Convertible top durability
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 400
Likes: 28
From: St. Paul (smokey!) MN
Convertible top durability
My 98 convertible has spent most of its life garaged when it isn't being driven. It appears to me to be in new condition. It is black, I don't think it has faded at all and keeps the rain out.
How durable is it? Should I be concerned about going on a road trip and leaving it out in the elements?
How durable is it? Should I be concerned about going on a road trip and leaving it out in the elements?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 204
From: Calabash, NC
I have a 2001 black Vert daily driver. The top loves the rain - no problems. Only caution, regardless of use is to watch for the rear window coming separated. If you have any symptoms of the window coming apart from the canvas immediately fix it (need to use Rhino glue) and don't wait for it to fall all the way out. 
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,694
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
I have a 2001 black Vert daily driver. The top loves the rain - no problems. Only caution, regardless of use is to watch for the rear window coming separated. If you have any symptoms of the window coming apart from the canvas immediately fix it (need to use Rhino glue) and don't wait for it to fall all the way out.
This is the system I use and my black top still looks new after 10 years. I got stuck in a heavy Florida downpoor earlier this week the water beaded off of the top. The car was so heavily waxed and protected, it was almost like a free car wash. 
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 204
From: Calabash, NC
Mine started separating at the top in the middle. Not sure if its a coincidence or not but about a month before my window started separating there was some interference between the window and the waterfall/tonneau when lowering and raising the top.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 455
From: Stella, North Carolina
Mine started on the top driver side...it had separated about 4 " on the outside only. It appears to sit in a pocket and was still sealed on the interior side. Glued it and appears to be holding so far. About 1 month now. I also recently redyed it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Funny that GM has no products available to clean and re nu canvas convert. roofs. Pls correct me if I am wrong. I bought a cleaner/re conditioner from e bay from England called Car Plan soft top renovation kit. Very reasonable price will see how it preforms. Anyone else used this product?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 204
From: Calabash, NC