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My 04 is the metallic red with oak convertible top.. the top will need replaced and I have been thinking about going with a black top. The oak top looks ok , but I think I would like black better. Has anyone done this ? I guess a black top was a option with this color ?? Any info or pics would be great,, thanks.
I think the black looks like **** compared to the light oak.
When I bought my 04 magnetic red convertible, if it had a black top, that would have been a deal breaker.
I think if you have a oak interior the oak top looks the best. Also I had a AE vert and the top did not show the lint and soil like my 02 does with its black top.
black with red is not calming, the contrast is very stark. perhaps a wider palette than economics provided GM would do the trick, if you don't like tan.
It all depends on your tastes. It's probably 50/50 when it comes to black or oak. I am not a fan of black. To me the oak looks more elegant and refined. I passed on several black top cars. It's what works for you. Not us.
My black vert originally came with a white top. After it was damaged it was replaced with a black top for a more cohesive look. On your vette, and its just my personal opinion only, I believe the oak top is a much more pleasing look for your C5's color. But as already pointed out above, it is your car and you need to do what pleases you. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
From: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. South West Florida / Livin' The Dream
St. Jude Donor '12
Friend has a Mag Red with factory black top. I've thought of going that way myself with my Mag Red Oak top. Personally I like the looks of the Oak top better.
The reason I've toyed with the idea is to eliminate the staining that has occurred over the last 15 years, in the creases, from repeatedly putting the top up and down.
Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong going black or staying oak.
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
lets flip this around the other way...
i have had tan tops for the last two convertibles..and all black tops before that I have had convertibles for the last 35yrs. tan tops show dirt and mildew stains really easily and the stains are hard to get out. Black does not have that problem. i would not want a black top in lieu of my lt Oak top. but for sure it has a benefit when it comes to stains and dirt.
your dime and your car do what looks good to you. bob
Last edited by bobs77vet; Sep 28, 2017 at 09:38 AM.
i have had tan tops for the last two convertibles..and all black tops before that I have had convertibles for the last 35yrs. tan tops show dirt and mildew stains really easily and the stains are hard to get out. Black does not have that problem. i would not want a black top in lieu of my lt Oak top. but for sure it has a benefit when it comes to stains and dirt.
your dime and your car do what looks good to you. bob
This is true if you leave your car outside in the weather, under trees or along a dirt road etc. My oak top is 16 years old with 80K miles has no stains or mildew and still looks like new. I guess it all depend on how you use and store the car.
It totally depends on what YOU want! (Or your wife)!!
When I was shopping I really liked the red vert with tan top but ended up with spiral gray metallic with the black top.
Honestly, I like them all!
Good luck with your choice!
Thanks for all the replies , not going to rush into any decision.. I have got many compliments on the car , and I don't know if there were many with that color but it's the only one in this area.
i have had tan tops for the last two convertibles..and all black tops before that I have had convertibles for the last 35yrs. tan tops show dirt and mildew stains really easily and the stains are hard to get out. Black does not have that problem. i would not want a black top in lieu of my lt Oak top. but for sure it has a benefit when it comes to stains and dirt.
your dime and your car do what looks good to you. bob
I have not had any problems cleaning the top when it does get those stains.
I use a mild solution of simple green, hot water, and when finished, rinse, rinse, and rinse again, just to make sure the simple green does not affect the wax on the car.
I have only cleaned the top twice in the three years I have owned the car, and it always comes out looking like a new top.
Bob.