Roof Panel - Remove and Replace
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 61
Likes: 5
Roof Panel - Remove and Replace
I always have a helper when either removing or replacing my roof panel.
Has anyone developed a technique where this removal or replacing of the roof panel can be accomplished by one person?
Has anyone developed a technique where this removal or replacing of the roof panel can be accomplished by one person?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 854
The roof is quite lightweight.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,854
Likes: 535
Taking Off Car
Lift roof off track with left hand on center of front and right hand on center of rear of roof.
Lean back about 45 degrees, and rest roof flat on your chest, then swivel roof and reposition hands to sides of roof. Make sure there is nothing on shirt that will scratch roof, obviously.
Place in storage front first.
Takes me about 20 seconds start to finish.
Placing On Car
Lift roof out with both hands.
Lean back about 45 degrees, and rest roof flat on your chest, then swivel roof and reposition hands to front and rear of roof.
Place roof ON car lightly. Make sure both rubber tabs on car at the rear of both sides of the roof are tucked under the roof.
Tap down lightly with palm of hand on front center until roof in place.
Latch
Takes me about 35 seconds start to finish
Lift roof off track with left hand on center of front and right hand on center of rear of roof.
Lean back about 45 degrees, and rest roof flat on your chest, then swivel roof and reposition hands to sides of roof. Make sure there is nothing on shirt that will scratch roof, obviously.
Place in storage front first.
Takes me about 20 seconds start to finish.
Placing On Car
Lift roof out with both hands.
Lean back about 45 degrees, and rest roof flat on your chest, then swivel roof and reposition hands to front and rear of roof.
Place roof ON car lightly. Make sure both rubber tabs on car at the rear of both sides of the roof are tucked under the roof.
Tap down lightly with palm of hand on front center until roof in place.
Latch
Takes me about 35 seconds start to finish
Last edited by RedC7AZ; Mar 5, 2015 at 01:58 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I have short arms so I find myself leaning against the rear quarter panel to insert and remove the roof panel from the trunk.
I'll usually place a waffle weave towel (guzzler) across the left rear quarter panel so my pants don't scratch the paint when I lean in to access the trunk.
They make it look so easy in the GM video...
Maybe it's just me, but the roof doesn't feel any lighter than that of the C6.
I'll usually place a waffle weave towel (guzzler) across the left rear quarter panel so my pants don't scratch the paint when I lean in to access the trunk.
They make it look so easy in the GM video...
Maybe it's just me, but the roof doesn't feel any lighter than that of the C6.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
Let both windows down. It is easier on your back if you have the door open on the side you are grabbing the top. Lift the top up and then position the top vertically with one hand in the front and the other the rear, both at midway of the roof. Lay one front end of the roof in the hatch and let it rest on the interior floor as you change hand positions to grab at the ends so you can re-lift slightly until the top rests in the carrier slots. You may want to keep a large towel in the back compartment to cover the spoiler/rear brake cover.
If you encounter problems when you first lift the roof off, you can always let one end of the roof rest on your foot until you can get a better grip.
God I miss T-Tops. If you owned a C4, the roof has to be rotated 180 degrees as the back of the top goes in first.
Like I said, God I miss T-Tops.
If you encounter problems when you first lift the roof off, you can always let one end of the roof rest on your foot until you can get a better grip.
God I miss T-Tops. If you owned a C4, the roof has to be rotated 180 degrees as the back of the top goes in first.
Like I said, God I miss T-Tops.
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Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
I push the button on the dash. Sorry, us convertible folks don't have sympathy for you Coupe folks! 
Elmer
Elmer
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 720
Likes: 3
From: Sherman Oaks CA
I usually lift it up while I'm in the car and stand up with it. It's a little awkward at first but you get used to it and you have to be able to open the door all the way to do it easily. When I put it back I sit back into the car with it over my head and position it. I still have to check the seals on each side to make sure they are straight once it's in place.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 453
Likes: 23
From: Londonderry NH
I usually lift it up while I'm in the car and stand up with it. It's a little awkward at first but you get used to it and you have to be able to open the door all the way to do it easily. When I put it back I sit back into the car with it over my head and position it. I still have to check the seals on each side to make sure they are straight once it's in place.
I do the same thing...works well for me.-Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,099
Likes: 64
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '09
I'm short and I did have to find the right technique:
1. while sitting in car, undo all 3 latches;
2. get out and open hatch;
3. stand in open driver's door, put left foot on seat;
4. lift front of top, with left hand reach to center and grab front edge;
5. pull toward front of car, with right hand reach to center and grab back edge;
6. lean back, lifting top off with passenger-side edge up, driver's side edge down;
7. walk to rear of car, stand facing forward;
8. rotate top back to horizontal with left arm extended, front edge away from you, right arm/rear edge next to body; and
8. place top in cargo area.
Hope this helps someone.
1. while sitting in car, undo all 3 latches;
2. get out and open hatch;
3. stand in open driver's door, put left foot on seat;
4. lift front of top, with left hand reach to center and grab front edge;
5. pull toward front of car, with right hand reach to center and grab back edge;
6. lean back, lifting top off with passenger-side edge up, driver's side edge down;
7. walk to rear of car, stand facing forward;
8. rotate top back to horizontal with left arm extended, front edge away from you, right arm/rear edge next to body; and
8. place top in cargo area.
Hope this helps someone.
Last edited by Indy-hp; Mar 5, 2015 at 02:55 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,854
Likes: 535
I took your comment as lightharted humor so no offense taken. Most of us selected Coupe because it looks better to us than vert. A matter of personal opinion. Life is all about trade offs.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 397
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From: Sebring Florida
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 315
From: Cedar Falls Iowa
Before ordering my vert I looked up the replacement cost of the C7 targa top and decided I might as well buy a convertible so I won't have to worry about me or anyone else that uses the car dropping the thing. Targa roofs also kinda suck if it starts raining and you gotta stop to deal with them... unless you can drive fast enough to not get wet.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 180
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From: SW Florida