Removable Top Problem / Question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Removable Top Problem / Question
I have an '01 with a removable "clear" top. The coating started to flake on the right side. It now has a stripe about three inches wide about two inches up from the bottom edge where the coating is totally gone. Needless to say, it looks bad.
Everyone I've spoken with says there is no way to fix this and that I'm stuck with getting a new top. I called a company in IL that puts new "glass" in an existing frame for $799. I asked to speak with one of their tech people and, after just telling him the year, he stopped me and proceeded to describe the problem to a "T". He said is was common. He wasn't sure why it happened, but said it was almost always on the right side and a three inch stripe running from front to back. The top is also "crazed".
BTW, due to logging 50K miles, I'm out of warranty.
Has anyone else had this problem? If so, any suggestions? Any ideas where to pick up a new top at a reasonable price?
Thanks, pmcw
Everyone I've spoken with says there is no way to fix this and that I'm stuck with getting a new top. I called a company in IL that puts new "glass" in an existing frame for $799. I asked to speak with one of their tech people and, after just telling him the year, he stopped me and proceeded to describe the problem to a "T". He said is was common. He wasn't sure why it happened, but said it was almost always on the right side and a three inch stripe running from front to back. The top is also "crazed".
BTW, due to logging 50K miles, I'm out of warranty.
Has anyone else had this problem? If so, any suggestions? Any ideas where to pick up a new top at a reasonable price?
Thanks, pmcw
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 124,167
Likes: 278
From: .... NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '19
Originally Posted by pmcw
Thanks, I ran a search for "removable"+"coating" and didn't get any hits that matched. Can you give me a clue where to look (key words to use)?
Regards, pmcw
Regards, pmcw
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,285
Likes: 24,571
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
Mid-America offers to repair the top with new glass for about the amount you suggested. You could also try to find a used one on the for sale section of the forum.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 877
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
I would start hanging out in the C5 Parts section. I've seen some killer deals there. Just make sure you're on top of the game. We're all vultures there 
I'm sure if you wanted a painted top you could find one. I know people that have both and only want the glass and vice versa.
Goodluck!
I'm sure if you wanted a painted top you could find one. I know people that have both and only want the glass and vice versa.
Goodluck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Originally Posted by pmcw
Thanks, I ran a search for "removable"+"coating" and didn't get any hits that matched. Can you give me a clue where to look (key words to use)?
Regards, pmcw
Regards, pmcw
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 0
From: cincinnati ohio
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Mid-America offers to repair the top with new glass for about the amount you suggested. You could also try to find a used one on the for sale section of the forum.
Ebay is a good source. I think solid and Lexan run about the same on Ebay. I got a mint solid top for $250 (had to repaint it) and a buddy of mine got a very good solid top for $375. So if you have patience and look in the C5 parts for sale here and also Ebay (use :Corvette top when you get to enter something to search for).I also know where I can get a very mint mint mint Lexan (Philadelphia area) for $600. Not sure where you are located.. If interested send me and IM
