Hardtop for a C4 Roadster...a yes, no or maybe?

[bossvette]

There is an aftermarket company that makes hardtops for most years of Vettes I don't know much about them but have seen ads in several Vette mags.
This has been an informative thread for my, I would like a vert but travel quite a bit and the storage issue (or lack of it) keeps me pointed to a coupe.
The Idea of removing the soft top and a second deck lid has merits for someone who drives their Vette a lot like I do.
Craigsr.

 

[1-E-Tkt]

I am curious about what you guys think about the hardtop for a C4 Roadster. I have to admit I know very little and I was just wondering.......what is the good and the bad concerning them. Do they make a Vert much quieter for example on a long distance tour? I guess they offer a bit more security. Are they a pain to take on and off? Are they hard to find out there new or used? Eepensive?

I think they look kind of cool on....but others may disagree. Anyway....what's the scoop on them?
RG

Nothing like the hardtop for making those roadtrips in really lousy weather and if a guy does it enough and has skinny little fingers then the top can be put on in about 15 minutes .... of course you need somebody to help set it on the deck that love the car as much as you otherwise the possibility of a scratch is there ... heaven forbid.!!

Make sure you retighten the torx bolts after it has been on for a few miles ... I find I have to do that once (retightening) and then it is snug through-out winter .... yes it snows in California!.

One thing good, there is always a market for these tops so if you decide it isnt for you then you should be able to recoup your costs.

E-bay is a good source.

 

[o2bnkc]

Uh, just kinda' curious, but if you guys want a hardtop on a convertable, why did you get a ragtop instead of a coupe. Am I missing something here? I probably am, but, overhead hoists to put the top of your car on? Just a bit to much for me, but hey, whatever makes your boat float.

 

[aboatguy]

Nothing like the hardtop for making those roadtrips in really lousy weather and if a guy does it enough and has skinny little fingers then the top can be put on in about 15 minutes .... of course you need somebody to help set it on the deck that love the car as much as you otherwise the possibility of a scratch is there ... heaven forbid.!!

Make sure you retighten the torx bolts after it has been on for a few miles ... I find I have to do that once (retightening) and then it is snug through-out winter .... yes it snows in California!.

One thing good, there is always a market for these tops so if you decide it isnt for you then you should be able to recoup your costs.

E-bay is a good source.

Why does a guy need skinny little fingers?

 

[aboatguy]

Uh, just kinda' curious, but if you guys want a hardtop on a convertable, why did you get a ragtop instead of a coupe. Am I missing something here? I probably am, but, overhead hoists to put the top of your car on? Just a bit to much for me, but hey, whatever makes your boat float.

During the summer a rag top is great. However, during snow season, long trips and driving above 150 MPH the soft top is not so great. The hardtop gives the vert owner the best of both worlds and with the top installed my ert is a tight rattle free car even at speeds above 150.

I don't use a hoist and I don't understand the need for one since the top is not very heavy, I easily carry mine around by myself.

Catch you later Shipmate!

 

[bossvette]

Uh, just kinda' curious, but if you guys want a hardtop on a convertable, why did you get a ragtop instead of a coupe. Am I missing something here? I probably am, but, overhead hoists to put the top of your car on? Just a bit to much for me, but hey, whatever makes your boat float.

Some live in the less temperate areas and rather then put them away for 4 or 5 months would like to drive them as much as possible and the removable hard top was designed for just that purpose.

 

[1-E-Tkt]

Why does a guy need skinny little fingers?

If we looked at the top-to-body connections from the front back the two captured torx bolts in front of the sunvisors are easily accessible and present no problem, the five (each side) hex bolts that connect beside the seat belt brackets are time consuming to wrench down but still no problem .... but then moving back to the two torx that connect at the rear corners of the top and down through the deck are diffinatly a challenge to the average chimp, especially the bolt on the passengers side.

I am talking specifically of the c-4 top and not really aware if this situation exists in other generations.

But the incovience is worth the reward!

 

[C-4 Now]

love my hardtop except it is a real PITA when you travel with it on to get anything behind seats. It makes luggage rack like 89 sleeper has look real appealing for fall trips. Hope to also find one for my Callaway or may just keep the one I have now. The convertible/hardtops I've had of all C-2,C-3 and C-4 have been my favorites looks wise.

 

[aboatguy]

If we looked at the top-to-body connections from the front back the two captured torx bolts in front of the sunvisors are easily accessible and present no problem, the five (each side) hex bolts that connect beside the seat belt brackets are time consuming to wrench down but still no problem .... but then moving back to the two torx that connect at the rear corners of the top and down through the deck are diffinatly a challenge to the average chimp, especially the bolt on the passengers side.

I am talking specifically of the c-4 top and not really aware if this situation exists in other generations.

But the incovience is worth the reward!

I have captured torx at the front, torx at the side mounts and hex in the rear (I know that the rear bolts are GM since I ordered them from GM PARTS Direct) I use a ratcheting box wrench for the rear bolts and it only takes a few seconds per side. I never remove the rear corner (pins/nuts/bolts) when I remove the top. I simply untighten the bolt with my ratcheting box wrench. My big hands and fat fingers have not slowed me down. On the sides I loosen the two in the rollbar and remove the other three using a ratchet and a torx bit.

I have installed the top by myself and will admit that it is easier with an assistant. However, I don't go out of my way for help when I am removing the top.

Mike