Dual tops
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 200
From: Wilkes-Barre Pa
The painted top hasn't been on since the drive home from the dealer over 3 years ago. The only reason it was on then was because I could only stow 1 top in the back.
I drive with the top removed as much as possible so any heat from a clear top over summer doesn't matter.
I drive with the top removed as much as possible so any heat from a clear top over summer doesn't matter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: San Diego CA
DITTO.
I've found that in San Diego, at least along the coast, the clear top is fine year 'round. I use a Canvasworks heat shield under the windshield when I park in the sun and the car stays reasonably cool. Or at least it does not get unreasonably hot.
One minor trick is to open the hatch first, and all the hot air climbs up, up and away. When the heat shield has been on, the steering wheel, dash, and sometimes even the seats are still cool.
But if you live in a hot climate, you need to cover up.
I've found that in San Diego, at least along the coast, the clear top is fine year 'round. I use a Canvasworks heat shield under the windshield when I park in the sun and the car stays reasonably cool. Or at least it does not get unreasonably hot.
One minor trick is to open the hatch first, and all the hot air climbs up, up and away. When the heat shield has been on, the steering wheel, dash, and sometimes even the seats are still cool.
But if you live in a hot climate, you need to cover up.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,644
Likes: 13
From: South of Boston MA
Mine came with the dual top option and the tinted panel was in place when I took delivery. After a year of driving with the that panel in place and hearing the occassional click, pop, crackles sounds, I removed it and installed the painted panel. I treated all the rubber surfaces with special lubricant and it was a perfect seal, no more noise. 
The painted panel is on for the Winter. 
The painted panel is on for the Winter.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 762
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida Sunshine State
I guess it depends on the climate. My 3 previous coupes all had the dual option, and I found it more of a pain to find a place to store the one not in use than it was worth. Always preferred the painted, probably because it's hot in FL most all the time. I ordered my GS with just painted only, and figured if I really wanted the clear it would be easier to find than a CRM top. Now I just need the car to try it out....
2 more months.
2 more months.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 30,717
Likes: 11
From: Ocala FL
What I find in the summer is that there is a distinct temperature gradient right around my eyebrows. With the A/C on it is nice and cool from the eyebrows down, but pretty warm on the head from the eyebrows up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
The dual roof option is one of my favorite features with the coupes. Three C5 coupes with dual roofs, and three C6 coupes with the dual roofs. I like the open feeling with the transparent top, and use it 2/3 to 3/4 of the time. However, during the hottest summer weather I prefer the solid top. Also, I'll put the solid top on for a few days year round, just because I like the change up in appearance. Spring and fall days and summer nights the top often is riding in the back.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 416
From: hardyston new jersey
St. Jude Donor '09-'25
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,642
Likes: 9
From: Dalllas/Ft Worth Area TX
Schedule my dual tops.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 514
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh NC
Same here - I run the painted top in July, August and September and the clear top the rest of the time. Once the temp gets into the 90's around here, the Clear top gets replaced.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: San Diego CA
I recall a thread several months ago wherein a museum archivist tested the C6 clear top (polycarbonate) with a UV sensor. Not much UV detected, and he proclaimed it "archival quality" as I recall.
I doubt if you will get a sunburn while under it. I never have.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 26
From: Austin Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 943
From: Bonney Lake Washington
I being in the Pac NW and really hot weather rarely a problem I sold the solid top and use the clear one exclusively.....wouldn't be a wise choice in many other parts of the country.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Yuma Arizona
I bouht my head liner fron DSV in May of 2007 and I have never taken it off except to clean! Works great! especialy in the summer here in SW Arizona
