Coupe Trunk Storage
Racer
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 394
Likes: 197
From: NH / RI
With the roof stored, there is still plenty of room on the floor forward of the roof, as the roof sits on an angle. I put a good size duffle bag there. Also, if you put a blanket, quilt or similar on the back side of the stored roof to protect it, there is considerable room for soft objects behind (on top of) it.. Really no problem with soft sided bags. And remember, you do have the frunk which can hold a full size carry-on, and that many smaller items can be stored in the side extremities of the trunk.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 712
Likes: 502
From: Round Rock, TX
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Instead of listening to all the whining here just try it yourself. Put the roof in there and pack around it with the ability to insert and remove the roof. Now you will decide whether you want to travel in such a figuration.
Now as for asking the forum...ask which oil you should use or maybe how best to protect the Vette's fiberglass.
Now as for asking the forum...ask which oil you should use or maybe how best to protect the Vette's fiberglass.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 750
Likes: 297
From: Central MO
I had both the coupe and the HTC and the HTC is a no brainer for traveling with the top down. With the coupe you will be pulling over to take the top off and will need to re-pack everything in the trunk once the top is secured. HTC the bags are packed and all you do is push the button!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 392
From: Big Sky Country, Montana
With the roof stored, there is still plenty of room on the floor forward of the roof, as the roof sits on an angle. I put a good size duffle bag there. Also, if you put a blanket, quilt or similar on the back side of the stored roof to protect it, there is considerable room for soft objects behind (on top of) it.. Really no problem with soft sided bags. And remember, you do have the frunk which can hold a full size carry-on, and that many smaller items can be stored in the side extremities of the trunk.
My old military helmet bags worked well in a cockpit and still work great in the C8 coupe....
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,045
Likes: 12,412
From: NE South Carolina
Are any of you able to put anything in the trunk area when the roof panel is stowed back there?
Could a small duffel bag be placed behind the stowed panel? Or along the sides on top of it... maybe with a blanket protecting the paint.
I ask because thinking about long road trips, I wonder if the HTC is a more viable purchase.
Could a small duffel bag be placed behind the stowed panel? Or along the sides on top of it... maybe with a blanket protecting the paint.
I ask because thinking about long road trips, I wonder if the HTC is a more viable purchase.
I chuckle because hardly every have my roof off. My E-Ray coupe, (now in BG lot, will hopefully have soon) is my 7th Vette from my 1st a 1988. Recall took the roof off the '88 in Spring when the pine pollen was falling. Could not get that yellow sticky stuff out of the car.Heck that lasts 2+ months.
Would not take an HTC if it were the same or lower price! Yep if the C8 came with a non-removable roof would order! If looking at the sky is so important get a clear plastic roof. If having others look at you, best get an HTC!
To Each Their Own!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 228
Likes: 221
From: Simi, CA
Have you ever owned a convertible? For me the novelty of the top down experience wears off fast. I have no interest in driving with the top off for a drive that is over 1- 2 hours long. Cruise to the beach or warm night out it’s great. 4 hour long at drive at 75mph forget about it. I also have mixed feelings on Coupe vs HTC. I park my Coupe next to a HTC at work and prefer the look of the Coupe. HTC only looks good with the top down.
That said, top on until I reach my Hotel/AirBnB. Put the bags away and enjoy the open air.
Either way do not put your wife’s makeup bag in the trunk unless you want to risk melting her cosmetics.
That said, top on until I reach my Hotel/AirBnB. Put the bags away and enjoy the open air.
Either way do not put your wife’s makeup bag in the trunk unless you want to risk melting her cosmetics.
Instructor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 101
Likes: 92
From: Lego City
I am able to put a car show chair back there behind the roof. I have the dual roof option so I just leave the transparent panel on top and have
all the room I need. If that's not enough then do like others and get the HTC.
all the room I need. If that's not enough then do like others and get the HTC.
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 547
Likes: 229
From: East Coast Traveler
Are any of you able to put anything in the trunk area when the roof panel is stowed back there?
Could a small duffel bag be placed behind the stowed panel? Or along the sides on top of it... maybe with a blanket protecting the paint.
I ask because thinking about long road trips, I wonder if the HTC is a more viable purchase.
Could a small duffel bag be placed behind the stowed panel? Or along the sides on top of it... maybe with a blanket protecting the paint.
I ask because thinking about long road trips, I wonder if the HTC is a more viable purchase.
If I had to do it over again, I would buy the HTC since I'm tired of taking the roof panel on/of whereas I could press a button and in less than 20 seconds, I'm in a convertible! I love driving with the top off.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 907
From: Annville, PA
I had both the coupe and the HTC and the HTC is a no brainer for traveling with the top down. With the coupe you will be pulling over to take the top off and will need to re-pack everything in the trunk once the top is secured. HTC the bags are packed and all you do is push the button!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 1,323
From: Melbourne Florida’s Barrier Islands
The HTC is best in every way than the coupe, there is no question about that….. except that 4 of 6 convertibles I’ve ever owned has failed (except my S2000 and my x-wife’s Miata), so I needed a break from that stress, lol.
Two failures, a 370z and an Audi A5 happened to my wife when she was an hour from home. Luckily the weather cooperated and she didn’t have to deal with that. All the other failures happened to me and they were simple motor brush replacements and a hydraulic situation, which allowed the top to function just enough that it could be manually muscled into place.
Failure rates are very low for most people with convertibles, but when they fail, that can absolutely F you up. I’d rather have an engine blow up than a convertible fail 200 miles from home.
if there were an easy manual top option for when it failed for the HTC, I would have considered it. The coupe top is annoying in a few ways, but I like that it has less moving parts.
I think that the newer HTCs have some upgraded parts in them that should help their reliability. If I get another vette, it may be the HTC.
Two failures, a 370z and an Audi A5 happened to my wife when she was an hour from home. Luckily the weather cooperated and she didn’t have to deal with that. All the other failures happened to me and they were simple motor brush replacements and a hydraulic situation, which allowed the top to function just enough that it could be manually muscled into place.
Failure rates are very low for most people with convertibles, but when they fail, that can absolutely F you up. I’d rather have an engine blow up than a convertible fail 200 miles from home.
if there were an easy manual top option for when it failed for the HTC, I would have considered it. The coupe top is annoying in a few ways, but I like that it has less moving parts.
I think that the newer HTCs have some upgraded parts in them that should help their reliability. If I get another vette, it may be the HTC.
CF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,262
Likes: 2,893
From: Charlotte N.C.
Ah, another person whose opinion is fact. My opinion is the coupe is much better. 
I find it interesting that HTC owners all say they don't care if they can't see the engine and then a lot buy the clear engine cover to see it and show it off.
I find it interesting that HTC owners all say they don't care if they can't see the engine and then a lot buy the clear engine cover to see it and show it off.
