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C5 Convertible known issues

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Old Apr 25, 2013 | 06:51 PM
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Default C5 Convertible known issues

Hey guys, I just sold my 98 coupe and im getting ready to look at some convertibles tomorrow, a 98 and 00. I've owned a few c5 coupes, and plenty of c4s, I did have one c4 convertible that sucked, so my question is what should I look for in the c5 convertibles? any known issues? a link that will school me on c5 verts would be great, thanks,
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Old Apr 25, 2013 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by JTB185
Hey guys, I just sold my 98 coupe and im getting ready to look at some convertibles tomorrow, a 98 and 00. I've owned a few c5 coupes, and plenty of c4s, I did have one c4 convertible that sucked, so my question is what should I look for in the c5 convertibles? any known issues? a link that will school me on c5 verts would be great, thanks,
Just make sure the back glass is nice and all glued up, that is not looking like coming apart where it set up tight at the cloth.
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Old Apr 25, 2013 | 07:18 PM
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Love mine, have had no issues that wouldn't exist on a coupe. As Robert suggested, make sure the back glass fit is good. Otherwise, the only thing I would check closely is that the weather stripping on the top is good, and that the top movement is easy.
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Old Apr 25, 2013 | 07:22 PM
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yes, im going to be looking extra hard at the 98 because the owner said he had the rear glass resealed. my 95 I had a few years back was a hack job someone put together with plexi glass and caulk
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Old Apr 25, 2013 | 07:24 PM
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I agree that other than the top area (back glass, weatherstripping, etc.), any problems should be the same as with a coupe. Good luck finding the car that is right for you.
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Old Apr 25, 2013 | 07:46 PM
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sounds like from what I have been reading they drive the same, as far as handling. So I know what to expect there.
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Old Apr 26, 2013 | 03:40 AM
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General condition of the fabric and stitching
Make sure the windows operate properly when you hit the unlock button.
check the weatherstripping is not distorted
Look for signs of rubbed paintwork around the rear bow on the tonneau cover

Most important: is the rear window secure or has it been reglued?
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Old Apr 26, 2013 | 08:22 AM
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I agree with the above replies.
You also might want to check the window fit by taking a hose and spraying water at it, a bit of water going in is no big thing, but make sure there isn't a huge leak. The windows are adjustable too.
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Old Apr 26, 2013 | 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by robert miller
Just make sure the back glass is nice and all glued up, that is not looking like coming apart where it set up tight at the cloth.
If it is loose it is a very easy fix. Use it as a bargaining tool in the purchase.
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Old Apr 26, 2013 | 12:22 PM
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Be sure to brush your teeth, you'll be smiling a lot.
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Old Apr 26, 2013 | 12:40 PM
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Also, you might want to consider getting a cloth cover for the passenger seat. You'll have so many girls wanting to ride you don't want to wear the leather out.
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Old Apr 26, 2013 | 12:56 PM
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Owed an 04 for 2 years, love it and as far as verts it is one of the best I ridden or driven in.
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Old Apr 26, 2013 | 02:23 PM
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i've owned my 04 for 5 years and haven't had anything that would be reportable as a problem. i agree with the members above who mentioned to check the rear glass, and you might want to discuss the column lock problem with the owner and see if he can substantiate that it has been replaced. while the windows are adjustable, i've yet to own a corvette convertible (i've had a 69, 93 and 04) that didn't leak some in the rain from the junction of the window to the top weather strip usually in the front upper corner. no mater how i've had the window adjusted (on both sides) it seems it can't be totally prevented. it isn't a problem under most conditions, but a decent rainstorm will cause the drip. look for obvious signs of wear that might not be consistent with the mileage, and find out where the car is usually parked and look at the ground there for signs of leaks of any kind.
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Old Apr 26, 2013 | 04:33 PM
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My 02's top is in excellent shape and has absolutely no leaks. The back glass is in great shape as well! She's for sale too. Check out my listing on the C5 for sale section

Jim
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Old Apr 27, 2013 | 01:24 PM
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Default top dressing

got a 98 with original top. works perfect no leaks easy to adjust as time goes by. be sure to use a cleaner and top dressing so it will not leak or fade in the sun Several spray on dressings are available, use one my2c
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Old Apr 27, 2013 | 11:09 PM
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thanks for all the good info, I had a deal worked out on a sweat 99 white m6 vert, and the owner changed his mind on selling...I was pissed but cant blame him, the car was perfect. Latter that day I Found a great deal on another 98 coupe down in Maryland, could not pass it up.... so the vert will have to wait...not for long though lol
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Old Apr 28, 2013 | 06:09 PM
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,,agree with all already mentioned, I love the my '02 tri black. I wish there was a good fix for the cloth flapping with "only the windows down" that protects the glass window when the top is down down, .....
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Old Apr 29, 2013 | 05:49 PM
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I have a major issue with my C5 vert! I can't bare to put it back in the garage everytime I drive it!
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Old Apr 29, 2013 | 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by PETE O.
I have a major issue with my C5 vert! I can't bare to put it back in the garage everytime I drive it!
I have almost the same issue. sometimes it won't turn into the driveway; it just wants to keep on driving
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