Convertable vs manual top?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 399
Likes: 31
From: Clinton TN
I owned two corvette coupes before getting three verts. To each his own, but I much prefer the verts and open air. You don't get that full open feel with a targa roof. With that said, mine aren't daily drivers that sit out in the weather. I suggest you drive both and see which you like best. But be sure and do it with the top down, sunglasses on, and pedal to the floor. Now that's just too fun! 
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 314
From: Tarpon Springs FL
FL Events Coordinator
All this babble about lines, and top needing replacing, tracking the car, balh, balh, balh. 
If the top don't drop I wouldn't have it. There's nothing like driving on that one beautiful day with the top down. It's the best blood pressure medicine known to man.
Seriously, if you've never owned a convertible it's time. Prices on verts are usually 2 -3K higher in the used market. If you're finding them cheaper, that's the time to buy. The only trouble I've had with mine was the battery went dead sometime along the way before I bought the car. The windows weren't indexing throwing the top into fits. I re-indexed the windows, and everything has been fine since.
This '07 is the third vert I've owned. Two manual top, and this one a power top. The power top is more convenient, but the manual top (on the C6) wasn't a problem as it is very easy to raise or lower.
If the top don't drop I wouldn't have it. There's nothing like driving on that one beautiful day with the top down. It's the best blood pressure medicine known to man.Seriously, if you've never owned a convertible it's time. Prices on verts are usually 2 -3K higher in the used market. If you're finding them cheaper, that's the time to buy. The only trouble I've had with mine was the battery went dead sometime along the way before I bought the car. The windows weren't indexing throwing the top into fits. I re-indexed the windows, and everything has been fine since.
This '07 is the third vert I've owned. Two manual top, and this one a power top. The power top is more convenient, but the manual top (on the C6) wasn't a problem as it is very easy to raise or lower.
I couldn't have said it better myself. A Corvette was DESIGNED to be a convertible....I bought my new in 08 and have had HUNDREDS of cycles of the top up & down with NO problems. I know how to put it up & down while MOVING. I have a Cashmere Top and using the "Magic Eraser" every now and then keeps those black streaks off. 
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 526
Sorry...but I may be hallucinating.....did someone say that a convertible with the top up and the windows rolled up is quieter than a coupe ?? Well darn it !!! I must be the only one in the world that got a vert that is actually noisier than a coupe. I better see if theres a re-call on that cause that seems to go against all the laws of physics....LOL. Heck...the squeaking of the top against the tanneau (sp) is enough to justify the vert being louder....no matter how many posts say differently.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 325
Likes: 4
From: Cincinnati
09 vert Z51. I always wanted a Vette vert. I am one of those who think a Vette looks best in vert form. I have an 04 ZO6 also. I like that roof line best other than the large rear window. I had 91 and 96 coupes. I have power top. I like the convenience. Like many owners the back of top hits the tonneau cover when operating top. I just reach up and pull top forward. That's the only issue I have with top. I only drive vert in summer with top down. It is rarely driven with top up. It's stored winters.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 314
From: Tarpon Springs FL
FL Events Coordinator
Sorry...but I may be hallucinating.....did someone say that a convertible with the top up and the windows rolled up is quieter than a coupe ?? Well darn it !!! I must be the only one in the world that got a vert that is actually noisier than a coupe. I better see if theres a re-call on that cause that seems to go against all the laws of physics....LOL. Heck...the squeaking of the top against the tanneau (sp) is enough to justify the vert being louder....no matter how many posts say differently.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: billswebspace.com- GA
I agree, going from my 2012 Grand Sport Coupe to my 2013 427, the convertible is a LOT quieter inside.
And I actually prefer the body lines of the convertible (top up or down). But to each their own
And I actually prefer the body lines of the convertible (top up or down). But to each their own
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 53
From: Tucson Arizona
I have owned both corvette coupes and convertibles.....the Vert is DEFINITLELY quieter. The Vert has a TRUNK and a wall between you and the rear tires....MUCH Quieter....the Coupe is a HATCHBACK and the tire noise/road noise, if you will, ECHO's inside. Obvisiously, you have never driven a Vert.
It is not even close and like you say most of the road and tire noise is contained in the closed off trunk area and not magnified and directed forward like happens with the rear of the coupe.
I have had coupe owners ride with me and that is usually the first thing they mention is how much less road noise they hear in the convert.
As far as squeak noise I do not have any in my convert and the squeak and rattles coming from the roof of the coupe is a vey common complaint on the forum.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 345
Likes: 2
From: Farmersville Texas
Sorry...but I may be hallucinating.....did someone say that a convertible with the top up and the windows rolled up is quieter than a coupe ?? Well darn it !!! I must be the only one in the world that got a vert that is actually noisier than a coupe. I better see if theres a re-call on that cause that seems to go against all the laws of physics....LOL. Heck...the squeaking of the top against the tanneau (sp) is enough to justify the vert being louder....no matter how many posts say differently.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
Sorry...but I may be hallucinating.....did someone say that a convertible with the top up and the windows rolled up is quieter than a coupe ?? Well darn it !!! I must be the only one in the world that got a vert that is actually noisier than a coupe. I better see if theres a re-call on that cause that seems to go against all the laws of physics....LOL. Heck...the squeaking of the top against the tanneau (sp) is enough to justify the vert being louder....no matter how many posts say differently.
Only kidding brother. You may want to try some silicon spray on the rubber seal. That may quiet the squeaking. My Vert is very quiet with the top up. Now, you want to talk noisy, that would have been my '72 Vert.
Last edited by Rebel Yell; Jan 6, 2015 at 04:18 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 526
I have owned both corvette coupes and convertibles.....the Vert is DEFINITLELY quieter. The Vert has a TRUNK and a wall between you and the rear tires....MUCH Quieter....the Coupe is a HATCHBACK and the tire noise/road noise, if you will, ECHO's inside. Obvisiously, you have never driven a Vert.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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I've had my 2006 since new. I specifically ordered it with the manual top even though it is a 3LT car. You could do that in 2005 (1SB)/06 (3LT). From 2007 on the power top was added to the 3LT package. My prior Vette convertibles were a 98 and an 89 and both had manual tops so I was used to having a manual top.
The only issue I have had with the top was the headliner got pinched in the framework and put a 1 inch tear in it. This happened within the first year. It was replaced under warranty and no issues since. If it's 60* or above and not raining the top is down. With the top up AND windows up, the convertible is quieter in the cabin than the coupe thanks to the bulkhead behind the seats.
My 2013 had the power top as it was a 427 with 1SB package. It was convenient only in the sense that you could lower the top from inside the car.
I would not let manual over power top deter you from buying the right car.
The only issue I have had with the top was the headliner got pinched in the framework and put a 1 inch tear in it. This happened within the first year. It was replaced under warranty and no issues since. If it's 60* or above and not raining the top is down. With the top up AND windows up, the convertible is quieter in the cabin than the coupe thanks to the bulkhead behind the seats.
My 2013 had the power top as it was a 427 with 1SB package. It was convenient only in the sense that you could lower the top from inside the car.
I would not let manual over power top deter you from buying the right car.
