Leaving top unscrewed

[NC2Stay]

'95 Coupe.

It was an absolutely spectacular day for cruising today; my wife and I enjoyed it very much.

When I got home, I put the top back on and was about to start screwing it down when I had the thought that that was dumb - I was just going to unscrew it again in a couple of days.

Now, before someobdy asks, she is not garaged - don't have one. But she is under the house, and I have a good quality cover. But in order to put the cover on, I have to have the top on.

So, is it OK to just lay the top on without screwing it down? I know this sounds dumb, but my year in Vettes has shown me that things are not always obvious.

Thanks, Bob

 

[Edmond]

Sure, it's okay. I've done that myself before and it's been fine.

 

[Ken]

Trouble is, one day you might forget that it's not bolted securely in place and drive off, only to lose your top after a couple of miles. It's been done before.

 

[John Robinson]

Post It Note

If you do that take a post it note and write on it top not fastened then put it on the steering wheel.:cool

 

[Edmond]

Trouble is, one day you might forget that it's not bolted securely in place and drive off, only to lose your top after a couple of miles. It's been done before.

:L:L:L Sorry, Ken, just had to.

Mine will rattle if it's not down securely. Then again, I do have pretty sensitive hearing.

 

[NC2Stay]

Well, actually, been there! I went into the house, got a rubber band, and used it to tie the ratchet to the shifter. No possible way I could miss that!

Thanks, Bob

 

[rrubel]

If you do that take a post it note and write on it top not fastened then put it on the steering wheel.:cool

I've got a 3x5 index card I leave on my seat that says the same thing. Post-its tend to fall off where they're put...

I usually leave my top unbolted while at work (it's a secure lot). One other thing I have is a device that looks like one of those windshield sun-shades, but it's shaped to the Vette's roof and has suction cups on the ends. Basically, you throw it on where the top would go if you're going to run into a store or something quickly and don't want birds or whatnot having their way with your seats. I think Mid-america sells them.
[RICHR]

 

[NC2Stay]

...I think Mid-america sells them...[RICHR]

Yes, I have seen them in the catalog, but never heard from anybody who actually had one. A bit expensive, but a LOT easier than screwing down the top. Are they waterproof enough to stop a hard rain?

Thanks, Bob

 

[larry bud]

I took an old recharable screwdriver, 6 volt, opened it up and soldered a wire with a cigarette lighter plug on the end. Got an extention with the proper torx bit, and I can take a bolt off in literally 5 seconds. The double voltage really spins the bit fast, and the whole thing will come off/on in 30 seconds. I would imagine the motor probably doesn't like 12 volts very much, but since it's run in short bursts, it probably will be OK. I've been using it for 2 years without a problem. Whole thing wraps up and fits in the glove box.

Now if they just made something so the top will fit a bit easier with the golf bag in there!

 

[Vettelt193]

'95 Coupe.

It was an absolutely spectacular day for cruising today; my wife and I enjoyed it very much.

When I got home, I put the top back on and was about to start screwing it down when I had the thought that that was dumb - I was just going to unscrew it again in a couple of days.

Now, before someobdy asks, she is not garaged - don't have one. But she is under the house, and I have a good quality cover. But in order to put the cover on, I have to have the top on.

So, is it OK to just lay the top on without screwing it down? I know this sounds dumb, but my year in Vettes has shown me that things are not always obvious.

Thanks, Bob

Why do you need the top on to cover it? I leave mine off with the cover on all the time... I don't think it is the best idea if it is going to rain, but for a day or two in nice weather, doubt it will really matter.

 

[milehigreg]

Golf and Vettes

The golf bag thing IS an issue!

Now if they just made something so the top will fit a bit easier with the golf bag in there![/QUOTE]

 

[JRMaroon]

The golf bag thing IS an issue!

Now if they just made something so the top will fit a bit easier with the golf bag in there!

[/QUOTE]

No passengers allowed on the way to the course if the top is off. The cart bag rides nicely in the front seat.

 

[tlong]

One day you will forget it isn't secured and have a big surprise, as well as the person behind you.

My trusty WalMart Black and Decker with a torx bit can pull all four in or out in 45 seconds. Fits in the console perfectly.

Hey JRMaroon, I have posted a new number at the course: FORE over and over.

 

[WhalePirot]

Why do you need the top on to cover it? I leave mine off with the cover on all the time... I don't think it is the best idea if it is going to rain, but for a day or two in nice weather, doubt it will really matter.

Ditto. Some great ideas here, though.

 

[nyernga]

One other thing I have is a device that looks like one of those windshield sun-shades, but it's shaped to the Vette's roof and has suction cups on the ends. Basically, you throw it on where the top would go if you're going to run into a store or something quickly and don't want birds or whatnot having their way with your seats. I think Mid-america sells them.
[RICHR]

I have one of those and they're great.

Len

 

[NC2Stay]

Will they handle rain?

Bob

 

[rrubel]

Yes, I have seen them in the catalog, but never heard from anybody who actually had one. A bit expensive, but a LOT easier than screwing down the top. Are they waterproof enough to stop a hard rain?

I got mine 2nd hand (but looks new) for about $15. At that price, it seems worth it. Will it stop a hard rain? Probably not - it's waterproof, but doesn't seal well to the windshield header. Plus the suction cups don't always hold unless you're careful. It stays on fine in sunny weather but I'd hesitate for anything long-term that might involve water. However, it'd work fine under a car cover that's also somewhat waterproof.
[RICHR]

 

[Brianjt1987]

I learned an aerodynamics lession on my old 72 T-top coupe. The top is airfoil shaped and if the speed is fast enough, it will fly. Unfortunately, it doesn't have much dynamic stability once in flight, and will quickly return to terra firma.ad

So, lession learned, I always tighten at least the front bolts

 

[PLRX]

:Silly

 

[wannavette]

I took off a few weeks ago and had forgot to tighten the 2 front screws down.Took a buddy for a ride and got up to about 65mph and got the sh** scared out of me when that thing started moving up and down.