C6 Convertible power top lifespan
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
C6 Convertible power top lifespan
My 2006 Z51 Convertible has 140K miles. I've recently refurbished the interior (Carpet, seats, steering wheel, shifter etc). It's my daily driver and I want to get at least another 100 K miles out of it. I care for it meticulously.
When does the power top on the convertible usually break? I'm thinking about putting in a new cloth top. If the power top motor is going to go, it would be best that I fix it before it goes as I don't have a garage to shelter from rain
When does the power top on the convertible usually break? I'm thinking about putting in a new cloth top. If the power top motor is going to go, it would be best that I fix it before it goes as I don't have a garage to shelter from rain
#2
Drifting
Member Since: Sep 2014
Location: Atlanta - - - - - Save the manuals
Posts: 1,924
Received 387 Likes
on
321 Posts
My 2006 Z51 Convertible has 140K miles. I've recently refurbished the interior (Carpet, seats, steering wheel, shifter etc). It's my daily driver and I want to get at least another 100 K miles out of it. I care for it meticulously.
When does the power top on the convertible usually break? I'm thinking about putting in a new cloth top. If the power top motor is going to go, it would be best that I fix it before it goes as I don't have a garage to shelter from rain
When does the power top on the convertible usually break? I'm thinking about putting in a new cloth top. If the power top motor is going to go, it would be best that I fix it before it goes as I don't have a garage to shelter from rain
It's a bit hard to find so have a look before you need use the manual mode.
Last edited by Dutch08; 11-11-2017 at 02:09 PM.
#3
Le Mans Master
I don't recall many posts about complete top failures.
As above become familiar with emergency pressure release to raise or lower.
I also don't recall any true preventative maintenance posts such as changing the hydraulic top fluid (such as with Ferrari 355 maintenance).
Not any posts any lubing the top frames hinges either.
But many posts on top cleaning, tonnoe (sp) vs rear window contact and sensor failures and a few about broken bows.
With that said....I have no other helpful comments.
Good luck.
As above become familiar with emergency pressure release to raise or lower.
I also don't recall any true preventative maintenance posts such as changing the hydraulic top fluid (such as with Ferrari 355 maintenance).
Not any posts any lubing the top frames hinges either.
But many posts on top cleaning, tonnoe (sp) vs rear window contact and sensor failures and a few about broken bows.
With that said....I have no other helpful comments.
Good luck.
#4
Racer
I don't recall many posts about complete top failures.
As above become familiar with emergency pressure release to raise or lower.
I also don't recall any true preventative maintenance posts such as changing the hydraulic top fluid (such as with Ferrari 355 maintenance).
Not any posts any lubing the top frames hinges either.
But many posts on top cleaning, tonnoe (sp) vs rear window contact and sensor failures and a few about broken bows.
With that said....I have no other helpful comments.
Good luck.
As above become familiar with emergency pressure release to raise or lower.
I also don't recall any true preventative maintenance posts such as changing the hydraulic top fluid (such as with Ferrari 355 maintenance).
Not any posts any lubing the top frames hinges either.
But many posts on top cleaning, tonnoe (sp) vs rear window contact and sensor failures and a few about broken bows.
With that said....I have no other helpful comments.
Good luck.
#6
Race Director
Member Since: Mar 2010
Location: T-Town WA
Posts: 15,103
Received 3,633 Likes
on
2,350 Posts
2016 C6 of Year Finalist
IMHO it has more to do with the number of cycles up and down.
#7
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 46,106
Received 2,481 Likes
on
1,944 Posts
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Yeh, I tend to think it's a cumulative thing w. number of times up and down. As to the exterior top itself, if OP is really taking care of it well, even as a DD, it should last a lot longer. I would get to know as Kenny and others have said exactly how to operate that top manually before you need it. Kind of like knowing and using the key near the license plate before you need it because that lock is STIFF. And if you don't loosen it up first, you'll think it doesn't work, or feel like it's going to break the key. Really.
#8
Team Owner
You're more likely to experience trouble with the limit switches before a pump failure.
#9
I have a manual top, so the lifespan of the motor doesn't apply to me. However, I would be interested to know about forum members experience with the materials and construction of the top itself. How does it hold up? I know this is somewhat dependent on number of up/down cycles. I had a Jaguar convertible several years ago and it developed threadbare rub/contact spots at several locations toward the end of my four year ownership. Thanks in advance for your input.
#10
I have a grey-beige top.
It currently has 240,000 miles and functions like new (knock-wood), except the tonneau has started touching the window (I just reach back and pull it forward). It looked like new up until 200,000 miles, with minor wrinkling only. It now has very minor dark marks in the "creases," though.
I use Tide and a dedicated soft brush to wash it, and never seal it
I can't even imagine how many thousands of cycles it's been through, I'm hoping it will last until 400,000 miles at least.
It currently has 240,000 miles and functions like new (knock-wood), except the tonneau has started touching the window (I just reach back and pull it forward). It looked like new up until 200,000 miles, with minor wrinkling only. It now has very minor dark marks in the "creases," though.
I use Tide and a dedicated soft brush to wash it, and never seal it
I can't even imagine how many thousands of cycles it's been through, I'm hoping it will last until 400,000 miles at least.
The following users liked this post:
Randy_in_MD (11-12-2017)
#11
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 46,106
Received 2,481 Likes
on
1,944 Posts
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
That's a pretty ringing endorsement that the top will last! Of course, like anything else your mileage may vary but at least we know it CAN last a long time---top, mechanism and motor.
#12
Drifting
Member Since: Sep 2014
Location: Atlanta - - - - - Save the manuals
Posts: 1,924
Received 387 Likes
on
321 Posts
Yeh, I tend to think it's a cumulative thing w. number of times up and down. As to the exterior top itself, if OP is really taking care of it well, even as a DD, it should last a lot longer. I would get to know as Kenny and others have said exactly how to operate that top manually before you need it. Kind of like knowing and using the key near the license plate before you need it because that lock is STIFF. And if you don't loosen it up first, you'll think it doesn't work, or feel like it's going to break the key. Really.
<OP, Sorry not trying to hijack the thread>
#13
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 46,106
Received 2,481 Likes
on
1,944 Posts
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
^^^ You're quite welcome! I'm fairly certain the OP got enough posts on his original topic. Believe me: it was a learning experience about that key and I have "cclive" to thank for telling us about it years ago!
The following users liked this post:
johnodrake (11-13-2017)