Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

New Vert Top Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 06:06 PM
  #1  
1965markaccount's Avatar
1965markaccount
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 32
From: Woodbridge Virginia
Default New Vert Top Question

Next Friday I will have had my 01 convertible for 14 years. The original top has lost its fight to the elements and is going to be replaced. I am trying to get some input into which color to go with. The car is Torch Red with a white top from the factory. For the same price ($1100) I can replace the top with the factory material white or go with a black top. If you had the choice which way would you go? Granted I know ultimately its mine to live with but I thought I would try and get a feel for what others would do.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 06:48 PM
  #2  
JR-01's Avatar
JR-01
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Default

I would go with the tan. White shows dirt more and black gets really hot. My Magnetic red Vette has the tan top. I like it.



This isn't mine.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 06:51 PM
  #3  
stu12dozen's Avatar
stu12dozen
Pro
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Brisbane Queensland
Default

What color is the interior?
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 07:23 PM
  #4  
megawatt1203's Avatar
megawatt1203
Racer
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 443
Likes: 101
From: Jackson CA.
Default

I like a black top.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 07:49 PM
  #5  
bjones7131's Avatar
bjones7131
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
Default

I would stay with original color
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 08:22 PM
  #6  
GREENKAR's Avatar
GREENKAR
Drifting
10 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 202
From: Mountain View California
Default

Originally Posted by JR-01
I would go with the tan. White shows dirt more and black gets really hot. My Magnetic red Vette has the tan top. I like it.



This isn't mine.
I have an '01 with tan top, very Color of car is green (Dark Bowling Green Metallic) and tan looks very good.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 08:52 PM
  #7  
1965markaccount's Avatar
1965markaccount
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 32
From: Woodbridge Virginia
Default

Originally Posted by stu12dozen
What color is the interior?
interior is gray. The boss said black and to be honest the white was hard to keep clean. Is the black material more of a cloth? The white top was made of hartz twill cloth which was a sort of a plastic type of material. Not that it was bad in fact it lasted a long time. At present it had split at all of the places where the material folded. As a result there are splits at almost every brace/fold point. This along with the places where the twill fast cloth has just deteriorated leaving holes in the material makes me think that maybe the black cloth type material maybe a better option.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 08:57 PM
  #8  
1965markaccount's Avatar
1965markaccount
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 32
From: Woodbridge Virginia
Default

Originally Posted by bjones7131
I would stay with original color
I loved the original color which is why I ordered the car this way. The reason I got the color in the first place was because it is the first car I remember from my childhood. A 68 vert red with a white top. My brother gives me crap about it because he claims they are "girly" colors but what does he know. He is restoring a 68 mustang frankenbuild. It has a 04 cobra drive train wedged into a beat up 68 body. It will be fast as heck if he can keep the tires on the ground but who knows.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 09:10 PM
  #9  
Sam Handwich's Avatar
Sam Handwich
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 120
Default

Originally Posted by 1965markaccount
I loved the original color which is why I ordered the car this way. The reason I got the color in the first place was because it is the first car I remember from my childhood. A 68 vert red with a white top. My brother gives me crap about it because he claims they are "girly" colors but what does he know. He is restoring a 68 mustang frankenbuild. It has a 04 cobra drive train wedged into a beat up 68 body. It will be fast as heck if he can keep the tires on the ground but who knows.
What about a red top? I would consider a red top for my white vert.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 09:34 PM
  #10  
65GGvert's Avatar
65GGvert
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,131
Likes: 4,154
From: Kannapolis NC
Default

The original white tops were vinyl. I think if you have a gray interior a gray top would look good and not seen everywhere. Second choice would be a black top. If you don't mind the cleaning, white tops are rare and look good too. Pick the color that makes you turn back and look at the car every time you walk away from it.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 09:37 PM
  #11  
1965markaccount's Avatar
1965markaccount
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 32
From: Woodbridge Virginia
Default

Originally Posted by Sam Handwich
What about a red top? I would consider a red top for my white vert.
A red top on a white vett would look good depending on the interior but it would also be a cost issue. When I bought the car I was single. Now . . . cost is a consideration and a red top would be a one off for the car which would mean considerable increase in price. Might not pass the bosses purse strings.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 09:41 PM
  #12  
stu12dozen's Avatar
stu12dozen
Pro
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Brisbane Queensland
Default

I will cast my vote for the black. It will compliment the gray interior and won't show the dirt like the lighter colors. Forget a red top. A few years from now when it begins to fade it will look like crap. In addition, if "SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED" says black, then why even ask?
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 09:58 PM
  #13  
1965markaccount's Avatar
1965markaccount
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 32
From: Woodbridge Virginia
Default

Originally Posted by stu12dozen
I will cast my vote for the black. It will compliment the gray interior and won't show the dirt like the lighter colors. Forget a red top. A few years from now when it begins to fade it will look like crap. In addition, if "SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED" says black, then why even ask?
Because even though "SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED" has a powerful voice I would like the believe (even if it is just in my own mind) that I have a say in things. In reality it is my car and was before we were married and will be if anything ever happens so its my choice. I am just trying to get some ideas. I am leaning towards black and I have until tomorrow to decide. I dropped the car off today to the shop and I am waiting on a price for the strip that dry rotted on the bottom of the top that runs along the base at the rear of the top. I told him to put a white top on the car and I am second guessing myself because of the cleaning issue. For that reason I am putting out the question to get some ideas. I will see the installer in the morning and give him a final color at that time.

To the red top I think you are right. In a few years it might fade to pink and then my brother would have a valid point.

Last edited by 1965markaccount; Nov 20, 2014 at 09:59 PM. Reason: had more to say
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 10:27 PM
  #14  
oyealiz's Avatar
oyealiz
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 250
From: Denison, TX
2022 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'16
Default

I vote black. My c6 was red with a black top, and I love that combo. Plus it will stay looking nice without the worries about it looking dirty.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 10:58 PM
  #15  
ironranger's Avatar
ironranger
Racer
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 365
Likes: 19
From: Hugo MN
Default

Black definitely with the gray interior.
I like red verts with tan interior and tan tops, however, with the gray interior I don't believe tan would be the way to go.
BLACK!
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2014 | 11:12 PM
  #16  
Koufax's Avatar
Koufax
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,657
Likes: 195
From: Boxford Massachusetts
Default

If you can get grey without spending extra, get grey. If not, black. Tal looks good too, but does not match the interior.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2014 | 12:14 AM
  #17  
always1961's Avatar
always1961
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: ARROYO GRANDE CA
Default

Definitely black...
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To New Vert Top Question

Old Nov 22, 2014 | 08:30 AM
  #18  
1lowc5's Avatar
1lowc5
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 177
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area California
Default

Its time for a change

I would do a black top. and lightly tint the windows.
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2014 | 12:28 PM
  #19  
phoneman91's Avatar
phoneman91
Pro
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 590
Likes: 57
From: Aurora Colorado
Default

I have a 01 with Torch Red and Light Oak interior and LO convertible top. Light colored tops may get dirty over time. I have seen many Oak tops that have stains that can't easily be removed.

Black tops would seem to me to hide many stains and would be easier to keep looking nice.
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2014 | 01:40 PM
  #20  
1965markaccount's Avatar
1965markaccount
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 32
From: Woodbridge Virginia
Default

Thanks for all of the input guys. Decided on the black top. For one it will be easier to keep clean. I loved the white for the reasons stated above. Always made me turn around for another look. It was however difficult to keep clean and as the top got older it stained which I could not correct. Made it look "off" when the top was up. The black will be easier and besides now it will look like a new car to me. I'll post some picks when the job is completed.

One last thing, does anyone know where I can pick up the rear bow weather stripping? Dealership has it for around $250 and it is the same for the aftermarket places I have looked at and I cannot find much information with a google search. If anyone has a source it would be appreciated.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:18 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE