Doing It Alone
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Doing It Alone
Just curious if any females have removed or changed the tops on their cars by themselves. My glass top is on the floor where it was placed on a blanket by two people when I brought the car home 16 mos. ago. Now I need to do some driving and want the painted top off. I would like to think I could do this by myself, but want to know if there is some secret way to pick the top up and move it. I presume one hand should be under the center to balance it. If need be I will ask for help from a man. What is your advice? 
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 701
Likes: 4
From: Spring TX
It's easy to swap out the tops. Just make sure you have plenty of room for the first try, ie., swap them out in an open area like a driveway. The top is really a one-person operation once you get used to it. Maybe have a friend help you swap them out a couple of times to get the hang of it.
PS. I'm not a female, but gender is not an issue here; swapping out the tops is a piece of cake after a few iterations.
PS. I'm not a female, but gender is not an issue here; swapping out the tops is a piece of cake after a few iterations.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Niederhoechstadt
I guess I am a pansy. I am 6'6" and weight 245 lbs. I can flat bench 140 lbs. dumbells in each hand and I had a hell of a hard time with the top on my first try or two or even three! It must be in the technique, but I am not embarassed to say I had some trouble!
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 701
Likes: 4
From: Spring TX
Strength is not an issue here; it's all in the technique. I grasp the top as far towards the middle as I can reach it and lift it straight up and back in an arcing motion. I then install it in the (already open) hatch area from the drivers side by lowering it towards the front hooks over the side from the fender area. Make sure you have the cargo net tucked under the rear rook "clips" or else it can prevent the roof from seating (of course this only matters if you are stowing your roof in the car).
The DVD that came with the car should have a demonstration of this whole procedure.
The DVD that came with the car should have a demonstration of this whole procedure.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 670
Likes: 2
If you have the DVD that comes with the Corvette watch the segment on how to remove and install the top. It's more about technique than strength.
If you feel better about asking someone to help then ask. But watch the DVD first... and tell your helper if they scratch your Corvette you will kill them.
If you feel better about asking someone to help then ask. But watch the DVD first... and tell your helper if they scratch your Corvette you will kill them.
Last edited by 66dreams; Sep 1, 2006 at 10:00 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
Try sitting in the car, windows down and such, and lifting it off. Same way to put it back on. It's how I've done it for the last 4 years on Vettes, as I have never been able to do that stand outside and lift it off business they show on the DVD that came with the C6.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Florissant MO
I've done it, but am still leery about doing it by myself. If I have someone around, then I ask for help. I would rather be a weakling and ask for help, then to drop the top and have to buy a new one. It can be done and it is in the technique, not the strength.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Santa Monica CA
It is all about technique is right...
The two biggest things to remember:
1: Don't worry about finger prints, get a good sure grip as far across as you can.
2: NEVER try it in the open windy air unless you are a pro.
The C6 is a lighter roof than the C5 and is longer from to back so it is easier.
I stand at the drivers side, pivot the front up, reach as far across as I can with my left hand in the front.
If you need to place your right hand below. Then come up and out to the front, pivot your body left and clear of the car, then readjust.
If you get a good grip and pivot up and to the left you should be fine. Practice it a few times. I would use the lighter roof to get the hang of it.
The two biggest things to remember:
1: Don't worry about finger prints, get a good sure grip as far across as you can.
2: NEVER try it in the open windy air unless you are a pro.
The C6 is a lighter roof than the C5 and is longer from to back so it is easier.
I stand at the drivers side, pivot the front up, reach as far across as I can with my left hand in the front.
If you need to place your right hand below. Then come up and out to the front, pivot your body left and clear of the car, then readjust.
If you get a good grip and pivot up and to the left you should be fine. Practice it a few times. I would use the lighter roof to get the hang of it.
Last edited by steveo242; Sep 1, 2006 at 10:52 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
A clean pair of leather work gloves, kept in the trunk only for removing the top, will:
1. Eliminate fingerprints
2. Give you a good grip
3. Prevent scorched hands on a hot day
Avoid cloth gloves unless they have "gripper" rubber inserts, too slippery.
Life with the top off is great!
1. Eliminate fingerprints
2. Give you a good grip
3. Prevent scorched hands on a hot day
Avoid cloth gloves unless they have "gripper" rubber inserts, too slippery.
Life with the top off is great!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Thank you all for the advice. The painted roof is off and the glass top is on for the very "first" time and it is like I have a new car. I did have someone stand on the other side because everything was like new and the latch in the back for some reason was hitting and had to be pulled back down from the inside so the top would seat properly. It was probably operator error, but as you all said it is technique and actually very easy. The forum people are the best! 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,113
Likes: 2,194
From: Big Bend Country, TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
NCM Lifetime Member
Originally Posted by jesse12804
Well,I'm not a girl,but I play one on TV...
!
!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,113
Likes: 2,194
From: Big Bend Country, TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
NCM Lifetime Member
Originally Posted by Chriskep1
MY wife has never taken her top off in my vette but she did it in a Buick I used to have. Hope this helps.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
Originally Posted by Gearhead Jim
A clean pair of leather work gloves, kept in the trunk only for removing the top, will:
1. Eliminate fingerprints
2. Give you a good grip
3. Prevent scorched hands on a hot day
Avoid cloth gloves unless they have "gripper" rubber inserts, too slippery.
Life with the top off is great!
1. Eliminate fingerprints
2. Give you a good grip
3. Prevent scorched hands on a hot day
Avoid cloth gloves unless they have "gripper" rubber inserts, too slippery.
Life with the top off is great!