Glass Roof Pros/Cons?

[Jljordann922]

Looking at the glass option for the C8 but do not want to pony up for the dual roof option. Never had experience with the glass roof option although I had wanted to purchase it used for my previous C7. Never was able to make a deal so I never got it.

Just curious of the pros and cons from those that have experience with it.

Noticably hotter in summer? Colder in winter? Heavier/Lighter? Thoughts?

Thanks!

[mpgxsvcd]

It looks great. That is definitely a Pro. It actually holds its value somewhat decently when most other standalone options get you pennies on the dollar.

[Gators2020]

Looking at the glass option for the C8 but do not want to pony up for the dual roof option. Never had experience with the glass roof option although I had wanted to purchase it used for my previous C7. Never was able to make a deal so I never got it.

Just curious of the pros and cons from those that have experience with it.

Noticably hotter in summer? Colder in winter? Heavier/Lighter? Thoughts?

Thanks!

I’ve spent a lot of time reading about this, and talked to a couple friends who have owned transparent roofs over the years.

The consensus is that there is no consensus. I’ve talked to people from Florida who say they don’t feel any more heat from it, I’ve talked to someone in Michigan who says it was very warm.

Ultimately I've decided I’m going to get the transparent roof. I’m sure I can tint it to alleviate the rays if necessary down the road

[brad66]

My C6 came with the painted top and then I purchased a transparent top from a big Chevy parts vendor when he had them on sale. Like you I live in Florida, Pensacola area, so I only used the transparent top during our brief winter.

When I bought my C7 I decided that I didn't use the transparent top enough so I just went with the painted one.

The transparent top for the C6 was lighter but that may not be true now that the painted one is carbon fiber. You'll get a little more road noise and a little more heat but it's not that bad.

[Phil1098]

I've had a transparent top on Corvette and it was fine, the tint is pretty dark and it wasn't uncomfortably hot. Personal preference, I'm getting painted and would be happy if it was part of the structure and was epoxied in place.

[JustOneMore]

The big negative I see is lack of suede headliner with stitching design on 3LT.

[John]

Great thread Jljodan922. Thanks for asking. There is one nice advantage for a translucent top, in that, and I have not measured the difference, but have been told several times, that it add another roughly inch of head clearance for those who need.

Re weight, we need to see the actual weights on the C8’s different tops, for on the C7 the two CF tops weighed 17 pounds, the translucent one weighed 22 pounds — so it changes from generation to generation.

[jbeidl]

I have a C6 3LT Z51 that I ordered and had delivered at the museum with only the transparent roof. I live in NC and can feel the heat from the sun but A/C keeps everything comfortable. I also have a C7 3LT Grand Sport that was dealer ordered with the painted roof. I like the transparent roof but have not been motivated to purchase one for the C7 as I like the headliner on the 3LT roof. I would l consider a transparent top if I decide to order a C8.

[Jljordann922]

Thanks for the replies...Looking at the C7 i see they had aftermarket shades for it that suctioned to the glass if it was really unbearable...I didnt plan on going 3LT so I don't mind the lack of headliner...think I would probably go with the glass

[gthal]

I'm getting it because i figure it will give me "more" of the roof off experience when driving in colder or bad weather... actually more the roof off experience all of the time I'm driving the car I also like the idea of it brightening a dark interior.

[meyerweb]

The transparent top for the C6 was lighter but that may not be true now that the painted one is carbon fiber. You'll get a little more road noise and a little more heat but it's not that bad.

Do we know for a fact the roof on the C8 is still carbon fiber? I looked through the ordering guide and the dealer materials, and the standard roof is described only as "painted." I haven't seen anything else that says it's carbon fiber, either. I'm not arguing it isn't, just wondering if anyone has confirmed that?

[Don Jorgenson]

I too wondered about how much hotter a tinted glass roof would be. I asked our guide at the assembly line tour who had one, he said no problem. So when I went to the Ron Fellows Driving School I was able to drive one for about a half hour. It was HOT and I made sure I didn’t get that car again, nor would I ever consider buying one.

[ZORA 69]

The headliner in all models on the C8 are nice with the design. BUT who looks up ?? You only see the headliner when you take the top off and I sure do like the look of the Transparent top on the car gives it a rich look you only find in Panoramic roofs on more expensive cars. Hell, what am I talking about. I have had my 19 C7 for a year now and the day I brought it home I took the top off and have not put it back on since. Hope I remeber how to do it, lol. I use my toy cars in fair weather only living on the Coast in Florida They sit in the garage and if there is a hint of rain, I do not drive the toys.

[07MontyRed]

I guess it's a matter of individual perception. I have only had transparent tops on all my Vettes (starting in '85) and I live in Florida. And they are my only car (i.e., daily driver). Never felt they added particularly to the heat (then again, I seldom run a/c even in the summer except when I am stopped at a light). I would never order anything other than the transparent top. But everybody's idea of heat/cold/comfort varies ...

[Jljordann922]

I mean if you guys are dealing with it in Florida, I'll be more than fine in NY lol