Convertible Softtop & Hardtop Issues?

Roscobbc

Roscobbc

Moderator
I have to say that I prefer the look of a targa roof Vette. Haven't been in a later 'T' roof car but once the roof panels are off and the rear window is removed (early cars only) when you're driving one's not too blown about by the roof removal. In fact, unless raining my rear window and roofs are removed through the late spring to early august months (helps to counter being cooked inside too - and all the infernal squeaking and rattling so common to 'T' roof cars.
 
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Roscobbc

Roscobbc

Moderator
A question for you GCorvette - you don't need to answer this but presumably following your 'op you'll experience limited articulation of some description, hence the preference for an automatic? (and I'd guess powered steering). I have lower back issues and a 'clutch leg' issue following a major discectomy operation and nerve damage to my left ankle. My chosen daily driven was an automatic for years but my Vette is an M21 manual. Didn't ever expect to drive that again but with the low seating postion its far less of an issue than expected.......in fact my daily driver is now a manual too!
 
GCorvette

GCorvette

CCCUK Member
Roscobbc said:
A question for you GCorvette - you don't need to answer this but presumably following your 'op you'll experience limited articulation of some description, hence the preference for an automatic? (and I'd guess powered steering). I have lower back issues and a 'clutch leg' issue following a major discectomy operation and nerve damage to my left ankle. My chosen daily driven was an automatic for years but my Vette is an M21 manual. Didn't ever expect to drive that again but with the low seating postion its far less of an issue than expected.......in fact my daily driver is now a manual too!
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I don't mind answering.
I hope and pray that what I went through with my back & legs throughout 2021 in an ever worsening state, has now been rectified.

Naturally I know I will experience post op pains in my back for a good while yet and I won't know how severe for many months as I can't drive before May and only sat in a chair today for the first time in what was an uncomfortable 15 minutes!

However, unfortunately, unrelated to this, two sets of previous bad surgery has left me with perminent nerve damage around my left knee that restrict movement there and generate great pain.

I've sadly been unable to drive a manual since and it's why I enjoy the paddles on the C6 so much as it gives me control again.

The addition of the C3 to the garage is to give me something very different to the C6 experience and naturally all here will know what that is.

Right now, I'm down to 4 years, 71/72 & 73 & 80. My preference is for a specific 71/72 but until I can try some seats this summer and get a feel for how much torque I want (and can endure) I sadly must refrain from getting trigger happy on a buy it button.

I'm hopeful that some kind folks here may indulge me with a few runs out to see how I get on physically in various C3s to assist me in my final decision.
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
James Vette said:
Only problem I've found is accessing the storage compartments when you place the t tops behind the seats. I would place them in a V shape but the seatbelts block them so they have to lay ontop of eachother with a thick blanket seperating them.
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Storage in a corvette has always been a problem, especially in C2 convertibles and all C3’s.
Never understood why mid year convertible never had a boot. You had it on the 1961 & 62 models which basically had the same tail end. Very strange.
C3’s offered very little storage space for anything, and practically zero once the T Tops were removed. A rear luggage rack offered a little bit of space if your were happy to strap the item on it.
I personally have always liked the look of a rear rack, but have never actually used one for any carrying.
 
CaptainK

CaptainK

CCCUK Member
James Vette said:
Only problem I've found is accessing the storage compartments when you place the t tops behind the seats. I would place them in a V shape but the seatbelts block them so they have to lay ontop of eachother with a thick blanket seperating them.
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I used to do that, then I found some t-top bags online that look like the original t-top storage bags. Basically a leather bag with a soft inner lining to store your t-top in (one bag per t-top). Now its much better storing them in the back as they don't rattle or move around.
 
GCorvette

GCorvette

CCCUK Member
Nassau65 said:
This coupe recently made $55k at BJ Scottsdale AZ auction in January.
View attachment 15563
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I'm seeing some huge prices in certain sectors right now. 🤔🙈

I've had to let a few cars go because of my situation last year and keep seeing ones I'm extremely interested in, but can't do anything right now which is frustrating.

I'm guessing I'll end up having to wait until next Autumn / Winter when the next batch of people decide to sell unless something becomes available and the timing is right.
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
The way prices seem to be going, it may be worth you viewing cars that you think may be suitable to you, and if you really like it, buy it, take it home and put it away until you can use it. While in your possession it will not devalue In fact it will probably increase in value.
Saves missing out on a car that you like/want, and you would have bought it at today’s prices, not tomorrow’s.
 
GCorvette

GCorvette

CCCUK Member
Nassau65 said:
The way prices seem to be going, it may be worth you viewing cars that you think may be suitable to you, and if you really like it, buy it, take it home and put it away until you can use it. While in your possession it will not devalue In fact it will probably increase in value.
Saves missing out on a car that you like/want, and you would have bought it at today’s prices, not tomorrow’s.
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Problem is I am grounded.
22 hours a day in bed for another 4 weeks and not allowed to drive until May at the earliest.

A few cars are also in America, I had hoped to fly in May but seems unlikely now, so probably July.
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
Oh dear, sounds very nasty. Well just take it easy.
cars will still be about once your ready to purchase.
Take it easy, best wishes for a speedy successful recovery.
 
GCorvette

GCorvette

CCCUK Member
Back on topic (rather than my health!)
Were hardtops colour coded to the car or have people done that after?
I see a lot of black hardtops on other colour C3s... :unsure:
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
When ordered new, the auxiliary hard top was standard in body color, if the vinyl covering was ordered it was listed and priced as such. Vinyl was about $60 bucks extra when new over the price of a painted top.
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
Me personally now, prefer a body painted hard top, but as it was the early 1970’s vinyl roofs on all cars was all the rage, and a vinyl hard top was in fashion.
 
Nassau65

Nassau65

CCCUK Member
Of course a black painted top as opposed to a black vinyl top is a nice compromise if you don’t like vinyl. As black goes with most body colors it’s rather like the appearance when the soft top is up. ( providing you have a black soft top)
 
Roscobbc

Roscobbc

Moderator
The first three items I bought following purchase of my C3 (20+ years ago) were - battery isolator - padded garage car cover - 'T' top carry case. This is really quite sturdy, has a padded centre divider to keep the tops apart and, importantly fits in the rear deck area.......yes, it does partly cover the doors to battery and storage cubbys.....but it it possible using the carry handle to lift up for access when in place with 'T' tops.20220223_151202.jpg20220223_151315.jpg20220223_151245.jpg
 
James Vette

James Vette

CCCUK Member
I almost scratched the t top on the button to release the rear window storage compartment. For some reason it's metal? I need that suitcase.
 
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