Convertable top questions
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,633
Likes: 324
From: Greenville SC
Convertable top questions
Any problems with your vert top? What is the rear window made of, glass or plastic? How is the top holding up, any leaks or tears? Does the newer 2 layer top make a big difference, compared to the earlier 1 layer? Does it seal to the car well?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, Texas
Re: Convertable top questions (95wht6spd)
I've got a 2001 vert and not any really bad problems. The edge of the material of the top has rubbed into the paint on the deck lid. I've adjusted the top some and now trying to make a decision as to take to dealer to have the lid repainted or not. It's noticable but not sure I want the dealer to touch it or not !! I believe the 2001 tops have an extra 2 layers over other the previous years also.
The window is glass.
The window is glass.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Re: Convertable top questions (95wht6spd)
I've got a 2001 vert as well. No problems yet, and the window is glass with a defroster (standard).
It seals the car extremely well, and there is virtually no wind or road noise. One of the quietest verts I've ever been in (possibly the quietest). :cheers:
It seals the car extremely well, and there is virtually no wind or road noise. One of the quietest verts I've ever been in (possibly the quietest). :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 985
Likes: 0
From: Palm Desert, CA , USA
Re: Convertable top questions (95wht6spd)
I have the 2000 and adjusted it so it wouldn't rub the paint....no problems since. Stock rear glass with electric defogger. Very quiet. :yesnod:
Night Race Blue 427
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,794
Likes: 6
From: Muncie, Indiana ...... Can I buy an amplifier on time ... I ani't got no money now but I'll pay you before I die
Re: Convertable top questions (95wht6spd)
The 98 - 00 tops have two layers. With the 01 they went to a five layer top. I can't tell much difference in my 01 to the 98 I had.
Night Race Blue 427
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,794
Likes: 6
From: Muncie, Indiana ...... Can I buy an amplifier on time ... I ani't got no money now but I'll pay you before I die
Re: Convertable top questions (95wht6spd)
The 98 - 00 tops have two layers. With the 01 they went to a five layer top. To I can't tell an difference in my 01 to the 98 I had.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 0
From: Taylor TX
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Convertable top questions (95wht6spd)
My C5 is an early 98 (delivered in Dec'97 actually) with the black cloth top.
I've never had any leaks from rain or driving in the rain. I do get some slight leakage at the top window seals if I squirt them directly with the hose when washing. Auto carwashes are DEFINITELY a no-no. I have 20k miles on it, and the material is still tight (no sags) acorss the bows. I have the top up most of the time, and when in the garage.
I've seen 1yr old white canvas tops that show quite a lot of wear at the joints where they crease when folded. They end up cracking.
I've never had any leaks from rain or driving in the rain. I do get some slight leakage at the top window seals if I squirt them directly with the hose when washing. Auto carwashes are DEFINITELY a no-no. I have 20k miles on it, and the material is still tight (no sags) acorss the bows. I have the top up most of the time, and when in the garage.
I've seen 1yr old white canvas tops that show quite a lot of wear at the joints where they crease when folded. They end up cracking.
Pro
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Lone Oak Texas
Re: Convertable top questions (lotzahp)
In addition to what others have mentioned;
Get the black top if you are worried about wear marks and stains.
Watch out on light colored paint for freckles on the tonneau cover due to high heat under the cloth flap that lays on cover causing something to come up under the paint. Hard to explain but I have it, got repainted and it came back. Others have reported the same problem.
I love the vert, no other problems that I have or have heard of.
Get the black top if you are worried about wear marks and stains.
Watch out on light colored paint for freckles on the tonneau cover due to high heat under the cloth flap that lays on cover causing something to come up under the paint. Hard to explain but I have it, got repainted and it came back. Others have reported the same problem.
I love the vert, no other problems that I have or have heard of.
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
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 733
Likes: 0
From: The inmates are running the asylum... San Jose, CA
Re: Convertable top questions (95wht6spd)
No problems at all with the convertible top for me. I started to get deck lid scratches in the first week I had the car and promptly ordered a strip of clear heavy plastic to protect the lid. Went down with a little difficulty but works great. Later found a similar product from Ecklers that uses static cling instead of adhesive (perhaps easier to install, but does it stay on at speed?).
Can't beat cruising with the top down!
Static cling strip: http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?d...&pf%5Fid=40365
Can't beat cruising with the top down!
Static cling strip: http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?d...&pf%5Fid=40365
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 29,737
Likes: 0
Kid Rock Fan
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Convertable top questions (lotzahp)
I have the top up most of the time, and when in the garage.
I'm just the opposite. Living in sunny coastal South Carolina, The (black) top on my '98 is DOWN most of the time, especially when in the garage. Does this cause extra wear on the top by leaving it down and folded? Should I put the top up whenever possible except when actually driving with it down? Now you've got me worried! :U :D
D.T.D.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,071
Likes: 296
From: Savannah GA
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Convertable top questions (Drop_Top_Dave)
No problem with my top so far "knock on wood". Drop_Top_Dave, I would make a habit to put it up when I can, but hell, who cares! It looks way better down anyway!
:yesnod:
:yesnod:
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Breese Illinois
Re: Convertable top questions (95wht6spd)
Guess I'm the only one with a possible problem. Went in for the "garage rumble" repair and asked the dealer to look at the top because it had a few smooth and shiney places on each side behind the windows. When I picked the car up they told me they had ordered a new one for me, R&R'd the cloth under warranty. One thing I noticed between the new and old cloth was the water repellent capability, new top beads up the water and rolls it off, old top didn't do that (bought car used, 99) I'll make sure that I clean and prepare the top just like I do the paint from now on. No leaks and just a little wind noise.
later, :seeya
later, :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Re: Convertable top questions (95wht6spd)
c4c5 specialist posted about this issue a few weeks ago. He strongly recommends the following: Keep it clean with frequents washings (vacuum 1st before cleaning) and puting a clean cotton towel over the top (bow area) before lowering the top. It sounds like a PITA but it only takes a few seconds to use the towel. I've been doing it since new and no problems so far.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga USA
Re: Convertable top questions (Scruffy)
I have my second vert, have never done the towel over trick, but believe it could be a good idea. Please tell me what exactly you do, cover just the center section, fold in with top, cover entire top, problems folding, any help would be appreciated. Thank you!