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Topic: Alternative Roof Panel Options

in Forum: C3 Body

Alternative Roof Panel Options

Posted: 7/22/08 12:38pm Message 1 of 5
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Easley, SC - USA
Joined: 4/14/2008
Posts: 39
Vette(s): Yellow 1980, L48,Auto, Matching Numbers, Everything factory original...for now.
I've searched the forum and only found a couple of references to the Astro one piece roof panel.  I was thinking of buying something light weight and easy to get in an out of the car.  I've looked at the Astro top and the Rain Coat sport top.
 
The roof panel on the passengers side of my car does not fit quite right at the back left hand side...the rear quarter panel on the passengers side has been replaced somewhere down the line and was not put on exactly right.  If it weren't for the glass I would never have discovered it.  I was hoping the two tops mentioned above might give me a little more flexibility in mounting.
 
The rain coat tops talk about Velcro along the front and back, what's that for ? 
 
Any thoughts ?



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Alternative Roof Panel Options

Posted: 7/22/08 1:25pm Message 2 of 5
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BILOXI, MS - USA
Joined: 12/8/2001
Posts: 547
Vette(s): 1969 rag top
the raincoat top uses the velcro to secure the top-it also has two steel rods on the outside edge and fastens like the t-tops-it also has two straps in the center of the top that wrap around the t-top center post to keep the top down. the raincoat is very forgiving for body errrors. the only leaks you might have is with the door windows not meeting up completely if you don't get the two bolts tight that go throught the holes where the t-top alignment pin are now. the top works great,can be removed or replaced in less time than it takes a traffic light to change, and can be done by one person without leaving the drivers seat (car stopped) and it folds so as to take up very little space. will hold up at 100+mph


Annicorvette
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Alternative Roof Panel Options

Posted: 7/23/08 6:37am Message 3 of 5
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Horse Cave, KY - USA
Joined: 10/22/2007
Posts: 488
Vette(s): 1968 convertible; 1980 L-82
Your stock tops have a bit of factory adjustment in them, especially the corner giving you the trouble.  My advice is to purchase the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for the factory adjustment procedures.  1980 chassis and service manual might also have top adjustment in it.  Be advised the trailing edges of the glass tops sit about 1/4" high at the halo panel.  Do not try to pull these edges down flush.
 
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Alternative Roof Panel Options

Posted: 7/23/08 9:35am Message 4 of 5
Former Member
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Easley, SC - USA
Joined: 4/14/2008
Posts: 39
Vette(s): Yellow 1980, L48,Auto, Matching Numbers, Everything factory original...for now.
I have the AIM manual and have tried to adjust but I can't get all of the gap out.  I don't think I'm trying to take out too much based on the driver side gap.
I don't have any leaks but I just didn't want to buy one of the other tops and this be a problem.



Alternative Roof Panel Options

Posted: 7/23/08 9:48am Message 5 of 5
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Victor, NY - USA
Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6841
Vette(s): 2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe
I had a rattle in my passenger side top that was driving me crazy. It would start at about 65 mph, so whenever I was on a long trip on the Interstate, I'd hear this rattle.
I traced it down to the center pin on the passenger side. I removed one shim. That helped. I removed another shim. That made it tight when it was clamped.
No more rattle. Take a look at yours to see where you need to make an adjustment.
I would not get the Astro roof. Too bulky and heavy.
The RainCoat sounds ideal. But you need to get that front Velcro down perfect.



 
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