Glass Top - Pros and Cons
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Edmond, OK
Glass Top - Pros and Cons
Wish I would have gotten the dual tops (body color and glass) for my 2007 Coupe. Been thinking about getting a used glass top but I see a lot of people that have them actually put them up for sale. Also, some people that buy them turn around and sell them shortly after buying one. So, my question is for those of you that have had a glass top, what did you like about it and dislike about it? Is there a drawback to having/using the glass top that is not present with the body colored top such as technical issues, sealing, etc.? Pros and cons please!
Thanks.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Be very careful buying a used transparent top, many have scratches or small cracks starting up out of the weatherstip especially on right side. They are difficult to ship without damage, and getting insurance payouts seems to be iffy. I would only buy a used top if i could inspect it in person, install it on my car, then pay the money and drive home with my other top in the trunk.
But we do love them, this is our third Corvette with only the transparent top. Lighter but a bit noisier (no liner), brightens up the cockpit considerably. Gets hotter in summer but still tolerable for us, I wear a ball cap a couple of days per year.
When storing it in the trunk, don't use a top bag (scratches from dust and grit). Just lay a cotton beach towel on top of any luggage that might contact the top.
Enjoy!
But we do love them, this is our third Corvette with only the transparent top. Lighter but a bit noisier (no liner), brightens up the cockpit considerably. Gets hotter in summer but still tolerable for us, I wear a ball cap a couple of days per year.
When storing it in the trunk, don't use a top bag (scratches from dust and grit). Just lay a cotton beach towel on top of any luggage that might contact the top.
Enjoy!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,403
From: Bethesda MD
It makes the car feel more open and airy with the top on. A definite plus when the weather requires top on driving.
It does transmit heat in the summer, although its only a problem when the car is sitting parked in the sun. For this summer I put a film on the inside that reduces light transmission to reduce the heat gain. Seems to help, but I'd guess the car still warms up more than one with a solid top.
It does transmit heat in the summer, although its only a problem when the car is sitting parked in the sun. For this summer I put a film on the inside that reduces light transmission to reduce the heat gain. Seems to help, but I'd guess the car still warms up more than one with a solid top.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 160
Likes: 2
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Hey Don, you can borrow mine for a week or so if you want. Like the last post said, way too hot in the summer. Fit and finish are fine, I even have the padded shades that attach via suction cups. Sound deadening not as good as the regular top. Looks better on a LMB than the painted top.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,666
Likes: 361
From: Canyon Country, California
I have felt I would like to buy one but wouldnt pay over $500. I have seen a couple at that price on Craigslist actually but havent pulled the trigger.
Pro- May be nice to have
Cons- Expensive, hot, too bright, damage easy, I like my color match
Pro- May be nice to have
Cons- Expensive, hot, too bright, damage easy, I like my color match
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I love mine, but I live in Wisconsin. Summer starts around the fourth of July and ends after the parade.
I think if I still lived in Dallas, I would not have one because you would get sun burn on head.
I think if I still lived in Dallas, I would not have one because you would get sun burn on head.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,885
Likes: 107
From: God's Country, ID
I'll never go back to painted top. When GM recalled the tops my car was fairly new and they agreed to swap for a glass one 
Love the tinted glass look with tinted windows and the less confined feeling.
Too hot? Well I guess if you're a senior citizen or the a/c doesn't work.
Doubt the tinted top adds more heat than the big a$$ windshield.
Glass top is
vs painted.
Love the tinted glass look with tinted windows and the less confined feeling.Too hot? Well I guess if you're a senior citizen or the a/c doesn't work.
Doubt the tinted top adds more heat than the big a$$ windshield.Glass top is
vs painted.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 23
From: Santa Barbara CA
maybe you should ask yourself this question: On cars you've owned that have glass moonroofs, do you like to usually drive around with the shade open or closed? I tend to keep my shade closed or have the glass lid fully opened.
With that said, my C6 has the painted top and I'm totally content. If I want sun, I take it off and stick it in the trunk.
With that said, my C6 has the painted top and I'm totally content. If I want sun, I take it off and stick it in the trunk.
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Shelby Township MI
I have only the glass top for my 2005. It does creak and crack quite a bit. Seems more prevelant when it is hot and the sun is on it. It makes these noises when in place and when in the carrier in the back. Also, in certain light it looks like fine cracks throughout the material.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Edmond, OK
Hey Don, you can borrow mine for a week or so if you want. Like the last post said, way too hot in the summer. Fit and finish are fine, I even have the padded shades that attach via suction cups. Sound deadening not as good as the regular top. Looks better on a LMB than the painted top.
maybe you should ask yourself this question: On cars you've owned that have glass moonroofs, do you like to usually drive around with the shade open or closed? I tend to keep my shade closed or have the glass lid fully opened.
With that said, my C6 has the painted top and I'm totally content. If I want sun, I take it off and stick it in the trunk.
With that said, my C6 has the painted top and I'm totally content. If I want sun, I take it off and stick it in the trunk.
Thanks to everyone that responded. These comments were exactly what I was hoping for.
Don
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Edmond, OK
Question: my car is a '07 Coupe. Will any year clear top fit on my car or should I only buy a clear top from someone with the same year car as mine? For example, will a clear top off of a 2009 coupe fit a 2007 coupe?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 3
From: Hartford CT
Pros:
Lighter
More Headroom
Brightens the interior
Looks cool on MS (JMO)
Cons:
More noise
Turns interior into a greenhouse
Hand prints are more visable (than silver top)
The solution is to have both!
Lighter
More Headroom
Brightens the interior
Looks cool on MS (JMO)
Cons:
More noise
Turns interior into a greenhouse
Hand prints are more visable (than silver top)
The solution is to have both!