Convertible Tops
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 419
Likes: 3
From: Lexington VA
St. Jude Donor '11
Convertible Tops
I have an 02 Convertible with the black top. The top appears to have "shiny" spots at the ends of a couple of the ribs. Looking closely it appears the canvas has been pressed down until it has become smooth in these spots.
The car only has 28K and is always inside.I think the marks are being made when the top is in the folded down position.
Has anyone had the same issue and/or found a way to get rid of these marks?
Thanks!
The car only has 28K and is always inside.I think the marks are being made when the top is in the folded down position.
Has anyone had the same issue and/or found a way to get rid of these marks?
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,520
Likes: 5
From: Long Island NY
I have an 02 Convertible with the black top. The top appears to have "shiny" spots at the ends of a couple of the ribs. Looking closely it appears the canvas has been pressed down until it has become smooth in these spots.
The car only has 28K and is always inside.I think the marks are being made when the top is in the folded down position.
Has anyone had the same issue and/or found a way to get rid of these marks?
Thanks!
The car only has 28K and is always inside.I think the marks are being made when the top is in the folded down position.
Has anyone had the same issue and/or found a way to get rid of these marks?
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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I too have an 02 Vert and I have exactly the same shiny spots on my black top. I think it's the way it's folded when down and causes almost a buffing condition rubbing on itself when you fold it down and bring it back up. Mine has looked like that for years and I'm so used to it I don't even notice it anymore. I'm sure it's a common condition on all the Vettes especially those with black tops as it's probabally more noticable in black than any other color. Don't sweat it, cause even if you replace the top it will happen again to the new one anyway.
There are (better) aftermarket tops offered that use fabric that prevents this type of wear from occurring, however they are pricier than OEM replacements.
I'm planning to upgrade to a custom gray color top when my C5 turns 10 in 2014. Sort of a birthday present...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 419
Likes: 3
From: Lexington VA
St. Jude Donor '11
It happens with my black top as well on my 2004 vert. I use a protectant which helps reduce it, however I try to keep the top up when parked in the garage or for any extended time to help keep the fabric stretched out.
There are (better) aftermarket tops offered that use fabric that prevents this type of wear from occurring, however they are pricier than OEM replacements.
I'm planning to upgrade to a custom gray color top when my C5 turns 10 in 2014. Sort of a birthday present...
There are (better) aftermarket tops offered that use fabric that prevents this type of wear from occurring, however they are pricier than OEM replacements.
I'm planning to upgrade to a custom gray color top when my C5 turns 10 in 2014. Sort of a birthday present...
I think I need to get that partial can of flat black spray paint out of my garage before something really bad happens!
I was hoping for the mystical, magical silver bullet solution but at least its comforting to know I'm not alone
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
I have your answer. I too have an 02 black vert and the top is down most of the time. The "shiny spots" are caused by bouncing and rubbing when you drive with the top down. I was getting the same thing and it was driving me crazy!! I'm a bit **** about my baby and I admit it. Same mileage. Solution. I took an old sheet and cut two strips about 8" wide and the width of the top. I place them at the fold points of the top when I put it down and leave it down for a cruise. Problem solved!!! A bit of a pain but not that much. My brother-in-law has a C4 vert and actually wore holes though his canvas top from riding with it down and folded up 95% of the time. Good luck. Worth a try anyway. Sure worked for me!!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: St Paul, MN; Orlando, FL
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,361
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From: Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Yep...same problem here...thought it was an oil or something and tried to clean it with no success. I had a tan top when I first got the car and it didn't have these issues...
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: Punta Gorda Florida
use spray on 303 Hi Tech Fabric Guard to protect your top from UV and also to waterproof it. It will also clear up those spots to some degree. With black, it's almost impossible NOT to get the stress point spots on your top. DON'T use a brush, unless it's a very soft one.
