Guys, not long ago I purchased a 4000-mile 2003 Coupe, black/black with a solid paint roof. The other day I rode in another C5 Coupe with the transparent roof panel and was considering ordering one for my car. However, with the price over $1000 new, I would like to hear from any of you who have or have had those roofs and what your experiences have been. There's been some talk that the panels check, craze or have other issues but don't know if those problems are likely to appear on an always-garaged and seldom-driven car. Anyway, I would appreciate any info you might have. Thanks, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina

 

Go here:

http://www.astrotops.com

or

1-800-239-2659

 

There are two prblems that I am aware of:

1) Due to some process at the Plant, older tops develop a "stripe" where the silicone treatment comes off on the passenger side. This results in about a 2 inch wide stripe from the front to the back. It can be minimized by rubbing dielectric grease on the area.

2) Due to exposure to the sun, the top will develop small crazing.

Both these problems may be cured by sanding and re-clear painting the top. Not an easy task. Search for procedures on doing this.

My 1998, garaged but daily driven, C5 developed this "stripe" in about 2007. I bought a newer used top, off this Forum, for $550.

I also use a suction cup applied inner sunshade/liner during the summer (much cooler). Got it from Down South Vettes.

I love my clear top, car feels much more open with it on during 9 months of the year. It is also lighter and easier to take on and off. The negative is that it can get VERY HOT sitting in the sun in the summer and almost burns your hands when taking it off.

 

36,000 on my 2004 and nary a problem with the tinted top which is on the car all the time!

 

My 2001 came with the Transparent Top. It is garaged, but my DD. My original top never had ANY of the documented problems, but unfortunately a dump truck passed me on the highway last year and the gravel it threw trashed my top, so insurance bought me a new one.

Apparently, they have had some Quality Control issues the past year or so on the new GM Transparent roofs (similar to the same problem that they recalled the first C6 roofs for) - to what degree, I am not sure. The first new GM replacement that I got last year looked fine at first, but after a few months the back left area of the Lexan popped loose from the structural frame... so they had to order me a replacement. The second one had shipping damage... so reordered again. Third one I checked over myself before installing and I noticed that it had at least a one-foot gap on the front where the Lexan was not even bonded to the structure (that would have lasted about 5 minutes here in West Texas before the wind would have torn it loose). I just received my 4th replacement about 3 weeks ago - so far so good!

I have not heard good things (and several bad reports) on the Astro Tops mentioned. I think GM is still the best bet.

I would also "personally recommend" using a good sealant vs a wax on the transparent roof. I use Zaino Z2/Z6/Z8 and like I say - even my old top still looked like new except for the rock chips from the accident. I also re-coat the top every few days just to be on the safe side as Lexan is more susceptible to UV sun damage than most auto materials; however, the thin layer of GM coating over the Lexan is what you are really treating.

 

My top had the dredded stripe. I stripped it with wetsanding and polished it out using compounds and it ended up looking just like new. When I was and wax I just wash it and wax it. Looks great. Takes time, but is well worth it. Was going to clearcoat, but could not remember the clear base to use on the glass.

 

I think most of the problems are from tops that see a lot of sun.

Mine was looking like crap so I just sanded it and clear coated it. It looks way, way better now but still could use another wetsanding and then either polishing or another coat of clear. The lexan is a static dirt magnet making it almost impossible to clear it without getting some dirt in it.

Peter

 

Mine is a 2000 and it makes allot of rattle nise from the drivers side latch. i'm sure i just have to look at it and it can be tighten somehow but thought I should mention it.

 

In SC, I think you would have limited use. In the warmer summer months, mine heats the interior of the car much warmer than it is outside, I don't like it from above a sunny 75 degees or so and change off to the regular top until Fall. I know I will get responses from southern friends who would use it year round, but personally, it comes off in May until October in Michigan and the solid top goes on.

 

That's the best price I've seen yet. $550 for an exchange is awesome.