Something to bear in mind: constraints are part of modern auto production. Not just Corvette, not just GM, but across the board. Constraints are not generally noticed except when a high number of buyers are ordering to their individual wants. Dealers notice them because such a high proportion of their orders are stock not retail sold and they have to order something if they want something to sell.

Laborsmith

 

I think all 3 look great. I wasn't a fan of the CF roof because it just doesn't match anything on the car. the transparent nice, but in FL it can get hot even with the tint. I went body color

 

Transparent! The dealer told me we could get a solid top at his cost at a later date. I'm fine with his offer.

 

Since I could not order the 2 roof option I had to buy the transparent over the Chevy counter. I paid $750 for the transparent roof right from the factory. I had to pay an additional $500 for seals, latches and weather stripping. The back latch is almost $250.
A static cling sun shade will work wonders in the Summer time. Sun shade on in May and off in September.

 

The problem is that "at his cost" is still absurd for something that's only supposed to cost $1000 when yo buy the car.

 

GM is really gouging folks. I won't play their game.

 

Good idea. If every potential buyer joins you GM will have incentive to go back to using the magnesium roof even though it weighs more because it is easier to produce in numbers compared to CF.

Laborsmith

 

These cars are begging for the transparent top.... they look great, & gives you a nice view you can't get from almost any other car on the road....at any price.....

I never use my painted top on my c6.... and the heat in Atlanta is ridiculous in the summer, but I have the static cling dot matrix vinyl for a few months per year....works well

 

Thanks, these comments are the kinda comments that make me feel better knowing that I had to spend $1K on transparent roof to get my C7.

RoyC7

 

I'm planning to purchase a TR after I receive my car. Can you give me some more details on the 'static cling dot matrix vinyl' and where to purchase it?


Edit: After posting this, I found some examples of this window film on Amazon.com, in black and white colors. Is this what you used?

 

Mike
I heard the painted roofs are the "rejects" of the visible carbon fiber roofs. If the fiber does not lay down perfect or show bubbles under the surface (seconds on the market with these imperfections) they are used for the painted tops. If this is the case this is the same as the flat screen TVs. All made on the same line and then graded at the end. Best get sold for the higher quality TVs.
Supply of tops will not increase until the production process produces fewer defects or Chevrolet orders more?
I do not think there is a shortage of material since some other car manufactures are using carbon fiber for the frames. No way would they put a complete car on a limited production if there is a material shortage.
I also read where someone thinks the supplier will not increase production capacity for current demand and then later have to much capacity. Chevrolet can control that, if they demand more product they will get it or find another supplier. Since when does Chevrolet worry about a supplier's excess capacity.
The big question is, if we go to the parts counter and order a carbon exposed roof for the $5,800 price, how many and how soon can we get them? If they are available, there is the answer. $$$$
Just think. Chevrolet can not deliver and sell a base car. Bait and switch.

 

I bought mine off the dealer's floor and it had both the transparent top and the exposed carbon fiber. I really fell for the exposed carbon fiber and sold the transparent top for $1200 to a fellow Buckeye.

I never wanted the transparent top since I had one on my '08. New exposed carbon fiber are $4300 after market on vendors' websites so I made out fine on the deal.

 

I ordered my car with the painted roof and it was picked up by G M with in 3 weeks. I don't think that is to bad of a wait. The transparent roof does let some heat in, but there are aftermarket shades for it. The carbon fiber does not do it for me, spending a bunch of coin for them to not paint the roof, I know it is clear coated and needs to be prepped, but still a lot of money. I would wait for the painted roof.

 

 

 

I bought mine from one of the forum vendors, about $25-30.....its not something that you will pull off and put back on as needed....you leave it for the season, because it does take a little time to get it perfect....

tip: make sure all the dots are gone,(no hanging chads) to get it all to lay nice and flat....

 

The painted cf doesn't have the weave aligned as the naked one does. That costs.