Question for 'vert owners
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
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Question for 'vert owners
As the new owner of a C5 vert, I wanted to know if it's a bad idea to leave the top down when you have to go someplace (like to the mall or a movie) where you would be away from the car for an hour or two. I've seen open verts in parking lots and they seem like easy targets for jealous kids.
Last edited by 2000; Oct 14, 2004 at 10:49 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,608
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From: the GOCC are everywhere, even back from "band camp"
Okay, maybe living in So Cal (and having had a car and an H-D stolen) I'm paranoid. No, I don't leave the top down anywhere I can't see the car, and then with the alarm set. I wouldn't recommend it, unless you want to be picking out a replacement vehicle.
Bruce
Bruce
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
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From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
Not me!! If I can't see the car, then the top goes up!! Kids/Adults would love to throw things in it, and that could be anything! J
Racer
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ USA
I had a 70 cuda droptop so a very similar car in this respect. I had some a-hole throw a cig but in my car, only takes a flick of the fingers even if your car is in site. A nice cig burn on your nice vette leather seats and you will never leave it down again. I would NEVER leave it that way. Better safe then sorry.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Prosper TX
So far, after 10 months in way north suburban Dallas, the only thing I've gotten in the car was a mouse. The top is down unless its raining. I don't ever have an occasion to leave the car in a secluded location, though. And I valet it when I'm out (and its always parked RIGHT by the door by the valet guys...)
That said, if you are worried, put the top up. Takes all of about 10 seconds. I guess I just don't worry. Its just a car. I think they made more than just mine. If it breaks, it gets fixed or replaced.
BTW, my teenage daughter doesn't date and can't go hang at the mall. Difference is, I can't replace her...
That said, if you are worried, put the top up. Takes all of about 10 seconds. I guess I just don't worry. Its just a car. I think they made more than just mine. If it breaks, it gets fixed or replaced.
BTW, my teenage daughter doesn't date and can't go hang at the mall. Difference is, I can't replace her...
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: His name is Tandy Dillen. Altruism is the last Frontier.
Cruise-In V Veteran
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St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
If I'm gonna be out of sight, I'm putting the top up. I'll force them to use a knife and be overt in their efforts, if that's their agenda 
:
I have friends who walked out of McD's and found a chocolate shake in the drivers seat in a Vert -- with no cup... duhh...
IF YOU PARK A VERT IN ANY PARKING LOT, YOU'RE GOING TO DRAW SOME JEALOUSY. ESPECIALLY IN A VETTE.
$0.02
Michael
:I have friends who walked out of McD's and found a chocolate shake in the drivers seat in a Vert -- with no cup... duhh...
IF YOU PARK A VERT IN ANY PARKING LOT, YOU'RE GOING TO DRAW SOME JEALOUSY. ESPECIALLY IN A VETTE.
$0.02
Michael
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 675
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From: Talty TX
Originally Posted by J's 1998 Pace Car
Not me!! If I can't see the car, then the top goes up!! Kids/Adults would love to throw things in it, and that could be anything! J
You never know whats coming. I parked at a Block Buster once and a flock of birds flew over - Yup, pooped all over my car. Lucky I had the top up. For quickies I just pop it up, don't even latch it... 
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 239
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From: Barnegat NJ
Originally Posted by 2000
As the new owner of a C5 vert, I wanted to know if it's a bad idea to leave the top down when you have to go someplace (like to the mall or a movie) where you would be away from the car for an hour or two. I've seen open verts in parking lots and they seem like easy targets for jealous kids.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,269
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From: Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'09-'10
If you can't see it, don't chance it. Had a pair of sunglasses lifted years ago. Problem was they were prescription. At least, the thief couldn't use them. 
And, if I can't see it, the top goes up!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: LI NY
Have left top down, windows up numerous times .. never had any issues ... be it at the mall, or anywhere else for that matter ...
I have found overtime that the real enjoyment is driving the vett daily, regardless of weather, parking and going anywhere I need to go. After 6+ years it;s proven to be the right approach for me ...
I have found overtime that the real enjoyment is driving the vett daily, regardless of weather, parking and going anywhere I need to go. After 6+ years it;s proven to be the right approach for me ...
Corvette ***** OG
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,776
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From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
I'd have to agree... though I've only had my C5 for a month or so, I'd put the top up in my C4 when I'd be away for more than a couple of minutes. I'm not sure if it makes a difference if it's a vette or not, some people just do crap just to be ignorant.
In either case, everything gets locked up. (kind of a pain to keep taking my checkbook, radar detector and gun out of sight.)
Mark
In either case, everything gets locked up. (kind of a pain to keep taking my checkbook, radar detector and gun out of sight.)
Mark
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,161
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From: Fernandina Beach Florida
Whether the top is up or down, statistics show that movie complexes are the number one place that cars are stolen in suburbia. Face it.... They know what time you got there and they know how long you're going to be there. Besides.... our local weather-people lie. 
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,854
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From: Pearland, TX
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '20
Normally put the top up when I'll be where either I can't see it or there won't be alot of others around. I sometimes just pop the top up and not latch it just as a slight time saver.
I hate to admit that I still don't have a window valet - once I do get one it will be less of a PITA.
I hate to admit that I still don't have a window valet - once I do get one it will be less of a PITA.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Lakeville MN
[QUOTE=Allzwell]Normally put the top up when I'll be where either I can't see it or there won't be alot of others around. I sometimes just pop the top up and not latch it just as a slight time saver.
QUOTE]
I'll usually latch the drivers side only if I am parked and I know the top is going to go back down when I get back in. That way my lazy butt doesn't have to go around to the passenger side to put the top back down.
QUOTE]
I'll usually latch the drivers side only if I am parked and I know the top is going to go back down when I get back in. That way my lazy butt doesn't have to go around to the passenger side to put the top back down.