Convertible Top
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Convertible Top
Is there any damage that can be done leaving the top down for longer periods of time? I've owned several corvettes , but never a convertible . I now have an 03 that's garaged with a cover on it .
Thanks up front for any feedback .
Thanks up front for any feedback .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
The guy I bought mine from only drove it on nice days and always left the top down when in the garage. It's an '01 and the top is in very good condition, so I don't think it causes any damage..
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 80
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I know this is apples to oranges, but before my Corvette convertible I had a Porsche convertible. I left the top down all the time because like my Corvette, it never went out unless the weather was nice (I have never driven it with the top up). After leaving the top down for months, someone told me I might be damaging it so I put it up to check. By keeping it down I definitely had some funky wrinkles and the area under the window was permanently flipped up (it looked bad).
After the experience with the Porsche, I typically leave the top up in the the Vette and put it down before I drive it. I'm not saying the same would happen but I don't want to chance it.
After the experience with the Porsche, I typically leave the top up in the the Vette and put it down before I drive it. I'm not saying the same would happen but I don't want to chance it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
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From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
I have a vert and don't leave the roof down for extended periods as it is crunched up and just has to be detrimental. Also I am always scared some rodents (mice) will find easy access to the interior and my breath mints.
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Here was a discussion a couple of years ago on this issue.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
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I'm with you on the rodents. I'm in Sunny Ca, but we still have them ! Thanks
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,012
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From: Central Commiefornia
When comparing the coupe and the 'vert, IMO the 'vert looks better with the top down, but the coupe takes the prize with the top up by a wider margin...
Since the weather in central Commiefornia only lends itself to going topless with the 'vert or removing the Targa on the coupe about 3-4 months out of the year but I drive the car year round, the coupe was the obvious choice. YMMV
Since the weather in central Commiefornia only lends itself to going topless with the 'vert or removing the Targa on the coupe about 3-4 months out of the year but I drive the car year round, the coupe was the obvious choice. YMMV
Pro
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 741
Likes: 80
When comparing the coupe and the 'vert, IMO the 'vert looks better with the top down, but the coupe takes the prize with the top up by a wider margin...
Since the weather in central Commiefornia only lends itself to going topless with the 'vert or removing the Targa on the coupe about 3-4 months out of the year but I drive the car year round, the coupe was the obvious choice. YMMV
Since the weather in central Commiefornia only lends itself to going topless with the 'vert or removing the Targa on the coupe about 3-4 months out of the year but I drive the car year round, the coupe was the obvious choice. YMMV
Oh BS, the VERTs are just a better looking car, why do you think Coups sell for so much less. Just as the FRC are better as well... The hatch looks like a granny mobile. I have seen a few that look good but not as good as the best Vert and FRC and the FRC can look the best..
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
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The previous owner of my car left the top down for extended periods and not only did the car end up with rodents in it but it also has permanent discoloration and creases in the top. I've tried to no avail to get rid of them. It shows up as a lighter colored matted down surface area. If you don't care about the way that looks then I suppose leaving the top down all the time is no problem. For me it's a no-go.