Can someone please tell me if the framework and seals on a hardtop targa top on a C5 is the same as the framework on a acrylic C5 top?

Or, would one of you seasoned DIY guys be able to direct me to a post or thread that diagrams how the framework and or seals attach to the top itself.

I am now the proud owner of three tops, only one of which is perfect, (cam with the car) while the rest of my ride is nearly perfect.

I bought one acrylic targa top from one of the members here, who guaranteed me that he could paint it to match my car and ship it to me, which I must say he did a reasonable job of painting the acrylic, but unfortunately didn't ship it worth a damn, (came in with broken corner), the guy convinced me he was re-doing another one, so I waited just long enough to screw myself out of a Pay-pal dispute, ( I think he knew what he was doing there), and now he has suddenly fallen off the face of the planet!! My fault for being so trusting.

Another I bought off of a well know auction site, to hopefully use the framework off of for a painted top.

I am obsessed at this point with having the roof of my Vette match the rest of the car!

I found a place that sells what they call "Skins" made of SMC (sheet molding compound), has anyone heard of this??

Please, I really don't want to be the proud owner of the largest private collection of "Not Usable" targa tops in the world!! LOL

I know ID10T!

 

Interested in how you make out. Have half considered the idea of a skin also or trying to rebuild the top. A previous owner went th evinyl and then paint route on my top and its a 10 foot job (ie looks ok from 10 feet away).

 

I bought a top that had all of the hardware, but none of the weatherstripping and stuff on it. The frames are the same for both the solid and the glass tops. Side weatherstrip is very expensive from GM ($180 per side IIRC), I purchased a pair from Corvette Central for around $100, they are "aftermarket" but there is no visable or quality difference. The blow out clips are discontinued, so be careful with those. That said, all of the stuf from one top should easily transfer to another top. Get a tube of black RTV for attaching the retainers and weatherstrip. Let me if htere is anything else you need.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

sounds like a real nightmare...I have this part for sale if you need it...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...ing-piece.html

 

I am looking at the same thing. Let me know how you came out on this.

 

anyone ever find out whats the deal with the SMC skin. In addition does anyone know how to remove the skin from the frame?