Mar 11, 2015, 01:39 PM
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Convertible top replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 393
Likes: 14
Convertible top replacement
I'm looking for a new convertible top canvas for my 99 vert. is there any good thread or website with pictures about the canvas replacement?
I found one that shows how to adjust rear load against the lid and according to those instructions also window top corners will be adjusted from there.. Is that right? Does window corner adjustment affect also lid pressure?
Is there a big difference between original GM canvas and those for sale on Ebay? Prices vary from $420 to $1500.. Would I get decent quality for that $420?
I found one that shows how to adjust rear load against the lid and according to those instructions also window top corners will be adjusted from there.. Is that right? Does window corner adjustment affect also lid pressure?
Is there a big difference between original GM canvas and those for sale on Ebay? Prices vary from $420 to $1500.. Would I get decent quality for that $420?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,743
Likes: 3,670
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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GAHH Automotive also supplies aftermarket, improved tops for Corvettes, Mercedes, Porsche, etc.
When the time comes for me to replace mine, I want to design/order a custom gray color and make sure the rear window is stitched vs. glued on. My friend has a Precision Red C6 and his gray top looks great. I parked my MSG vert next to it and we both agreed the gray would look great with MSG.
I would also like to make the rear window a little larger if possible.
When the time comes for me to replace mine, I want to design/order a custom gray color and make sure the rear window is stitched vs. glued on. My friend has a Precision Red C6 and his gray top looks great. I parked my MSG vert next to it and we both agreed the gray would look great with MSG.
I would also like to make the rear window a little larger if possible.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 55,394
Likes: 1
Funny you should mention it. I have a '99 vert too. But My top isnt that bad though so I dont if its justified in replacing it. But a brand new top would make her look nice so I will pay attention to this one. I would need to find someone to install it though, someone who has done many of these before 
Last edited by GR8-LIFE; Oct 18, 2010 at 10:08 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 104
From: Florida
I replaced mine not too long ago. Had a light oak top stained on my 99, replaced it with a black one. 
I bought my top from corvette recyclers; forum vendors. They were running a top deal for 250 or so. It looked brand new even though it was off a parted out car. So it saved me a ton of cash. Had a shop here put it on for 300, so 6hrs and 550 total invested.
I bought my top from corvette recyclers; forum vendors. They were running a top deal for 250 or so. It looked brand new even though it was off a parted out car. So it saved me a ton of cash. Had a shop here put it on for 300, so 6hrs and 550 total invested.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 55,394
Likes: 1
I replaced mine not too long ago. Had a light oak top stained on my 99, replaced it with a black one.
I bought my top from corvette recyclers; forum vendors. They were running a top deal for 250 or so. It looked brand new even though it was off a parted out car. So it saved me a ton of cash. Had a shop here put it on for 300, so 6hrs and 550 total invested.
I bought my top from corvette recyclers; forum vendors. They were running a top deal for 250 or so. It looked brand new even though it was off a parted out car. So it saved me a ton of cash. Had a shop here put it on for 300, so 6hrs and 550 total invested.
Last edited by GR8-LIFE; Oct 18, 2010 at 10:39 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
From: Shawnee Kansas
I have a 98 and my Top Cloth is great Shape. But my top contacts the rear hatch behind the black band, rubbing the paint is that normal? I would think that black band was to be the seat or wear area? Can that rear bow be adjusted to sit on the black area?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 104
From: Florida
Well the upholstery shop owner said they 6-10 years depending on exposure to the elements and whatnot. The top i replaced was easily the original top that came on the car(99) so almost 12 yrs old. It showed its age... the new to me top looks like it came off a garage queen. It probably isn't for everyone but i figure it was 5x better shape than the previous and i didn't spend a whole lot so it's a win win for me.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 55,394
Likes: 1
Well the upholstery shop owner said they 6-10 years depending on exposure to the elements and whatnot. The top i replaced was easily the original top that came on the car(99) so almost 12 yrs old. It showed its age... the new to me top looks like it came off a garage queen. It probably isn't for everyone but i figure it was 5x better shape than the previous and i didn't spend a whole lot so it's a win win for me.
I bought my 99 new and she has only 35K miles on it and is garaged kept and the sides of the top are starting to look bad but the overal top really isn in bad condition so maybe I should wait
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 104
From: Florida
yea, my car is a daily driver and i don't have a garage, just an outdoor car cover. My old top had stains i couldn't get out, mildew stains, and some of the threads were starting to come out, plus i just didn't like the tan top on a black car. 
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 14
Have One
Have a 2003 Shale Top. It was taken off the car with less than two months use and replaced with a black top. Top has been wrapped and stored since 03 and is in perfect condition. $450.00 including shipping.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,743
Likes: 3,670
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
I use RaggTop too. Plus mine is a daily driver here in FL and I use a TopHat during the day while at work to keep the top protected.
Normally its not this wrinkly, it was just out of the box when I snapped this picture.
I don't insert it under the rear lip of the top, it just lays across the back and seems to do well even if I forget and it goes through a thunderstorm. For long term storage or more secure, you can lift the rear of the top slightly and slide it under (there is a tab along the rear). But for most uses the weight alone holds it in place.
Normally its not this wrinkly, it was just out of the box when I snapped this picture.
I don't insert it under the rear lip of the top, it just lays across the back and seems to do well even if I forget and it goes through a thunderstorm. For long term storage or more secure, you can lift the rear of the top slightly and slide it under (there is a tab along the rear). But for most uses the weight alone holds it in place.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 898
Likes: 25
From: Dallas, TX
Call your dealer and find out who does their installs and then call that person direct. These tops are pretty difficult to install and you want someone who knows what they're doing. You can buy a robbins top online and bring it in unless the installer can do it cheaper as a package.
Robins is the supplier for GM and the fabric is made by Haartz. Don't let them talk you into a cheaper brand.
Robins is the supplier for GM and the fabric is made by Haartz. Don't let them talk you into a cheaper brand.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 2
From: pawleys island sc
[QUOTE=MSG C5;1575654075]GAHH Automotive also supplies aftermarket, improved tops for Corvettes, Mercedes, Porsche, etc.
When the time comes for me to replace mine, I want to design/order a custom gray color and make sure the rear window is stitched vs. glued on. My friend has a Precision Red C6 and his gray top looks great. I parked my MSG vert next to it and we both agreed the gray would look great with MSG.
I would also like to make the rear window a little larger if possible.[/QUOT
see my sigt for pix of pewter with gray top
When the time comes for me to replace mine, I want to design/order a custom gray color and make sure the rear window is stitched vs. glued on. My friend has a Precision Red C6 and his gray top looks great. I parked my MSG vert next to it and we both agreed the gray would look great with MSG.
I would also like to make the rear window a little larger if possible.[/QUOT
see my sigt for pix of pewter with gray top
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,743
Likes: 3,670
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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
[QUOTE=99 vett babycar;1575657872]
Very nice. Who is the manufacturer? GM didn't offer this color did it?
GAHH Automotive also supplies aftermarket, improved tops for Corvettes, Mercedes, Porsche, etc.
When the time comes for me to replace mine, I want to design/order a custom gray color and make sure the rear window is stitched vs. glued on. My friend has a Precision Red C6 and his gray top looks great. I parked my MSG vert next to it and we both agreed the gray would look great with MSG.
I would also like to make the rear window a little larger if possible.[/QUOT
see my sigt for pix of pewter with gray top
When the time comes for me to replace mine, I want to design/order a custom gray color and make sure the rear window is stitched vs. glued on. My friend has a Precision Red C6 and his gray top looks great. I parked my MSG vert next to it and we both agreed the gray would look great with MSG.
I would also like to make the rear window a little larger if possible.[/QUOT
see my sigt for pix of pewter with gray top
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 53
From: Tucson Arizona
[QUOTE=99 vett babycar;1575657872]
I have seen C6 machine silver convert's with the factory optional gray top and they looked great and much richer looking then black top does on the silver.
I have seen C6 machine silver convert's with the factory optional gray top and they looked great and much richer looking then black top does on the silver.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 53
From: Tucson Arizona
[QUOTE=MSG C5;1575657930]
These people offer two different gray colors for C5 converts.
http://www.convertibletopguys.com/in...egory/view/767
http://www.convertibletopguys.com/in...egory/view/767
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 286
From: Puyallup Washington
My Viewpoint
I have done upholstery on collector cars for the last 25 years. Robbins makes a good top. I generally use a top made by Electron Top when I get a premade top (I often have to make the top myself for the older cars). Electron can make a top in any color of Stayfast that is available. Stayfast is a great material for tops as it does not fade when exposed to a lot of sun and is the cloth used on most of the tops. German cars often use Sunnenland or Happich. They are also very nice material and come in many colors. Electron can also make the tops in those materials. Typically, vinyl tops are the cheapest, then comes Stayfast, with the German material being more expensive. I would use Stayfast for my convertible tops.