it as a DD in the snow maybe but....it's just my opinion.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2007
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
^ Yeah, they are a pain, I've had to help putting on and off a few C2 and C3 tops.... 
If you want a drop-on hardtop for your C5 'vert here's a company that makes them.
http://www.smoothline.com/corvette_c5.php
If you want a drop-on hardtop for your C5 'vert here's a company that makes them.
http://www.smoothline.com/corvette_c5.php
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 898
Likes: 25
From: Dallas, TX
^ Yeah, they are a pain, I've had to help putting on and off a few C2 and C3 tops....
If you want a drop-on hardtop for your C5 'vert here's a company that makes them.
http://www.smoothline.com/corvette_c5.php
If you want a drop-on hardtop for your C5 'vert here's a company that makes them.
http://www.smoothline.com/corvette_c5.php
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From: The Sunshine State
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^ Yeah, they are a pain, I've had to help putting on and off a few C2 and C3 tops....
If you want a drop-on hardtop for your C5 'vert here's a company that makes them.
http://www.smoothline.com/corvette_c5.php
If you want a drop-on hardtop for your C5 'vert here's a company that makes them.
http://www.smoothline.com/corvette_c5.php
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 96
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From: Huntington TX
Thanks for the inputs. I'm not worried about the extra time it would take to swap it out as I will be building a pulley system and a dolly for it. I have a '57 T-Bird with both hard and soft tops and will build a dolly for that one too.
I looked at the Hardtops but like the larger window on the FRC and that it will look 100% stock until I pop the top up. I know I will have more $$ in this one but it will be fun building and painting it myself.
It's one of those "doing it just because" and not out of necessity.
As far as the extra time it will take to remove it, I'll make that up when I get in Vette and mash the "Happy" pedal.
I looked at the Hardtops but like the larger window on the FRC and that it will look 100% stock until I pop the top up. I know I will have more $$ in this one but it will be fun building and painting it myself.
It's one of those "doing it just because" and not out of necessity.
As far as the extra time it will take to remove it, I'll make that up when I get in Vette and mash the "Happy" pedal.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
had one (hardtop) on my 69 vert years ago. also had one on a mercedes 450sl back in the 80's and early 90's. here's my take. the 69 top (with or without a "rack" to hold it) was a real pain in the butt not to mention a space hog in my garage as far as storage in the "off" season. that lesson learned, when i bought the 450sl, i bought a garage "hoist" at the same time and was never more pleased with a product than that one (in fact it is still hanging over my 04 CE vert in the garage as i type this, lol!!) not only did it make installation and removal a one man operation that could be accomplished in less than 5 minutes either on or off, it allowed for storage suspended against the ceiling (using aircraft grade cables and rubber coated "hooks" that are standard to the unit), allowing the car to be parked under it every day and allowing me to work under it with the car out of the garage. if i was ever in a position of having another vehicle with a removable hard top, it would be the first thing i retro fit to use again!
BTW a big thank you for your service!
BTW a big thank you for your service!
Last edited by srs244; Aug 20, 2010 at 10:49 AM.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-08-'09
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Here's my FRV project, maybe some of the pics will help...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...orks-pics.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...date-pics.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...orks-pics.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...date-pics.html
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Haymarket VA
I very seriously thought about it last winter. You'd have to graft the front latch assemblies from a removable targa to make it work. The rear attachment is less complicated. More work than I really wanted to do.
Race Director
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From: The Sunshine State
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Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
For the guys who have the Smoothline or Caravaggio hard tops, does the OEM soft top remain in the storage position to be used when necessary? I like the idea of a hard top, however if removed and in the garage, it would be great to still have the softop in case of a pop up rain storm.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,264
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From: O'Fallon Missouri
For the guys who have the Smoothline or Caravaggio hard tops, does the OEM soft top remain in the storage position to be used when necessary? I like the idea of a hard top, however if removed and in the garage, it would be great to still have the softop in case of a pop up rain storm.
Race Director
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From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I had the Smoothline on my '04 roadster. I found that the fit (rear seal) wasn't very good, and that the tiny rear window was not desireable. When I borrowed my buddie's '03 with a Caravaggio top, the difference was stunning. If I ever buy another one, it will be the Caravaggio - no question.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 96
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From: Huntington TX
Ok, time to turn the Traction Control back on and get this thread back on track. Hopefully it has helped others as far as hard tops go but that is not what I want for my Vert. I already have the FRC top and want to put the frame/latches from a targa top on it. I’m Looking for info and/or pictures from anyone who has done this.
GB Vette's setup is nice but I don't race so if the weather is good enough for the targa to be off then I will have the whole top off.
I'm one of those "Modified Stock" guys. I replaced the wagon wheels with stock Magnesium wheels and I want it to look like a stock FRC (with Sport seats) when the "Hard top" is on.
GB Vette's setup is nice but I don't race so if the weather is good enough for the targa to be off then I will have the whole top off.
I'm one of those "Modified Stock" guys. I replaced the wagon wheels with stock Magnesium wheels and I want it to look like a stock FRC (with Sport seats) when the "Hard top" is on.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
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From: Haymarket VA
Ok, time to turn the Traction Control back on and get this thread back on track. Hopefully it has helped others as far as hard tops go but that is not what I want for my Vert. I already have the FRC top and want to put the frame/latches from a targa top on it. I’m Looking for info and/or pictures from anyone who has done this.
GB Vette's setup is nice but I don't race so if the weather is good enough for the targa to be off then I will have the whole top off.
I'm one of those "Modified Stock" guys. I replaced the wagon wheels with stock Magnesium wheels and I want it to look like a stock FRC (with Sport seats) when the "Hard top" is on.
GB Vette's setup is nice but I don't race so if the weather is good enough for the targa to be off then I will have the whole top off.
I'm one of those "Modified Stock" guys. I replaced the wagon wheels with stock Magnesium wheels and I want it to look like a stock FRC (with Sport seats) when the "Hard top" is on.
