Transparent Top Question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,516
Likes: 2
From: Virginia Bch VA
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Transparent Top Question
Originally I wanted 2 Tops. GM restrictions prevailed. I have the Transparent Top and am concerned about heat in the summer.
Short of $1,400 for a painted top, does anyone have experience with a top liner or shade to be installed in the summer to keep the heat down? Installed shade cover on the inside or some material held in place by Velcro etc. The EPA outlawed my asbestos liner.
Thanks in advance.
Short of $1,400 for a painted top, does anyone have experience with a top liner or shade to be installed in the summer to keep the heat down? Installed shade cover on the inside or some material held in place by Velcro etc. The EPA outlawed my asbestos liner.
Thanks in advance.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 316
Likes: 140
From: Metro Atlanta GA
Before you spend the money, I would wait until the summer and see how it goes.
I live in the Atlanta area, and I never swap out tops, even though I have a matching solid one. I just enjoy the open feeling of the transparent one too much. If the A/C can keep up here, it shouldn't have any problems in Virginia.
As far as sitting in the sun goes, I don't think it gets any hotter with the transparent top on - you already have the humongous greenhouse of the rear window, and the transparent glass is really dark. So maybe with a solid top it gets to 127 in the sun, and with a transparent top, 130.
I live in the Atlanta area, and I never swap out tops, even though I have a matching solid one. I just enjoy the open feeling of the transparent one too much. If the A/C can keep up here, it shouldn't have any problems in Virginia.
As far as sitting in the sun goes, I don't think it gets any hotter with the transparent top on - you already have the humongous greenhouse of the rear window, and the transparent glass is really dark. So maybe with a solid top it gets to 127 in the sun, and with a transparent top, 130.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
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From: Hurst, TX USA
I have both tops and kept the solid one on until Oct this year. Right after I put the glass one on the temp hit an all time high of 98 degrees and sunny! I was surprised that it really wasn't all that hot inside the car. I'm beginning to think that the solid top may not make it out from under the bed this coming summer... And I live in North TX!!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,516
Likes: 2
From: Virginia Bch VA
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Thanks Guys
Guess I was getting a little too paranoid 
. Wife pointed out that I’d probably get more heat thru the windshield and rear deck than from the top. I really like the looks of the black top against my MagRed. If I were to get a painted top it would be black. My first Vette and I’m still learning. Thanks folks. 
. Wife pointed out that I’d probably get more heat thru the windshield and rear deck than from the top. I really like the looks of the black top against my MagRed. If I were to get a painted top it would be black. My first Vette and I’m still learning. Thanks folks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
Originally Posted by JFTaylor
Guess I was getting a little too paranoid . Wife pointed out that I’d probably get more heat thru the windshield and rear deck than from the top. I really like the looks of the black top against my MagRed. If I were to get a painted top it would be black. My first Vette and I’m still learning. Thanks folks.
. Wife pointed out that I’d probably get more heat thru the windshield and rear deck than from the top. I really like the looks of the black top against my MagRed. If I were to get a painted top it would be black. My first Vette and I’m still learning. Thanks folks. 
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,703
Likes: 1
From: Don't taze me 'Bro! VA
When I bought my car it came with a top liner. At first I didnt know what the hell it was but once I got a clue, it stays on the top from May to Sept.
Works great! I dont know the brand or anything but it is white plastic on one side (up side) and black cloth on the inside. It has a thin flange that fits in the gap between the glass and the top frame. Never fell out once this past summer.
I tried a few hot days with it not in place and it gets pretty toasty and the A/C has to work its *** off to keep you cool.
Works great! I dont know the brand or anything but it is white plastic on one side (up side) and black cloth on the inside. It has a thin flange that fits in the gap between the glass and the top frame. Never fell out once this past summer.
I tried a few hot days with it not in place and it gets pretty toasty and the A/C has to work its *** off to keep you cool.
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There is usually a number of tops for sale in the parts section. Some of them are priced very reasonably and all you may need to do is adjust them to fit your car and if not the same color, have them painted. I haven't heard a lot of good things said about the liners you can install.
