Was the actual outer canvas material changed on 2001? On my 2000 when it got water on it, it did not bead up. On my 2001 it beads up. Was there a outer material change? If so what is the material?

I know that in 01 they added more layers, but I was curious about the outer canvas part.

thanks

 

I haven't heard anything about new/different material being used. You're right about the number of layers, though. They went from 3 to 5 layers. Perhaps there's just a heavier application of protectant put on at the factory that's causing heavier beading.

JC

 

From the Chevy site:

New Convertible Top

For 2001, the Corvette convertible is even quieter. A fine road car to begin with, the Corvette Team still was not quite satisfied with the high-speed-driving sound levels of convertible models. Efforts were focused on making the convertible quieter for top-up driving.

The top for 2001 Corvette convertibles has been revised for overall noise reduction. Weather-stripping and sealing around the door glass were improved, particularly at the back edge of the door glass and rear portion of the top. A new headliner trim edge provides a tighter fit to the tonneau cover at the sides, and headliner material has been added in the sail areas where the linkage was previously exposed.

A new five-layer composite material (twill-fast MC) has also been utilized on the canvas top, replacing three layers in the previous top. The heavier material dampens the movement of the top, while also reducing low-frequency noise and boom. It also provides a smoother appearance at the bow areas when the top is up for better appearance — an important consideration to the Corvette owner.

As a result of these efforts, the convertible becomes more coupe-like at high speed, offering owners the kind of interior environment they expect of a world-class sports car during top-up driving.