Top Removal
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,269
Likes: 8,543
From: Rochester, NY
Top Removal
Well this past weekend I finally took the top off my 08 Coupe for the first time. A really great feeling cruising with it off and I really like the look. I did not have any problems with the top rattling or popping prior to removal and of course was concerned if removing it and replacing it would result in the dreaded popping top. Today my Wife and I put the top back on and took the car for a cruise and happy to report no popping noise. Should it rear its ugly head than of course I do have the clip fix that has been posted. I also wanted to say the ride with the top off although not the same as a convertible it does give you less wind buffeting and noise. Plus the NPP sounds really nice when it barks. Very happy that the whole process was simple as not being the mechanical type I was concerned. Each day I seem to enjoy the Vette more.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Athens Ga
The convertible is drop-dead gorgeous with the top down but the climate limits when you and how often you can drive with the top down.
The last ragtop Jeep I had was horribly noisy (don't know if the vette convertible is).
Last edited by 08C6Z51; Jun 4, 2008 at 02:44 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 174
From: Melbourne FL
St. Jude Donor '09 & '11
Driving with the t-top off is perfect for me. I don't think I want a vert because of the look when the top is up - something I don't care for. I have a hard top when I want it (which is 90% of the time) and the feel of the open top when I feel like that, too. Here in the Athens area the open top timeframe is fairly short (April/May and October). Too hot or too cold the rest of the time.
The convertible is drop-dead gorgeous with the top down but the climate limits when you and how often you can drive with the top down.
The last ragtop Jeep I had was horribly noisy (don't know if the vette convertible is).
The convertible is drop-dead gorgeous with the top down but the climate limits when you and how often you can drive with the top down.
The last ragtop Jeep I had was horribly noisy (don't know if the vette convertible is).
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,006
Likes: 26
From: JawJa
. . . I did not have any problems with the top rattling or popping prior to removal and of course was concerned if removing it and replacing it would result in the dreaded popping top. Today my Wife and I put the top back on and took the car for a cruise and happy to report no popping noise.
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 30,693
Likes: 11
From: Ocala FL
I wouldn't worry too much about inducing the popping by taking the top off and on. My '08 top doesn't seem to pop at all so when I had it off last I checked the rollers. They spin freely, and have a lot of side-to-side slop. It still doesn't pop after many on/off events, but I am guessing it might just be a matter of time. When and if it starts, the new handles should be available so I won't lose any sleep over it.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,006
Likes: 26
From: JawJa
I wouldn't worry too much about inducing the popping by taking the top off and on. My '08 top doesn't seem to pop at all so when I had it off last I checked the rollers. They spin freely, and have a lot of side-to-side slop. It still doesn't pop after many on/off events, but I am guessing it might just be a matter of time. When and if it starts, the new handles should be available so I won't lose any sleep over it.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 874
From: Bay Area CA
I have 4500 miles on my coupe and have taken the top off at least 15 times and no popping. It is a great feeling having the warm sun and fresh air blowing on your face. It felt like a convertable. Last weekend I drove through a semi rough and twisty road with the top on. After my drive, the top started popping. I installed the c clips and so far the popping stopped. Let's hope the c clips work, if not, maybe the redesigned latches will? If the weather is nice, I recommend removing the top off and enjoying the convertable feeling. If the top pops, so it pops, just install the c clips or new designed latches, but enjoy what the vette offers without the paranoid feeling of a popping top. Life is to short.
