17GSC7

This will my third C7 but first convertible wondering if there are any do's and dont's I should be aware of. Thanks in advance.

btorlv

The possibility of getting hit with bird poop. Wear a hat and use sun screen.

captain vette

Just open the top and enjoy, this is what I did for the past 14 years

papillion

Sooner or later, you'll put something in the trunk. Or take something out and dislodge the folded top protection panel. And the top won't work. Of course you'll wonder why? Look in the trunk and rear facing you is a panel 6-8" deep the width of the trunk nearly. Covered in the same funky grayish material as the trunk. The panel is mounted with grommets onto metal pins. If one of these pins is not completely seated, the top won't operate. A circuit isn't completed and the car thinks something is amiss in the trunk that might damage the top. EZ fix once you know what to look for. Just push each grommet firmly to get them all seated properly. If one is loose, you'll hear a snap when you seat it. And save a trip to the service drive.

Want to dress up your trunk? I'd buy a Lloyd's Trunk Mat to complement my car. We put a silver one with the Stingray logo in our Blade Silver car. Too cool for school. Available from many of the Forum parts vendors. And no, Lloyd is not my brother in law.

We have always used Ragg Topp Convertible Top Cleaner. Look for the 2 piece kit with a spray bottle of cleaner and an aerosol of protectant. Available everywhere car parts are sold. Even our Wal Mart has it.

Last a small thing. Like my wife's left shoe. She keeps a spare pair of sneakers in the trunk. One day one was there one wasn't. The one AWOL had slid back behind the panel and under into the top boot. Missing something small? Run your hand back there first. Who knows what else? Might be a homeless camp back there too?

And put the top down. We drive have ours top down most everyday. And see all kinds of convertibles with the top up on beautiful days. Go figure?

naylor99

After you get tired of holding down the button for the entire duration of the top operation, take a look at the SmartTop. Easy to install, a little pricey, but the ease of operation makes the vert SO much more enjoyable. One of my favorite mods. (Note that the window close function has not yet been updated to 2018-2019 Vettes)

JonMN

^^^ Sure hope they do update this, it's great.

SilverGhost

Enjoy the silence of the vert cabin with top up.

BELVIN20

With top down, turn the exhaust to track mode & enjoy the roar of the engine. I have my NPP set to track all the time, never cut it to stealth, love the sound.

JerryU

Yep, get ready to install ceramic brake pads ASAP so you don’t have to clean the rotors. Or you'll have to clean the wheels every 100 to 150 miles! On my first C7, a Z51 I wanted ~6 months and was cleaning the excess dust from the wheels every ~3 round trips to town, ~150 miles. If I didn't it not only looked bad it was pitting my black wheels. After installing the low dust ceramic street pads I cleaned my wheels only when I washed the car. The pads have 80 to 85% less dust AND what is there, is light in color and does not pit the wheels.

Did the same with my 2017 Grand Sport and clean this wheels only when I wash the car! You bought a high performance car that comes with high performance brake pads - that dust excessively! As long as you are not Tracking the car, ceramic Street Pads will provide low dust and stop like the OEMs.

This a PDF of "How To" install- it's easy! http://netwelding.com/Ceramic_Pads.pdf

rogergcam

Just don't be worried about the huge smile that will come across your face! Enjoy!

Avanti

Take the time to read the Owners Manual. Most don't... with anything they buy, even for a relatively expensive sports car. And... ENJOY!!!

Rebel Yell

That perfect day with the top down, on a little road trip to nowhere with your bestie by your side, you will never have another coupe in your garage. My best advice I have is just enjoy that new Roadster. Congratulations.

Null Pointer

Never put the top down when the top is wet from washing, etc.
I always keep the top up when parked in the garage, helps keep the fabric stretched.
I use a micro fiber cloth on the top, and I have a rag topp soft brush if I need a bit more to get it clean. Stay away from anything with stiffer brushes.
Definitely read the manual - if nothing else read the part that explains convertible top operation and the procedures if it gets stuck going up or down. Unfortunately, unlike the C6 vert, you can only put the C7 top into the stowed down position if something goes wrong.

Vetteman Jack

Just enjoy the car and congrats on the purchase.

owc6

This ginger says sunscreen.

Skid Row Joe

Don't baby your convertible top from operating it. Run it up and down often. If there's a kink in the hoses with fluids that run the top up and down, you want to have it fail under warranty. Oh,, and do not store your C7 top down when wet, or, overnight in the garage. You want to keep the fabric stretched out with the top up to store.

Kevin A Jones

I wouldn't lose any sleep over worrying about having to hold the button down for the entire duration of the top operation, it really isn't that hard to do.

Great suggestions, especially regarding always storing your C7 with the top up. Both your interior and top will stay MUCH nicer over time by doing this.

Looking forward to seeing your photos

SASprof

So, Kevin, Do you lower your top while driving?
For example, on the freeway exit ramp, below 30 mph?
I do. Safely. With one touch of the button. Love it.

Do you raise your top while driving?
For example, in a parking lot, while looking for a spot, or pulling in?
I do. Safely. With one touch of the button. Love it.

SmartTop is a must for maximum enjoyment of a vert, imo.

papillion

Not sure I'd admit to doing something so incredibly dangerous. Second thought, I take that back. I wouldn't for sure. But hey? That's just me.

JonMN

Here's a suggestion: I'm on my second C7 Vert. The absolute first thing I did was lock the seatbelt into the holder. Almost every time I exit I would knock it out of the holder. Then the clip part could get jammed when shutting the door, and knick the plastic trim. After a few knicks I locked it in. Personally I like to use a little heat shrink tubing, but there are actual add ons to do this available too .