vert questions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 655
Likes: 2
From: Rio Vista ca.
vert questions
I'm new to the C5 side of these forums. I have an 89 C4 coupe and have been reading/posting in the C4 section for a few years. I'm thinking about selling my car and buying a C5 vert. I really like the look of these cars but, since I've never owned a vert, I have a few questions about them. How noisy are they to drive with the top up? How much of a pain is it to raise and lower the top? Removing the Targa top on my coupe kills my back. How durable are the frame and fabric and how costly is it to repair either?
Thanks,
Kim
Thanks,
Kim
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 292
Likes: 2
From: Tyler Tejas
My first Vette was a convertible, so, I can't compare it to a hardtop...
But... road noise.. yes, there is road noise but I assume alot of that depends on your tires and wheel size combo. I was running stock 17/18 and it wasn't too bad... I have 18/19 now, and it's much louder.
Top is very easy to put up and down. I have a bad back, and I have no problem at all.... actually, my 10 year old puts it down most of the time.
Mine is an 01, with 90,000 miles on it, and the top is still in nice shape. Frame seems nice and solid... very nice fabric actually for a convertible top.
But... road noise.. yes, there is road noise but I assume alot of that depends on your tires and wheel size combo. I was running stock 17/18 and it wasn't too bad... I have 18/19 now, and it's much louder.
Top is very easy to put up and down. I have a bad back, and I have no problem at all.... actually, my 10 year old puts it down most of the time.
Mine is an 01, with 90,000 miles on it, and the top is still in nice shape. Frame seems nice and solid... very nice fabric actually for a convertible top.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 1,406
From: Central Ohio
I have a 99 vert. The wind noise is going to be there with a convertible, but it's not that bad. I reduced a lot of noise going to non-run flats and a much better feel as well. Mine isn't a DD so those items would be factored in for me if it were. As for the pain to raise and lower, I think it's extremely simple and quick. Min has a tendence to slightly rub the cover slightly when putting it down only, but a little pressure fwd on the top is fine. My top is like new, but it has a dark spot or two (light oak top) which is to be expected I think on a 15 yr old car. I've done some research in the past for replacement and cost doesn't appear too bad.
I say go test drive one and try it out for yourself to be sure before pulling the trigger. I'm really happy with mine. I've always wanted a Corvette since I was little and sort of wanted a convertible, I got both in one car. Good luck if you decide to move up a gen.
I say go test drive one and try it out for yourself to be sure before pulling the trigger. I'm really happy with mine. I've always wanted a Corvette since I was little and sort of wanted a convertible, I got both in one car. Good luck if you decide to move up a gen.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
I had a 98 vert and now an 03 vert (also a 66 vert)
To answer your questions Top is easy and painless my 7 year old grandson can do it . He requires a little over sight but you get the point.
A new top is fairly inexpensive if ever required. The cost is in the install.
noise wise it is quiet for a convertible You can hold a normal conversation with top up at 75 mph..you can here the stereo if you are so inclined
Drive one and you will be hooked. I love a convertible Vette..its the only way to go.
It is water tight as long as its in good adjustment
To answer your questions Top is easy and painless my 7 year old grandson can do it . He requires a little over sight but you get the point.
A new top is fairly inexpensive if ever required. The cost is in the install.
noise wise it is quiet for a convertible You can hold a normal conversation with top up at 75 mph..you can here the stereo if you are so inclined
Drive one and you will be hooked. I love a convertible Vette..its the only way to go.
It is water tight as long as its in good adjustment
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 798
From: Fort Myers Beach Florida
As stated the noise I hear in my 02 vert is from those run flat tires. Putting the top down is not a bad job but you must get out of the car and use two hands. It was an easier job on my previous MX5 Miata
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,204
Likes: 4,187
From: Kannapolis NC
The top design is ingenious and very easy to put up and down, only two latches at the windshield to latch. The tops are also multilayered so the road and wind noise is much less than any other convertible I have owned. Most of the noise radiates from the tires up through the trunk, so much like the Z and FRC. With the top down there is much less noise and wind buffeting than a targa with the top off. Plus, you don't have to store the top and you still have a good sized trunk to use with the top down.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 106
From: Sloatsburg NY
Oldtimer
How noisy are they to drive with the top up? They are actually pretty quiet, you should take a ride in one and judge for yourself.
How much of a pain is it to raise and lower the top? Removing the Targa top on my coupe kills my back. Dropping the top is a piece of cake, esp if you open both latches from inside the car before hand.
How durable are the frame and fabric and how costly is it to repair either?No problem with the fabric on my '03, but it spends the winter months inside,
How much of a pain is it to raise and lower the top? Removing the Targa top on my coupe kills my back. Dropping the top is a piece of cake, esp if you open both latches from inside the car before hand.
How durable are the frame and fabric and how costly is it to repair either?No problem with the fabric on my '03, but it spends the winter months inside,
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 655
Likes: 2
From: Rio Vista ca.
Thanks for all the replies so far. The car will be garaged when not being driven so the elements shouldn't be a big concern. I guess installing a new rag top isn't a DIY proposition but it's good to know that replacement tops aren't too expensive. We have a Chevy dealer here in my little town so I'll see if they have any C5 verts I can test drive.
Kim
Kim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
If you buy a C-5 vert (or c-6 for that matter) an ingenious little device by top down technology (window valet) allows you to lower the windows using your key fob. The windows must be down for the rear compartment to be opened. Push your unlock button on your key fob three times and the windows lower. unlatch the top at the front (both sides), pull the back of the top up slightly, then open the storage compartment, and fold the top in to that area. 30 seconds if you are doing it for the first time. .
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 568
Likes: 2
From: Dayton, Oregon
Oldtimer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,718
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From: Flower Mound TX
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Powder Springs GA
mine is an 01...top is a breeze to put up and down. Mine sits in the garage with the top down most of the time. I put it up for extended periods of not driving, but other than that it's usually down.
it's a roadster, so yes there is noise, but its not bad. If you're looking for a perfect seal and no road noise, you're in the wrong place but the best advise would be to go drive one and see for yourself...
Personally, I love the verts...everyone has their thing, but I wouldn't own a c5 coupe at this point...there's just something about that open road....
it's a roadster, so yes there is noise, but its not bad. If you're looking for a perfect seal and no road noise, you're in the wrong place but the best advise would be to go drive one and see for yourself...
Personally, I love the verts...everyone has their thing, but I wouldn't own a c5 coupe at this point...there's just something about that open road....
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 13
From: Fairview Hts. Illinois
Best thing about the window valet is you don't have to get in the car after putting the top up to put your windows up if you are locking the car. That is why I got mine, got tired of getting back in inserting the key after putting the top up for power to close the windows after parking the car where it needed to be locked
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
Best thing about the window valet is you don't have to get in the car after putting the top up to put your windows up if you are locking the car. That is why I got mine, got tired of getting back in inserting the key after putting the top up for power to close the windows after parking the car where it needed to be locked
Pro
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 565
Likes: 143
From: Bedford VA
I was a 10 year owner of a '98 coupe. Seldom took the top off because of the hassle and back strain. I now have an '01 vert and am loving it. Through the summer it got parked in the garage most of the time with the top down. However, for interstate travel, I usually put it up and it is quieter than my coupe was. It had the trunk divider (between the trunk proper and top storage area) and Michelin run flats (as opposed to Goodyear run flats on the coupe) on it when I bought it. Both of those items may contribute to the relative quietness. Can't speak to the repair cost but mine is practically factory new, no leaks of wind or rain. I saw a complete top (fabric and frame) in the Parts for Sale section the other day for $1200 IIRC.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 32
From: Woodbridge Virginia
I have an 01 that is in need of a replacement top. The prices I have been getting vary quite a bit. The worst price I have seen so far is $2500. I found a guy here locally that is going to do it with the original material for $975 soup to nuts. Other posters have said the Robbins top is the best but the best price I could find for one was $1575. Since the last top lasted 14 years ( I picked mine up thanksgiving 2000) I think I go with the $975. Never had a problem with the noise top up or down.
