Removable Top Options
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 13
From: Redding California
Removable Top Options
So for the first time I removed the solid top and put the tinted top on. And then drove with neither.
The tops are very easy to change, and while the solid top is a little heavier than the tinted top I didn't notice the difference when changing them.
Solid Color Top:
I love the solid top. I think it really makes the car look good, and looks as thought that's the way it should be. It's quiet and it's cool.
Tinted Top:
It does lighted the inside of the car. Obviously it is not as well insulated but I'm not sure I noticed any more noise, but it is definitely hotter (it was 100 degrees today). I don't think it looks right from the outside. It breaks up the lines of the car and makes it look shorter.....less sleek.
No Tops:
Definitely light, bright and airy.......but at any speeds over 50mph you can't hear yourself think. And of course it's definitely hot......well, it was 100 degrees. Plus it too makes the car look "stunted" with that gap in the middle and the front of the fastback ending in the middle of nowhere.
I think I will rarely, if ever, drive the car with the tops off.
Maybe the tinted top will get used occasionally during cool weather.
I think the solid color top will be on 99% of the time.
(I know others will have conflicting views, these are only my humble opinions)
.
The tops are very easy to change, and while the solid top is a little heavier than the tinted top I didn't notice the difference when changing them.
Solid Color Top:
I love the solid top. I think it really makes the car look good, and looks as thought that's the way it should be. It's quiet and it's cool.
Tinted Top:
It does lighted the inside of the car. Obviously it is not as well insulated but I'm not sure I noticed any more noise, but it is definitely hotter (it was 100 degrees today). I don't think it looks right from the outside. It breaks up the lines of the car and makes it look shorter.....less sleek.
No Tops:
Definitely light, bright and airy.......but at any speeds over 50mph you can't hear yourself think. And of course it's definitely hot......well, it was 100 degrees. Plus it too makes the car look "stunted" with that gap in the middle and the front of the fastback ending in the middle of nowhere.
I think I will rarely, if ever, drive the car with the tops off.
Maybe the tinted top will get used occasionally during cool weather.
I think the solid color top will be on 99% of the time.
(I know others will have conflicting views, these are only my humble opinions)
.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,765
Likes: 3,283
From: Phoenix area, AZ
I bought a coupe specifically because I wanted to be able to pop the top, but didn't want a convertible because of the ease for thieves to break into the car. The feeling that driving with the top off gives is just too good to pass up. 
I don't much care about noise at speeds over 50 because the radio is usually cranked and I wouldn't hear anything but the music anyway.
I don't much care about noise at speeds over 50 because the radio is usually cranked and I wouldn't hear anything but the music anyway.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 13
From: Redding California
I'm definitely grateful for the three options. It's sure good to have the option of the "convertible" feel,......maybe for when it's a lot cooler, and for short trips to the store (the top is easy to remove and store).
Similar with the tinted top, maybe occasionally when it is cooler.
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Similar with the tinted top, maybe occasionally when it is cooler.
.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Surprised at that because my convertible is actually quite quiet inside with the top down. I did a 2 hour trip in mine a few weeks ago with the top down and I have to say it was enjoyable.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 7,825
Likes: 0
From: Manassas VA
The coupe wind noise can be easily defeated by purchasing vent clips. They raise the hatch about 2 inches and allow the air to pass through, rather than circulating inside. At higher speeds with the roof off and windows down, anything not bolted down will fly out of the vehicle.
I love the look of the coupe with the roof off. The first time I saw one was in the movie Showtime with Robert Deniro and Eddie Murphy. I don't mind the roof on look either, but it feels too closed in with the painted top on. You have to be careful when it's hot if you have black interior. Roof off, going into the store to get a drink, come back out and you can get burned pretty quickly!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Tinted top is the norm for me
With my tan interior, it is never too hot to have the tinted top in place. I recently drove in 105F temps and my interior was very comfortable. The C5's HVAC system is among the very best and that ice cold air is just too cold to allow the weak sunlight coming through the tinted top to make the interior uncomfortable, at least for me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 779
Likes: 67
From: Simi Valley Ca
St. Jude Donor '12
I think with the top off is the best look.
I keep my solid top on during the warmer months, June-Sept here, and then switch to the tinted top the rest of the time. I take the top completely off whenever its cool enough, usually at night, but I really hate the wind noise and buffering at higher speeds. I've read pros and cons regarding the hatch latches that lock it open to allow air flow and came close to buying them a few times, but I just can't make up my mind. I made the mistake of trying to remove the top after the car sat out on a sunny day after work once
...felt like I was stung by bees it was sooo damn hot. I tried not to let anyone see my eyes tear up as the tips of my fingers blistered. Now I keep a towel in the back to act as an oven mitt.
I keep my solid top on during the warmer months, June-Sept here, and then switch to the tinted top the rest of the time. I take the top completely off whenever its cool enough, usually at night, but I really hate the wind noise and buffering at higher speeds. I've read pros and cons regarding the hatch latches that lock it open to allow air flow and came close to buying them a few times, but I just can't make up my mind. I made the mistake of trying to remove the top after the car sat out on a sunny day after work once...felt like I was stung by bees it was sooo damn hot. I tried not to let anyone see my eyes tear up as the tips of my fingers blistered. Now I keep a towel in the back to act as an oven mitt.
Administrator
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All I have on my current car is the lexan top - and I think it looks great on the car. I would though like to have a body color top too - would have come in very handy this summer when it was so darn hot.
I drive with the top off as often as I can - the open air feeling is great and I don't really notice the wind noise - guess I am just used to it by now.
I drive with the top off as often as I can - the open air feeling is great and I don't really notice the wind noise - guess I am just used to it by now.
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Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 301
Likes: 2
From: Dallas TX
I have both tops and prefer the clear. Even though i live in Dallas I still keep on year round. The solid one made me feel cramped. Too dark. The a/\c in these things work very well and I have no problem with it keeping up with the high temps this summer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 10
From: Wake Forest NC
I like the topless look, (yeah, yeah. Funny funny.)
I've never heard of the vent clips. Does anyone have pictures of what they look like on the car? I've never driven without a top on the highway because of the noise the first time I tried.
I also hear there may be a deflector that mounts in the windshield latches that deflects the air over the car when the top is off.
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I've never heard of the vent clips. Does anyone have pictures of what they look like on the car? I've never driven without a top on the highway because of the noise the first time I tried.
I also hear there may be a deflector that mounts in the windshield latches that deflects the air over the car when the top is off.
.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 13
From: Redding California
That is funny............and a good warning for the rest of us.
.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 363
Likes: 3
I purchased my car in May and was only able roll around for a month with the top off. Our summers are brutal and driving around without the top is out of the question when it is 100+ degrees outside. Fall is approaching and you can bet your buns my top will be off every time I jump behind the wheel. I have my eyes out for a clear top because of the open cockpit feel it gives the car. The OP comments are a bit flawed because he is trying to grade the tops during the summer months. When it is 100+ degrees outside no one really wants to take the top off and suffer in that stifling heat. Spring and fall is when going topless is most joyable.
Reggie
Reggie
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Cancer Sucks - please donate to Corvettes Conquer Cancer
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I use the Ventmaster when i drive with the roof off - which is almost always. It isn't 100% effective in getting rid of the turbulence noise but it helps. Here's a link to what I have
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid={F736C7F0-9175-483F-A951-B987B45C0544}&gid={0E18BE24-1994-4719-9E3E-CA31E7516719}&pname=99-04+Cpe+Ventmaster+Rear+Hatch+Vent+Bracke ts&Referer=&Alias=&ptct=GL2-SR&CTitle=&
hth
bob
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid={F736C7F0-9175-483F-A951-B987B45C0544}&gid={0E18BE24-1994-4719-9E3E-CA31E7516719}&pname=99-04+Cpe+Ventmaster+Rear+Hatch+Vent+Bracke ts&Referer=&Alias=&ptct=GL2-SR&CTitle=&
hth
bob
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 10
From: Wake Forest NC
For such a simple device, it seems one could fabricate something for significantly less. I'm thinking two six-inch blocks of 2x4 and a couple of tiedowns.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,765
Likes: 3,283
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Looks like it would be effective, but I was blown away by the price. (no pun intended.)
For such a simple device, it seems one could fabricate something for significantly less. I'm thinking two six-inch blocks of 2x4 and a couple of tiedowns.
.
For such a simple device, it seems one could fabricate something for significantly less. I'm thinking two six-inch blocks of 2x4 and a couple of tiedowns.
.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 48
From: Yuma CO
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
I agree with others as to the better insulating effect of the solid color top, and waaayyyyy too hot in the summer for the Lexan top.
However, as to the looks.........one of the benefits of a black car is that from thirty feet or so, you can't tell which top is on the car!!!!
I do like the Lexan when it is cool out though.
DSTURBD
However, as to the looks.........one of the benefits of a black car is that from thirty feet or so, you can't tell which top is on the car!!!!
I do like the Lexan when it is cool out though.
DSTURBD
Last edited by DSTURBD; Sep 23, 2012 at 07:06 PM.
