[Z06] Z06, Removable top?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 246
Likes: 64
From: N California CA
Z06, Removable top?
Does the Z06 have a removable top? I looked at them and assumed no, but the copy of the MSRP sticker refers to "removable roof panel" "standard".
Thanks in advance
Al
Thanks in advance
Al
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 552
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From: Meadows Place Texas
This is not a factory or dealer option. However, there are at least two companies that specialize in making a Z06 into a convertable.
Carvaggio (about $17k) gives you a convertable Z06 with a rag top and a bolt-on hard top. I have seen one of these conversions up close. It really looked great.
Advanced Automotive (about $11.5k) uses nearly all GM OEM parts in their conversion.
Burke Corvettes of Maitland, Fla specialized in completing he job. All th e brst
There are others... I am partial to the ones offereing a set that includes an automatic, retractable roof. Combine that set of features with those Lambo-style door openings... That is my fantasy car..
dave
Carvaggio (about $17k) gives you a convertable Z06 with a rag top and a bolt-on hard top. I have seen one of these conversions up close. It really looked great.
Advanced Automotive (about $11.5k) uses nearly all GM OEM parts in their conversion.
Burke Corvettes of Maitland, Fla specialized in completing he job. All th e brst
There are others... I am partial to the ones offereing a set that includes an automatic, retractable roof. Combine that set of features with those Lambo-style door openings... That is my fantasy car..
dave
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 246
Likes: 64
From: N California CA
Thanks for the info. I'm torn between a Z06 and a convertable. I read the copy of the window sticker when I got home and it said "removable top" in the "standard equipment" section. I thought I could have it both ways without the big $ to do an after market change.
I'm still deciding between used and new. I'll see what kind of deal I can make before the 0% goes away.
I'm still deciding between used and new. I'll see what kind of deal I can make before the 0% goes away.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 44
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
Al D - what people have mentioned to you about "aftermarket" conversions referenced, I believe, full convertible conversions of the Z06. Unless his price has changed recently, Caravaggio does a "targa" removeable roof panel conversion (akin to the OEM coupe) for $6500. Again the last time I looked, he had pictures of the conversion on his website. He also sells, or at least did sell, what is in essence a kit allowing your local body shop to do this conversion. I think a forum member in the Chicago area did this with good results. Good luck whatever you decide.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
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From: Florida
Caravaggio's price for the Targa conversion is considerably less: $6,500 if they do it in his shop, and $3,500 for just the parts. My understanding is this is time consuming, but not particularly difficult.
For the targa, there is no metal cutting. Just remove the HT, and blot/epoxy the new piece in. Of course, alignment is critical.
For the targa, there is no metal cutting. Just remove the HT, and blot/epoxy the new piece in. Of course, alignment is critical.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Florida
This is a common misconception. In fact, the FRC roof has no structural value whatsoever, because it is 100% fiberglass with no metal reinforcements inside. From a structural perspective, the windshield frame (A pillar) and the roll hoop (B-pillar) are no more connected than they would be with an open targa.
The additional stiffness of the FRC/Z06 comes from it combining the Roadster's rear section bracing AND the Coupe's B-pillar hoop.
The additional stiffness of the FRC/Z06 comes from it combining the Roadster's rear section bracing AND the Coupe's B-pillar hoop.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
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This is a common misconception. In fact, the FRC roof has no structural value whatsoever, because it is 100% fiberglass with no metal reinforcements inside. From a structural perspective, the windshield frame (A pillar) and the roll hoop (B-pillar) are no more connected than they would be with an open targa.
The additional stiffness of the FRC/Z06 comes from it combining the Roadster's rear section bracing AND the Coupe's B-pillar hoop.
The additional stiffness of the FRC/Z06 comes from it combining the Roadster's rear section bracing AND the Coupe's B-pillar hoop.
X
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
That is a long story, which has to do with marketing, but has no relation to engineering.
The abridged version is that GM originally planned to offer a "stripper" Vette to be sold mid 30s, which was short on features but high on value and performance. The stripper deleted the targa mechanism to save costs and about 20lb weight which was "spent" instead on adding the convertible's bracing. Thus, the fixed roof panel was budgeted for production, about 8K units/yr or so (IIRC). That evolved into the FRC which got most of the lux stuff and the higher price back, but kept the 1 pc fixed roof, since the units were already planned and budgeted for production. It didn't sell well, so the Z06 was born.
As for the next Z, we really don't know what is coming. DH has apparently stated it will be FRC, but who knows. I think there are a few surprises coming our way.
All I can tell you, is that on the C5 Z06, the fiberglass roof contributes absolutely nothing to chassis stiffness.
The abridged version is that GM originally planned to offer a "stripper" Vette to be sold mid 30s, which was short on features but high on value and performance. The stripper deleted the targa mechanism to save costs and about 20lb weight which was "spent" instead on adding the convertible's bracing. Thus, the fixed roof panel was budgeted for production, about 8K units/yr or so (IIRC). That evolved into the FRC which got most of the lux stuff and the higher price back, but kept the 1 pc fixed roof, since the units were already planned and budgeted for production. It didn't sell well, so the Z06 was born.
As for the next Z, we really don't know what is coming. DH has apparently stated it will be FRC, but who knows. I think there are a few surprises coming our way.
All I can tell you, is that on the C5 Z06, the fiberglass roof contributes absolutely nothing to chassis stiffness.
Last edited by TTRotary; Sep 27, 2004 at 09:19 PM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: TEWKSBURY MA
Z06
I just trade a 2001 vert for a 2004 ZO6 and would say there is no comparison. There is nothing like the ZO6. I rather loose putting the roof down for all ZO6 has to offer and drive around with the ac on if its that hot. Just my two cents. Good Luck
