Help me rationalize through my C5
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,064
Likes: 18
From: Arizona
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
It is fairly easy to convert a C5 coupe to rag top. The windshield already fits the latches on the drop top. The halo gets cut off and the partition gets bolted or welded in then the trunk fits.
The trouble is that the vert uses different fenders and the existing ones are really nice. Your body shop may be able to adapt them, I am not sure.
If you have to sell your fenders feel free to PM me with an offer.
The trouble is that the vert uses different fenders and the existing ones are really nice. Your body shop may be able to adapt them, I am not sure.
If you have to sell your fenders feel free to PM me with an offer.
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,669
Likes: 7,303
From: CT
CorvetteForum Editor
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 520
Likes: 145
Front page coverage
Figured we should get the front page opinions as well...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...g-convertible/
https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...g-convertible/
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,607
Likes: 167
From: sylvania ohio
i'll have to think about this as i don't like any of the three ideas . if you're tired of the vette sell it but i'm not sure what i'd buy but would never put $1oo,ooo in a daily driver . . . peace
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 333
From: Leesburg Fl
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '14,'18
If the OP wants to convert to a rag top, he better make sure the shop has done one before and he gets a review from the other ones who have had the conversion done. The conversion could cause serious problems. I like the idea of buying the vert and swapping drive trains, but then again to be done by an experienced Vette shop.
Italian cars are all high maintenance and unreliable.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,764
Likes: 375
From: Central Florida
He has a company car, these are just toys.
If the OP wants to convert to a rag top, he better make sure the shop has done one before and he gets a review from the other ones who have had the conversion done. The conversion could cause serious problems. I like the idea of buying the vert and swapping drive trains, but then again to be done by an experienced Vette shop.
Italian cars are all high maintenance and unreliable.
If the OP wants to convert to a rag top, he better make sure the shop has done one before and he gets a review from the other ones who have had the conversion done. The conversion could cause serious problems. I like the idea of buying the vert and swapping drive trains, but then again to be done by an experienced Vette shop.
Italian cars are all high maintenance and unreliable.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 31
From: Cave Creek AZ
I'd skip the coupe to vert conversion.
I'd like to suggest a convertible dodge viper. I drove one with the top down through kierland, Scottsdale Quarter, and a few other places a few weekends ago. I have never seen any car turn so many heads, ever.
To top it off, we have one of the very best dodge viper mechanics in the country here in Scottsdale. http://www.maehammotorsports.com/
My preferred Chevy shop also works on them - Cordes Performance. They build lots of Chevy and Ford cars that run well at NoFlyZone
If you're looking for something truly unique and special and don't mind headache, an 08 viper Vert will bring you 600 HP, V10, convertible.
I'd like to suggest a convertible dodge viper. I drove one with the top down through kierland, Scottsdale Quarter, and a few other places a few weekends ago. I have never seen any car turn so many heads, ever.
To top it off, we have one of the very best dodge viper mechanics in the country here in Scottsdale. http://www.maehammotorsports.com/
My preferred Chevy shop also works on them - Cordes Performance. They build lots of Chevy and Ford cars that run well at NoFlyZone
If you're looking for something truly unique and special and don't mind headache, an 08 viper Vert will bring you 600 HP, V10, convertible.
Last edited by Cauhauna; Jun 2, 2017 at 01:20 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 556
From: Tallahassee fl
I think I'd get the conversion if the top didn't come off. There just isn't that much difference between a targa and a convertible in the Corvette world. In the C4 there is, because taking the top off on them is a PITA, but a C5? It's just as fast to pop the lid as it is to drop the folding roof. I will agree the experience is slightly better with the top down but not enough to justify the down sides of a convertible.
I have to wonder if you have forgotten how bad convertibles can be with the top up considering the car you came from. I have a BMW M3 convertible and a 98 Pace Car... totally different world when the top is a powered hardtop Vs. a manual soft top. I HATE driving the Pace Car with the top up and avoid it. The Bimmer is a great ride up or down.
I have to wonder if you have forgotten how bad convertibles can be with the top up considering the car you came from. I have a BMW M3 convertible and a 98 Pace Car... totally different world when the top is a powered hardtop Vs. a manual soft top. I HATE driving the Pace Car with the top up and avoid it. The Bimmer is a great ride up or down.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 113
Likes: 15
From: NC
Semper Fi!
You have an awesome collection of cars! I'd like to take your C5 for a drive...then again, it might spoil me from driving mine LOL
Since your heart is set on having a convertible, go with option 2. That way you'll get to put your top down and you already know that car inside and out. Win Win
Whatever you decide, hope you honestly love the end result!
You have an awesome collection of cars! I'd like to take your C5 for a drive...then again, it might spoil me from driving mine LOL
Since your heart is set on having a convertible, go with option 2. That way you'll get to put your top down and you already know that car inside and out. Win Win
Whatever you decide, hope you honestly love the end result!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 31
From: Cave Creek AZ
I think I'd get the conversion if the top didn't come off. There just isn't that much difference between a targa and a convertible in the Corvette world. In the C4 there is, because taking the top off on them is a PITA, but a C5? It's just as fast to pop the lid as it is to drop the folding roof. I will agree the experience is slightly better with the top down but not enough to justify the down sides of a convertible.
I have to wonder if you have forgotten how bad convertibles can be with the top up considering the car you came from. I have a BMW M3 convertible and a 98 Pace Car... totally different world when the top is a powered hardtop Vs. a manual soft top. I HATE driving the Pace Car with the top up and avoid it. The Bimmer is a great ride up or down.
I have to wonder if you have forgotten how bad convertibles can be with the top up considering the car you came from. I have a BMW M3 convertible and a 98 Pace Car... totally different world when the top is a powered hardtop Vs. a manual soft top. I HATE driving the Pace Car with the top up and avoid it. The Bimmer is a great ride up or down.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 329
Likes: 54
I think I'd get the conversion if the top didn't come off. There just isn't that much difference between a targa and a convertible in the Corvette world. In the C4 there is, because taking the top off on them is a PITA, but a C5? It's just as fast to pop the lid as it is to drop the folding roof. I will agree the experience is slightly better with the top down but not enough to justify the down sides of a convertible.
I have to wonder if you have forgotten how bad convertibles can be with the top up considering the car you came from. I have a BMW M3 convertible and a 98 Pace Car... totally different world when the top is a powered hardtop Vs. a manual soft top. I HATE driving the Pace Car with the top up and avoid it. The Bimmer is a great ride up or down.
I have to wonder if you have forgotten how bad convertibles can be with the top up considering the car you came from. I have a BMW M3 convertible and a 98 Pace Car... totally different world when the top is a powered hardtop Vs. a manual soft top. I HATE driving the Pace Car with the top up and avoid it. The Bimmer is a great ride up or down.
As for convertible noise with the top up, my Porsche convertibles were all VERY quite with the top up. The road & tire noise is way worse on my ZR1. I wouldn't sell that C5 though, it looks very well built. If I were in his shoes I'd ditch the Ferrari for a convertible Z06 or any of the convertible Porsches (911 Cabriolet, Boxster GTS or Spyder). The Porsche or Corvette would both have much cheaper maintenance than the Ferrari and you could likely get more use and enjoyment.
Last edited by CloudLS9; Jun 2, 2017 at 11:32 AM.