Aftermarket Removable Convertible Hardtop
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Bellinum Wa
Aftermarket Removable Convertible Hardtop
There used to be listings for a removable hardtop for C5 Convertibles.
Anybody know if someone still making them or are they nonexistent ?
Anybody know if someone still making them or are they nonexistent ?
Melting Slicks
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From: New Jersey
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St. Jude Donor '25
I haven't seen any new ones in a long time, there was one listed on my local FB marketplace a year or so ago. Good luck!
Race Director
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Smoothline used to make them. Unfortunately, they filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy last year. The tops left a few things to be desired, especially the proper fit. Some were better than others. Inconsistent quality, and some complained about how small the rear windows were. Other than them, I dont think anyone else made any hard tops for the C5. Too bad GM didn't still offer the real "two tops" option. Ticks me off when I see guys selling a C4 Vette with T-tops saying it has "2 tops." Right. Anyway, good luck in your search....
Burning Brakes
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From: Dunstable MA
St. Jude Donor '05
Like the C5, the C4 coupe uses a single targa panel. Some were purchased with both transparent and painted versions. Hence, 2 tops.
Last edited by Rich Silvestris; Oct 9, 2023 at 09:11 PM.
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grinder11 has the info. I remember when they were being made and they looked pretty good, just not sure of the overall quality.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Bellinum Wa
2 Wrongs Don’t Make a Right (convertible) Hardtop
I actually want an aftermarket (fiberglass shell) that mirrors an FRC profile with the large glass back window for my convertible car.
https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/1998...-114482-1.html
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Auburn Ohio
The Factory Appearing Hardtop you seek...
Can be fabricated out of a wrecked fixed roof coupe or Z06
I have seen an example of this only in photographs however it is clear to me it can be accomplished by a talented Shop or Individual....
I personally fall under that category of talented or competent individual, however I just simply don’t have the time to pursue it, due to other requirements of my time at the moment
.... noodle around with Google images and you may turn up photographs that was for sale in Michigan a couple of years ago ......
Yes I want one,
and yes I could fabricate it, however it’s pretty low on the list at the moment
Can be fabricated out of a wrecked fixed roof coupe or Z06
I have seen an example of this only in photographs however it is clear to me it can be accomplished by a talented Shop or Individual....
I personally fall under that category of talented or competent individual, however I just simply don’t have the time to pursue it, due to other requirements of my time at the moment
.... noodle around with Google images and you may turn up photographs that was for sale in Michigan a couple of years ago ......
Yes I want one,
and yes I could fabricate it, however it’s pretty low on the list at the moment
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 125
From: Dunstable MA
St. Jude Donor '05
(BTW: I had a 73 vert with both hard and soft tops. I loved the look of the hardtop and the improved quiet and solid feel while driving.)
Getting back to the original topic: I have to wonder if an FRC or Z06 roof would not fit in place of the soft top and tonneau on a C5. I just don't know how one of those attaches to the windshield header. (Edit: Looks like I got beat to this by 5 minutes)
Last edited by Rich Silvestris; Oct 10, 2023 at 12:12 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Bellinum Wa
I agree with what your saying Rich about the FRC / Z06 roof assembly. A lot of specialized work but would make a great addition. Biggest disadvantage would be finding someone who'd part with the roof separately; the cost getting it to the PNW and then retrofitting it to the body and associated hardware
For that matter I'd be better off to build a hardtop; buy a 2nd birdcage and just skin it in CF or fiberglass
For that matter I'd be better off to build a hardtop; buy a 2nd birdcage and just skin it in CF or fiberglass
Drifting
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From: SC
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c4 ? not a chance. completly differnet body, different windshield, you'd be better off making one from a wrecked frc.
Anyway, I remember when these things were a thing -- pointing these out so you can look for them on ebay --
caravaggio used to make one with a large window -Removeable C5 Hardtop (c5registry.com)
as already mentioned, smoothline made one, with small and big windows, they're not around anymore.
west coast corvettes used to make them -- not any more, and I think they had a large window option : C5 Convertible Hard Top / Standard Rear Window – WestCoastCorvette.com
Anyway, I remember when these things were a thing -- pointing these out so you can look for them on ebay --
caravaggio used to make one with a large window -Removeable C5 Hardtop (c5registry.com)
as already mentioned, smoothline made one, with small and big windows, they're not around anymore.
west coast corvettes used to make them -- not any more, and I think they had a large window option : C5 Convertible Hard Top / Standard Rear Window – WestCoastCorvette.com
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,870
Likes: 1,636
From: North Coast
Hello the recent Central Corvette catalog offered a C5 hard top like you asked about.
I was surprised to see it since many said they were discontinued.big Youbwant one that may be the place to start.
page 101 $2,248.00
can be vinyl covered also.
I was surprised to see it since many said they were discontinued.big Youbwant one that may be the place to start.
page 101 $2,248.00
can be vinyl covered also.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,461
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From: Bellinum Wa
You may be correct but I went thru multiple searches ; C5 Hardtops all saying no product found. https://www.corvettecentral.com/c5-97-04/tops/hardtop/
WCC has a listing for a hardtop that says it's sold out, I'm guessing is code for discontinued
https://www.westcoastcorvette.com/pr...rd-rear-window
WCC has a listing for a hardtop that says it's sold out, I'm guessing is code for discontinued
https://www.westcoastcorvette.com/pr...rd-rear-window
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 378
From: Bellinum Wa
c4 ? not a chance. completly differnet body, different windshield, you'd be better off making one from a wrecked frc.
Anyway, I remember when these things were a thing -- pointing these out so you can look for them on ebay --
caravaggio used to make one with a large window -Removeable C5 Hardtop (c5registry.com)
as already mentioned, smoothline made one, with small and big windows, they're not around anymore.
west coast corvettes used to make them -- not any more, and I think they had a large window option : C5 Convertible Hard Top / Standard Rear Window – WestCoastCorvette.com
Anyway, I remember when these things were a thing -- pointing these out so you can look for them on ebay --
caravaggio used to make one with a large window -Removeable C5 Hardtop (c5registry.com)
as already mentioned, smoothline made one, with small and big windows, they're not around anymore.
west coast corvettes used to make them -- not any more, and I think they had a large window option : C5 Convertible Hard Top / Standard Rear Window – WestCoastCorvette.com
The FRC roof is a bear to find although I live in the PNW & shipping cost were $ 6-750 last month and I only found one car in Ca. I'm negotiating with the seller
I have a one off build I'm trying to source parts for although initial costs are already at $3000. It would be worth the costs though
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,870
Likes: 1,636
From: North Coast
You may be correct but I went thru multiple searches ; C5 Hardtops all saying no product found. https://www.corvettecentral.com/c5-97-04/tops/hardtop/
WCC has a listing for a hardtop that says it's sold out, I'm guessing is code for discontinued
https://www.westcoastcorvette.com/pr...rd-rear-window
WCC has a listing for a hardtop that says it's sold out, I'm guessing is code for discontinued
https://www.westcoastcorvette.com/pr...rd-rear-window
it would give you a full answer.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 378
From: Bellinum Wa
Besides Caravaggio who (again, not sure but they do alot of their own) actually builds tops? Looks like most Corvette retail sales sites were going thru Smooth line.
There's one on Ebay that doesn't have a back window or headliner and they want $2200
https://www.ebay.com/itm/15579905469...Bk9SR-SFxcPoYg
There's one on Ebay that doesn't have a back window or headliner and they want $2200
https://www.ebay.com/itm/15579905469...Bk9SR-SFxcPoYg