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I bought mine with only the transparent top and it's all I use. But, if you want both tops I would think ordering the two top option with the car would be best. Don't know much about the aftermarket ones.
There are no "aftermarket" clear tops that I've seen - only GM tops sold as accessory parts through various outlets. Generally, it is cheaper to get it w/ the car, plus then it is warrantied w/ the car. The accessory part warranty is much shorter. You'll want the warranty since many clear tops are cracking and having to be replaced.
Order it with the car - believe me it is better that way. If you try to get one after, it will probably show up broken. Then you will have to deal with getting it replaced, then the replacement will probably show up broken.
The first one I ordered was broke by Fed Ex - they wanted to deal with GM for replacement. I went back and forth with them, finally was able to have Bowling Green put a top in the back of a non two top option Corvette that was being shipped to a dealer in California and picked it up from them.
I have to hand it to the folks at Bowling Green, they treated me in a manner that I have not experienced from any other car maker. They went out above and beyond to make things happen.
It was a 2 1/2 to 3 month process, believe me order it with the car....
I have both tops....painted & clear. I would go this route. I love having the option to change it up. And the painted top really helped me this summer down here in TX.
I bought both tops with my car so I can switch them off.. I use the painted top in the spring/summer time cause it gets hot as a witches t!t in a brass bra.. I then use the clear top in the fall and winter.. Works great for me as there would be no way someone would match my JSB paint..
There are no "aftermarket" clear tops that I've seen - only GM tops sold as accessory parts through various outlets. Generally, it is cheaper to get it w/ the car, plus then it is warrantied w/ the car. The accessory part warranty is much shorter. You'll want the warranty since many clear tops are cracking and having to be replaced.
I have never seen an "aftermarket" top. With my first vette (C4), I looked hard to buy a used transparent top and I found them to be too expensive. Of course, that was a number of years ago.
Although, I have owned two C5s both with dual tops and I never had a problem with my transparent tops, I am concerned about the cracking tops on the C6s.
My only regret when I ordered my 06 was I did not get the transparent roof. In Monterey Red, it looks better all red,but, I did try to add the order however I was a day late. Order it, because it'll be cheaper. Plus, if you don't like it, sell it & make 200 bucks.
The transparent/smoked tops show up in the 'for sale' section on a fairly regular basis for around $1000 compared to about a $1400 dealer price. The downside is finding one that's local to minimize the risk of damage in shipment.
I bought one with minor damage to a corner that I epoxied back together - - in my view, it's barely noticeable, doesn't affect it structurally and more than justifies the reduced price I paid.
I guess it's one of those deals where the "EZ button" just costs alittle more if you want to order through the dealer.
My 08 came with solid top. I purchased clear top from a GM dealer for $1200 and picked it up there. It took them one day to get it in from their GM parts distributor. Gene Scully advertises these at $1200 plus $65 shipping. The only downside is that the warranty is only one year not the 3 years you get when it comes with the car. Don't forget to buy the viny storage cover for the top as well.
I think the dual top option was $1600 in '06. I purchased the LMB with the solid top and ordered a clear top from Gene. Makes more $ense to get it later IMO. cheaper @$1200 since the solid top is no charge with the car to begin with. I don't use my clear top in Florida much and I really only bought it when I was going through the top delam issue anyway.
If you want both tops its probably easier to get them with the car. That being said you can always buy a transparent top after the fact for around $1,200 as others have said. It is harder to get a colored top after you buy the car and it costs more than the transparent top.
I know from experience. My car came with the transparent top. I decided I wanted a colored top, but when I priced it I was looking at $1,500 or more for one. I lucked up and found a used one for $600 in my color.