When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a sticky situation on my hands and I was hoping I could get some help on what repair options are available for this C5 targa top.
Some context, my father picked up a silver C5 last fall and in the garage the "tint" that was on the top (not sure if factory or aftermarket) peeled up and looked terrible. My dad removed the tint, and what was left was some adhesive all over the top. I took the vehicle out this weekend, and we discussed getting rid of the adhesive on the glass top. I got a bottle of goo-gone. some rags, and attempted to clean the adhesive off the top. Unforunately, I learned that the top is made from Lexan, which means the Goo-Gone turned the adhesive into this:
As you can see, it's just awful. Reading up on the lexan top, it appears I can sand and polish the top to a new shine. Would that still be possible with this adhesive/Goo-Gone mix on the top? I'd hate to have to buy a new top for my Dad at this point, so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Awful is the word here. Gosh, that’s really terrible. Did you try mineral spirits? Sometimes that will get one of the vinyl adhesive glues off rather than the harsh stuff that melts plastic.
Regardless, I doubt the surface will be pristine. There is ‘other’ hope, tho’, especially for a silver car.
I saw a close friend today who had his targa wrapped with a 3M Carbon fiber vinyl and it looks terrific. All you need to do is sand the top smooth so no texture will show thru and it will look great. His was professionally done. I’ll ask him for a picture of it and post it here.
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
You can try and polish that out, but unsure how it would turn out. Here's some files that may give you some guidance. Otherwise, the option chasboy made about doing a vinyl wrap on the top should work.
I have been looking over the guide and I've never seen this level of damage to a top, which caused my apprehension. I guess I could start with a 600 grit and go up or down from there...
As for wrapping it, that's a no go. I proposed the idea and the decision was made that it would be too claustrophobic without the windowed top. So that's why I in a pickle.
I'll give sanding a whirl tomorrow evening, if it starts to work then I'll go from there. Just really wish I would have looked it up before touching it... live and learn right?
I have been looking over the guide and I've never seen this level of damage to a top, which caused my apprehension. I guess I could start with a 600 grit and go up or down from there...
As for wrapping it, that's a no go. I proposed the idea and the decision was made that it would be too claustrophobic without the windowed top. So that's why I in a pickle.
I'll give sanding a whirl tomorrow evening, if it starts to work then I'll go from there. Just really wish I would have looked it up before touching it... live and learn right?
Yes, and we all have been there. Has your Dad ever had a Corvette with the transparent top? I had a Z06 previous to this one and had no claustrophobia problems but that’s me. I was excited to get this car to ‘enjoy’ the clear roof. It came with the MidAmerica insert which is a nice way to block the heat that comes thru the roof. I say that because on a moderate day, sunny about 75 deg. I decided to take out the insert to experience the transparent top. I drove for about 10 minutes, stopped and reinstalled the insert, that’s how hot it got. Now the entire targa comes off on nice days, but the insert never. You will find that many, if not a majority have the same experience.
I wouldn’t start with 600. If you attack the glue directly it will gum up in seconds. I would go with 350 wet dry and hope the crap comes off, tho’ I would still try mineral spirits first. Good luck!
Lexan reportedly will release gasses when it gets really hot, which will in turn create bubbles under the wrap. This is why I found a painted top to wrap. I like the way it looks, so next I'll wrap the mirrors.
Lexan reportedly will release gasses when it gets really hot, which will in turn create bubbles under the wrap. This is why I found a painted top to wrap. I like the way it looks, so next I'll wrap the mirrors.
I’ve heard that’s possible but never seen it. Most good quality vinyls have air channels so that may offset that characteristic.
OP, I guess paint is also out of the question?
Yes, and we all have been there. Has your Dad ever had a Corvette with the transparent top? I had a Z06 previous to this one and had no claustrophobia problems but that’s me. I was excited to get this car to ‘enjoy’ the clear roof. It came with the MidAmerica insert which is a nice way to block the heat that comes thru the roof. I say that because on a moderate day, sunny about 75 deg. I decided to take out the insert to experience the transparent top. I drove for about 10 minutes, stopped and reinstalled the insert, that’s how hot it got. Now the entire targa comes off on nice days, but the insert never. You will find that many, if not a majority have the same experience.
I wouldn’t start with 600. If you attack the glue directly it will gum up in seconds. I would go with 350 wet dry and hope the crap comes off, tho’ I would still try mineral spirits first. Good luck!
Paint is for sure out of the question, he loves the clear top and doesn't drive it enough to be worried about the heat. Wisconsin usually stays cloudy near Lake Michigan, so no concerns on the heat.
I purchased a gallon mineral spirits and try that tonight. If I get no result, I picked up sandpaper from 350-2000 and a new sanding block. I'll follow the guide that was posted here and hopefully all goes well. Good little Memorial Day Project it looks like either way.
I've never heard of a tint on top, and worry that Goo-Gone or other agresive solvent will have eaten into the plastic. Sanding that out without losing profile may be beyond hope.
Several of the corvette supply houses, Eckler's, Corvette Central, Corvette America, sell refurbished or re-lensed transparent tops. Not cheap by any means, but already perfect. Also be sure to check out the parts for sale section, and possibly even post a 'WTB' to see if someone wants to part with theirs.
Targa Top Problems!
