Convertible Top Information... From Owners

[OldJedi]

Hi fellow members, my wife and I are seriously considering buying a 2017 Camaro convertible. We wanted to get some information and opinions from you Camaro convertible owners that have owned the cars for awhile. The last convertible we owned was an 1988 with a vinyl top. We have concerns about the convertible cloth material deteriorating from being exposed to sun, rain and wind on a daily basis. The vinyl top lasted about three years. I am wondering if the tops are really quiet without wind noise. I know that they might not be as quiet as a coupe but wind noise leaks really bug me. Thanks, any thoughts and opinions would be very welcomed.

[scandata]

Did you mean a 2016, or are you planning to wait a year before purchase?

A 2016 or 2017 will be a 6th generation - a somewhat different design than any of ours, so you might want to ask in the Camaro6 forum as well for a more accurate review of the acoustics.

For what it's worth, I had a 2014 convertible and now drive a 2015 vert. That's not really long enough to determine its longevity, but it seemed relatively quiet for a convertible. Not as quiet as a coupe, but that's to be expected. With the windows up, I can easily have a conversation or phone call without any ambient noise causing trouble. Certainly no whistling from the windows.

[Whoomba]

Yeah, the 16 is totally different. It sets on top of the trunk edge, not under it. It won't have the same issues, maybe different ones.

[theragtopguy]

I had a '12 for 2 years and now have a '15. The '12 top had to be replaced because of issues with rubbing against the back. This '15 has a much better top.

If you are getting a '17, that is a totally different animal. I don't even think the '16's have been released yet, they are supposed to stow completely and not even have front latches, they will be magnetically closed. I haven't seen one live yet.

You will have to wait a bit until they get out there and people see what issues they many have.

[OldJedi]

Originally Posted by scandata

Did you mean a 2016, or are you planning to wait a year before purchase?

No, a 2017. The 2016's will not be released till spring or so and then the QC wait. We will order a 2017 in August/Sept. Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate it.

[Aug]

Originally Posted by OldJedi

No, a 2017. The 2016's will not be released till spring or so and then the QC wait. We will order a 2017 in August/Sept. Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate it.

I have a 2014 convertible. The road noise is slightly more noticeable than a non-convertible, but no wind noise or issues. In general, with cloth tops (not vinyl) with proper routine cleaning and treating, the top material should last approximately 10 years. This is the typical life of any cloth/canvas top made of this same material. They would of course last longer if garaged, but I would not expect more. Darker colors such as black, can look better longer than a tan or beige, as the lighter colors will fade more over time. A black top will also fade if left in the sun all the time, however, black is easy to re-color if needed.

Bottom line, a convertible is a convertible, not a hard top...it won't last like a hard top. Accept it for what it is, maintain it, enjoy it.

[scandata]

Originally Posted by OldJedi

No, a 2017. The 2016's will not be released till spring or so and then the QC wait. We will order a 2017 in August/Sept. Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate it.

That's probably a good idea. Since the 2016 is a new generation you can let everyone else beta test them this year and hopefully GM will have all the bugs worked out by 2017.

[OldJedi]

Originally Posted by Aug

I have a 2014 convertible. The road noise is slightly more noticeable than a non-convertible, but no wind noise or issues. In general, with cloth tops (not vinyl) with proper routine cleaning and treating, the top material should last approximately 10 years. This is the typical life of any cloth/canvas top made of this same material. They would of course last longer if garaged, but I would not expect more. Darker colors such as black, can look better longer than a tan or beige, as the lighter colors will fade more over time. A black top will also fade if left in the sun all the time, however, black is easy to re-color if needed.

Bottom line, a convertible is a convertible, not a hard top...it won't last like a hard top. Accept it for what it is, maintain it, enjoy it.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help and advise. You discuss treating the top, what do you recommend to treat the top?

[Ryanbabz71]

303

http://www.autogeek.net/303fabcontop.html

or

Ragg Topp

http://www.autogeek.net/racotopcakit.html

[Aug]

Originally Posted by Ryanbabz71

303

http://www.autogeek.net/303fabcontop.html

or

Ragg Topp

http://www.autogeek.net/racotopcakit.html

I concur, these are the most popular and widely accepted.

[scandata]

I agree with the last two posts. I use 303, except I use their kit for both cleaning and protection.

http://www.amazon.com/303-Fabric-Gua...le+top+cleaner





Whatever you buy, make sure it's for a cloth top and not vinyl. Some of the brands that sell both have similar packaging, and it's easy to buy the wrong one.