Transparent top
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,092
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From: Lilliwaup Washington
Last edited by Zymurgy; Jan 11, 2016 at 08:56 PM. Reason: Link to non-supporting vendor removed
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,787
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From: Central UT
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,529
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
I totally understand. I believe (could be wrong, but several forum members who have owned prior series transparent tops have stated this) that the C7 transparent tops are significantly different than prior series and much better and shading and keeping the heat out. Our C7 is our first, so I can't compare - I just know that it was never a problem for us in summer heat that went well over 100 degrees on several days. That said, AZ/NM, etc. are ovens in the summer.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 212
From: FL
Total temp difference by a member is about 3 degrees but was not a controlled or timed test. Any car candy heat up from conductive heat. I got a California Pop Top which is sold by the NCM as good as parking in shade.
Works is SWFL
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,529
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From: Arizona
(lol)
Last edited by Hoonose; Jan 11, 2016 at 09:29 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,516
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From: One Hour From Boston!
Some people feel the transparent top makes the interior too hot, on the other hand, some people don't feel that way. Probably more of an issue if you live in the South. I live in the Northeast and I was never bothered by it. On my sixth Corvette and every one has had a transparent top.
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 5
From: Houston TX
The heat is not a problem, but I do wear a cap with the transparent top because I can feel the radiation. With the solid top, I don't feel that I need to do so. I am in Houston and travel to Austin and Waco.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
I have both tops. Tested the heat transfer on a 95 degree day during the summer. Put the painted top on and left it in the sun for two hours. Then put the transparent top on and let it bake for 2.5 hours. The interior, measured by an accurate thermometer in the same spot in the interior, was 2 degrees warmer with the transparent top (but it baked for 1/2 hour longer too - had some stuff to get done and didn't get to it right at the two hour mark). Short story: no real difference, and I never use the painted top. Hope this helps.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 28
Likes: 4
From: Longview Texas
I'm in East Texas. Got a transparent roof because exposed carbon fiber was on constraint and I wanted to get my order in on a 2015. I was also fearful of the heat, so I ordered and received a roof liner even before my car arrived. The liner is still in the box, in my closet. Never used. The only thing I noticed that was questionable about the TP was increased daytime "brightness" (not heat). Definitely looks nice on Laguna Blue, though. I bought a pair of Maui Jim's and fixed the "brightness" during the day. At night, I love the transparent roof.
Last edited by pharmade; Jan 12, 2016 at 12:14 AM.
Administrator
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Don't have a C7, but never found it necessary to put any kind of headliner in the car to keep it cooler.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
I'm in East Texas. Got a transparent roof because exposed carbon fiber was on constraint and I wanted to get my order in on a 2015. I was also fearful of the heat, so I ordered and received a roof liner even before my car arrived. The liner is still in the box, in my closet. Never used. The only thing I noticed that was questionable about the TP was increased daytime "brightness" (not heat). Definitely looks nice on Laguna Blue, though. I bought a pair of Maui Jim's and fixed the "brightness" during the day. At night, I love the transparent roof.
Last edited by joemessman; Jan 12, 2016 at 10:32 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 122
From: No Longer in CA! NV
There is no comparison between the C5 transparent top and the C6/C7 transparent top. They got it right in the C6, and the C7 carries that on. Even in the most direct sunlight in regions with temps well over 100 degrees, the new generation tops provide ample protection and you will experience little, if any cabin temp difference.
My first C5 was a '97 with black interior, and being in the Inland Empire with temps well over 100 degrees the console and seats could blister skin.
We have had two C6's ('06 Z51, '12 GS) and had not found a need to use the solid tops, in spite of having them. We now have two C7's with transparent tops only.
My first C5 was a '97 with black interior, and being in the Inland Empire with temps well over 100 degrees the console and seats could blister skin.
We have had two C6's ('06 Z51, '12 GS) and had not found a need to use the solid tops, in spite of having them. We now have two C7's with transparent tops only.
Team Owner
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Spot on tunaman. Those relating their heat issues from way back when really should not comment. There is no comparison, other than the fact that the new tinted polycarb top will keep the interior darn near just as cool as the painted one. And anyone that doesn't think GM spent long hours in the AZ desert sun measuring said interior temperature differences is highly mistaken.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 786
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From: Woodbridge Ca
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,787
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From: Central UT
