Zormecteon

Driving with the top off is not the same as driving an HTC. .. While I haven't ridden at speed in an HTC, everyone reports "smooth sailing".. The same cannot be said for a coupe without a top. There is a Helmhotz effect that becomes quite noticeable and annoying at around 60 mph or maybe even less. If you plan to drive at freeway speeds with the top off, .. get an HTC.

Another inconvenience is having a place to PUT the top. Sure, it goes in the trunk, but then you can't use the trunk. But, if you leave it in the garage and it starts to rain during your drive........

I mention this a a coupe owner.... 5' 6" tall with no problem taking the top off or putting it back.

Aceman

That is a great point that many overlook/don't consider (top / luggage storage)!

ClarkN

Reminds of a funny story but not so funny at the time. So I go to take the top off my C-6. I have done this countless times. Top off and as I turn/twist my back completely gives out and for anyone who has ever had this happen you will understand. It feels like I have been shot in the back. Suddenly I find myself on the ground but with the top on my chest and somehow unscathed. My knee and toe were bloody but nothing else!! I'm sure the neighbors thought I was drunk at the time and now they think I'm crazy as I stretch before removing the top!

gchu

I have the transparent top and it is surprisingly light

I was worried too as I've always had convertibles for my "fun" car, but I do love the transparent top as it reminds me of the T-Tops of my first 3rd gen IROC

I've had a Volvo C70 which is a hardtop convertible - which I loved but was deathly afraid of having it fail. The Volkswagon Eos had a built in sunroof in their HTC, which would have been a good option!

So between the angst of failure and the lack of the transparent top on a HTC, I am very happy with my coupe.

AMMUSCLE

How about the tops flying off while driving.
Yes I was once a part of this sad Top Flying Club
50mph landed on the grass unhurt.
It is a creeping feeling and sound.
The look on my face must have been priceless.
I pulled in my garage put the top on and was getting ready to secure when I smelt smoke and the wife screaming.
Just a pan fire, well I spaced out and forgot until next day.
So funny that I was always laughing when i seen these videos., not anymore.
Only happened once and hopefully never again. LOL

HAD2HAV2

My 2 cents. The transparent top is heavy. By that I mean its big and can be hard to handle if you don't grip the top at the right positions when removing..
When I pop the top I release all 3 latches and from the inside push up on the front to give me a place to grip. The top is just bulky ok.
Has been since the C4. T-tops are the glory years. I could sit at a long red light and remove both tops on my 76 and store them behind the seats before the traffic light changed.

dreamr616

Any problems putting the top in the trunk with a high wing? Haven’t done it yet, I’m 5’-7”, and wondering what’s the best way to do that. Load it in from the side or from the rear over the wing? Just looking for some suggestions and experience from those with the high wing. Thanks!

4thC4at60

I have zero problem removing or replacing top at a stop light that I know to be a minute or more - I'm 81.

Fishfryer527

My wife will be driving the car probably more than I will… we are 60 years old. So, while I have no doubt it she can actually lift off the top, how many of your wives can do it ‘with confidence’?

Also, just for a frame of reference, how many chick push-ups can they do?

I don’t want another convertible, I’ve had several and just don’t want to deal with the possible mechanism failure again down the road.

dahogan

'21 coupe: age 72, 5'10 at 174 lbs and no problems doing it myself.

IdRatherBGolfing

I agree with the other pro HTC'ers. I have a C6 and an HTC C8. I seldom ever take off the top of the C6 even though it's relatively easy to do. In the HTC I put the top down as I am backing out of my driveway all the time, even just running to store a few blocks away. And put it back up as I finding a parking spot. I also love the ease and the ability to use both trunks with the top down. I even took touring laps at COTA with the top down after the drive from Houston with luggage, small cooler, wife's purse in the frunk and 2 sets of clubs and to folding chairs in the trunk.

DerbyCity

In 1983 , I bought a low mileage 1975. It was my dream car. I sold four years later to use as a down payment on a home. Closed on it two weeks before I was married. Sold my Harley to pay for the wedding. I put off retirement to buy a this Corvette. Last day at work is April 3. Been there since January 1989.

Maxie2U

I have a coupe but don’t plan to remove it and it’s not because it’s too heavy or cumbersome. It’s just too noisy, too hot and interior would would get too dirty for my taste with it removed. Guess I’m not a topless kind of guy.

VET4GAR

I am 5' 9 1/4" and it is SUPER easy to remove and replace. Most of the time it is in the trunk! Go to a dealer and try it if they will let you.

JonV51

I believe the top is only 10 lbs or 13 lbs. its not hard to do at all. I take the top off by myself all the time and put it back on by myself. Is it easier with two people, sure. But it is not hard to do.

It might be a little awkward at first because of the length of the top. But no worries you can handle it.

seafordguy

No issue - just load it from behind like you would a low wing.

The top is VERY light, but it is a bit awkward the way it's cantilevered out away from you. There is a touch of anxiety when lifting it up - you just don't want to make a mistake and scratch anything. I'm happy with my coupe - probably won't have the top of more than a few times a year

Kevin A Jones

The targa top is 15.5lbs and transparent top is 17lbs, however you are correct neither are difficult to remove or install.
Personally, I have transparent top and enjoy it more than hardtop or having the top off.

johnodrake

I have never had an issue with Targa removal. I'm 6' 205 and 77

Andybump

I have an HTC ( and would buy it again) so I can't comment on the ease of top removal, other than to say it obviously requires a certain level of agility and physical strength. Anyway, there was another lengthy thread about HTC vs Coupe. I reviewed that thread (and available documentation) and attempted to summarize the actual differences between the models, as well as owner perceptions of those difference - and present it in an unbiased way in the table below:

Kevin A Jones

Please let's not turn this into yet another HTC vs Coup thread/conflict. This thread is a about removing/installing the coup top, not at all about the HTC.