Clear or solid top?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 21
From: Napa Ca
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Neosho MO
I like the looks of the solid car color painted top. I found one on the forum, in excellent shape, but wrong color, and had it shipped. Had it repainted MY, had a little bit of fiberglass work done (probably damaged a bit during shipping), and the cost was almost $300 for the paint and repair work. All in all, I have $750 invested in the top. Haven't had the tinted one on since.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 22,683
Likes: 798
From: Hillsborough NC
NC Events Coordinator
Thanks guys,
It does get mighty hot here in NC, so I'll probably go ahead and get the clear top replaced/refurbished and get a solid top when the summer months get closer. I'll keep my eyes peeled on CL for a C5 top. Something should turn up by May or so. I'm pretty patient.
I read the thread on refurbishing the clear tops yourself. I think I'll try it on a corner and see if I can get it looking decent. If not, I'll get the remanufactured unit.
It does get mighty hot here in NC, so I'll probably go ahead and get the clear top replaced/refurbished and get a solid top when the summer months get closer. I'll keep my eyes peeled on CL for a C5 top. Something should turn up by May or so. I'm pretty patient.
I read the thread on refurbishing the clear tops yourself. I think I'll try it on a corner and see if I can get it looking decent. If not, I'll get the remanufactured unit.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
From: Tulsa OK
I take the top off and put it in the trunk for short cruises in the spring or fall. The clear top is hanging on the wall. I wanted a car with both tops but I have learned that it would have been a waste of money had I ordered a new one with that option.Okie
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,421
Likes: 39
From: Prescott Arizona
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 403
From: Portland OR
This is good info for a bozo like me.
I bought my car 3 months ago. MY coupe with a painted top. I thought it was odd that from the inside, it looked like glass! I didn't know squat. Now I know it was clear and is now painted. the yellow is off a bit, but you only see that under flourescent light. Shoot, my brother had to point that out to me.
Anyway, I gather the correct painted top has a headliner? Makes sense now. It would be quieter and would probably make the audio sound better as well.
Ron
I bought my car 3 months ago. MY coupe with a painted top. I thought it was odd that from the inside, it looked like glass! I didn't know squat. Now I know it was clear and is now painted. the yellow is off a bit, but you only see that under flourescent light. Shoot, my brother had to point that out to me.
Anyway, I gather the correct painted top has a headliner? Makes sense now. It would be quieter and would probably make the audio sound better as well.
Ron
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
My C5 is a convertible...and I'd have to think hard to remember when I last drove it with the top up...
Bob G
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
The translucent top makes the car feel like a fighter jet - you not only get lots of light to brighten the interior but also can see the clouds/trees/police planes, etc.I throw a car cover on my C5 whenever it is parked outside for more than a couple of hours and my top is in perfect condition.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 14
From: Gig Harbor WA
The translucent top makes the car feel like a fighter jet - you not only get lots of light to brighten the interior but also can see the clouds/trees/police planes, etc.I throw a car cover on my C5 whenever it is parked outside for more than a couple of hours and my top is in perfect condition.
Here in the northwest, we don't get hot summers. (This year, we had exactly 14 days of that season.) With the transparent top, the wife is happier without the solid panel since the black interior no longer makes her "feel like sitting in a black hole." (Not that she's ever sat in one...) The solid top hangs on the wall, encased in a vinyl cover, where it will stay.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,421
Likes: 39
From: Prescott Arizona
Here in the northwest, we don't get hot summers. (This year, we had exactly 14 days of that season.) With the transparent top, the wife is happier without the solid panel since the black interior no longer makes her "feel like sitting in a black hole." (Not that she's ever sat in one...) The solid top hangs on the wall, encased in a vinyl cover, where it will stay.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 10
From: Bay Point California
I have both the smoked and the color tops. I was lucky they both came with the car. If I had to choose between the two I would go with the color top. People say the car looks sportier with it on. But this time of the year the smoked top is on.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Indiana